The capital of Brazil is Brasília. Designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer and planner Lúcio Costa, Brasília officially became the capital in 1960, succeeding Rio de Janeiro. Its unique modernist architecture is intended to symbolize a forward-looking vision for the country. Brasília was constructed to promote the development of the interior of Brazil and to help alleviate the concentration of political and economic power in the coastal cities. The city is known for its airplane-like layout and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its innovative urban planning.