For our Inspiration series, staff at The Modern House were asked to list a location, film, painting, building, or piece of music that inspired their interest in Modernism.

For our Sales Advisor, Corey, it was a trip to Rio de Janeiro last year that reignited her love for Modernist architecture.

“When travelling around Brazil back in March 2016, I was in awe of the modernist architecture that lined the streets of Rio. My boyfriend and I rented an apartment on the top floor of a 1960s tower block which had the most magnificent views of the city. The building’s exterior didn’t leave a big impression on us, however, once we entered and made our way to the 30^th floor we were faced with incredible curved internal balconies filled with greenery.

The apartment itself was typical of its era: expansive glass sliding doors opening up onto a balcony, tiled floors, floating concrete stairs leading to the bedroom and mature plants on all surfaces.

It was situated bang in the middle of Ipanema and Copacabana beach and with an alternative route mapped out for each day’s beach visit, we were sure to stumble across other incredible buildings.

Whilst we were there, we tried to visit the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum designed by my favourite architect, Oscar Niemeyer. After a long walk in the sweltering midday sun, to our disappointment the museum was closed. We later found out it was shut due to restoration, in preparation for a Louis Vuitton fashion show that was taking place later in the year – what a fantastic setting for a catwalk!

The juxtaposition of architecture, mountains and sea is what fascinates me most about Rio and I can’t wait to return to Brazil, particularly to see the modernism in Brasília.”