The celebrated Brazilian architect, painter, designer and philosopher lived in England from 1914, and between 1918-22 attended Armstrong College (Durham University) in Newcastle. He studied painting as well as civil engineering. He became one of the foremost Brazilian modernist designers. He also courted public controversy, flouting conventional moral and religious norms. He bathed naked in a city fountain, and demonstrated a skirt as suitable tropical wear for males. One of his theatrical ventures was closed by the police.