The Associated Press has reported that Oscar Niemeyer has backed down from plans to redevelop Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil that he famously designed 50 years ago. Niemeyer had planned to build the “Plaza of Sovereignty” in the city and had counted on government funding to do so but it has been made clear this won’t be received. The architect, who celebrated his 101st birthday in December prompted protest about his plans to create a 300 m obelisk in the centre of the city which those opposed feared would obscure key sight lines.