This article traces the life and work of architect Lina Bo Bardi to explore the more humane, free, unprejudiced and playful side of her architectural work. This will lead us to unveil a much more complex past than one might initially think, where the architect applies a particular human sensitivity that is perceptible in all of her work and where people stand at the centre of her priorities. Behind her wild fantasy and imagination lies the complexity and depth of focused, conscientious, coherent, self-critical and socially committed work. This has produced an open, porous architecture that ties in the joy and unpredictable essence of everyday life, nourishing collective spaces and embracing people's way of life.