Paulo Mendes da Rocha (1928–2021) was a Brazilian architect known for his bold, Brutalist approach to architecture, emphasizing raw concrete, structural innovation, and civic engagement. His most famous works include the Brazilian Pavilion at Expo 1970, the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) renovation, and the Patriarch Plaza. A key figure in Brazilian modernism, he advocated for architecture that was both monumental and deeply connected to its social and environmental context. Awarded the Pritzker Prize (2006) and the RIBA Gold Medal (2017), his legacy continues to influence contemporary Latin American architecture.