Modernism in Minas Gerais: Pampulha Modern Complex, a landmark of Brazilian architecture

Abstract

This article examines the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, designated as a World Heritage Site, emphasizing its cultural significance through its historical and aesthetic (relative) values (Riegl, 2014), aligning with the criteria set forth by the Burra Charter (2013). Its relevance transcends formal pioneering, representing a synthesis of international avant-garde principles with a unique sensitivity to the local landscape and culture of Minas Gerais. The understanding of this work is deepened through the application of Clifford Geertz’s concept of "Local Knowledge" (1978), which demonstrates how the meaning of modernist architecture in Minas Gerais is rooted in the collective experiences of the community. Complementarily, Hans Robert Jauss’s reception theory, particularly his concept of the "horizon of expectations," illuminates how the architectural ensemble provoked a productive sense of estrangement. Pampulha not only transformed architectural perception in Minas Gerais but also conferred artistic character and social status upon local residences. This dual approach – drawing on Geertz (1978) and Jauss (1994) – reveals that modernist architecture in Minas Gerais was far from a passive imitation. Instead, it creatively reinterpreted modern principles in light of the local context, resulting in a pioneering body of work with exceptional heritage value. Its ongoing reception continues to evolve and reshape its historical importance.