What design principle is highlighted by Niemeyer's philosophy in his work on the National Congress?

Niemeyer's philosophy is primarily characterized by the concept of free-flowing design, which focuses on organic shapes and fluid forms that reflect the natural landscape rather than rigid geometrical forms. In his work on the National Congress in Brazil, this principle is exemplified through the building's curvilinear structures that seem to harmonize with their surroundings. Niemeyer believed that architecture should not only serve a purpose but also inspire emotion and connect with the environment, thereby allowing the design to change and adapt to the physical context.

This approach distinguishes his work from those that prioritize either strict functionality or complex geometric patterns. While the integration of nature into architecture is indeed a characteristic that can be observed in his designs, free-flowing forms encapsulate Niemeyer's overall aesthetic philosophy more comprehensively. His commitment to this design principle is seen in the sweeping lines and open spaces of the National Congress, which stand out as a representation of modernism infused with a sense of grace and organic unity.