Reports: 101-yr-old Brazil architect back at work Eds: APNewsNow. Will stand. Moving on general news and lifestyles services.

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Famed 101-year-old Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer is reportedly back at work just weeks after surgery for gallstones and an intestinal tumor.

The daily newspaper O Globo reports that Niemeyer is working on a collection of buildings in the city of Niteroi, outside of Rio de Janeiro.

Niemeyer designed much of the futuristic Brazilian capital of Brasilia and Rio's Sambadrome, home of the annual carnival parade.

He also helped design the United Nations building in New York City.

Niemeyer was hospitalized from Sept. 23 to Oct. 17. On Saturday, El Globo quoted him as saying that being hospitalized "is a very lonely thing." "I needed to keep busy, keep in touch with friends, maintain my rhythm of life." Niemeyer's 102nd birthday is on Dec. 15.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-21-09 0931CST | save this article / add to your favorites list