Hailing from Brazil, architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha (1928–2021) played a key role in the creation of the country’s brand of modernism through his distinct and powerful use of concrete. In his public buildings can be found something more than materiality, however, sensed in their profound ethic towards users and inhabitants. Together with new analyses by José Paulo Gouvêa, this monographic issue features six of Mendes da Rocha’s most significant projects, demonstrating his contributions to public space. In addition, it offers glimpses into his home and office as well as a number of newly conserved and digitalised sketches and drawings from his archive.