Brazilian Architecture in Downtown São Paulo – Iconic Buildings from 1940 – 1960
Here on the Citas blog, we already wrote a post about Brazilian architecture in downtown São Paulo between the years 1900 and 1930 to show you how this region is full of history and beauty.
Now, we are back to explain more about the buildings in the region created in the 1940s to 1960s and the architects responsible for them.
So, if you like architecture , history and, of course, downtown SP, keep reading our article to discover more places and professionals that are notable for this region!
And before we talk about architecture, if you're wondering why, even though it's a wonderful neighborhood, there are still so many empty properties in the center, we have a quick summary here.
Architectural styles from the 1940s to the 1960s
To better understand and admire the buildings of these decades, it is interesting to know the styles that were used at the time. One of the most used by Brazilian architects between 1940 and 1960 was art deco.
It originated in France and its name is an abbreviation of “arts décoratifs” (decorative arts) in reference to the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts that took place in Paris in 1925.
Some of its main characteristics are: repetition of elements, symmetry, geometric lines and combination of materials. The Altino Arantes Building (Banespa Building), the Bank of São Paulo and the Viaduto do Chá are great examples of art deco buildings in downtown São Paulo.
Another style used at the time was modernism, which broke with tradition to create original works. Its main characteristics include simplicity, geometric shapes, integration of spaces and the use of glass, steel and reinforced concrete.
Some examples of modernist buildings in the center of SP built between 1940 and 1960 are the Barão de Iguape Building and the Copan.
Main architects of the time
Now, learn more about 5 of the main architects of the time who created beautiful works in downtown SP:
Plinio Botelho do Amaral
Plínio Botelho do Amaral (1904-1993) was born in São Carlos and graduated in engineering at Mackenzie in São Paulo, where he created important works for architecture and the city.
His most famous project is the Altino Arantes Building , from 1947, which is known as the Banespa Building or Farol Santander and is located in the center of São Paulo. Amaral was inspired by the Empire State Building in New York to design this building and for some time it was the largest in the city.
In 2021, it is the third largest and a great representative of art deco in São Paulo. After Plínio designed the project, it underwent adaptation by the construction company Camargo & Mesquita.
Rino Levi
Rino di Menotti Levi (1901 – 1965) was a São Paulo native who studied architecture at the Escola Superior de Arquitetura in Rome and, upon his return to Brazil, became a great representative of the modernist style in the country.
In downtown São Paulo , two of his largest modernist projects between the 1940s and 1960s were the Hotel Excelsior and Cine Ipiranga building, and the Concordia Building. Both are listed by the Council for the Defense of Historical, Archaeological, Artistic and Tourist Heritage (Condephaat).
Other important creations by Levi in downtown SP were the Columbus Building (demolished in 1971), the Cine Art-Palácio and the headquarters of the Brazilian Institute of Architects (IAB), the latter of which was built by a large team of architects.
Oscar Niemeyer
Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012) is an architect who doesn't need much introduction, does he? The professional from Rio de Janeiro, who graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most well-known Brazilians around the world.
In downtown São Paulo, he designed several modernist buildings that still beautify the city today. In the 1950s, he opened his first building in São Paulo: the Montreal Building, a residential building characterized by Di Cavalcanti panels at its entrance and the use of brise-soleil.
In addition, Nieyemer also designed the Galeria Califórnia, the Eiffel Building and the Triangle, which got its name precisely because of its shape. The Copan, which is a postcard of São Paulo, is another creation by the architect in the city center.
The professional also has other important works spread across São Paulo, such as Ibirapuera Park, the Anhembi Sambadrome and the Memorial da América Latina.
Alvaro Vital Brazil
Another important Brazilian architect of the time who graduated from the National School of Fine Arts was Álvaro Vital Brazil (1909 – 1997). The São Paulo native was also an engineer and built important buildings for the country in several states.
In downtown São Paulo, his main project was the Esther Building, created for the Esther Sugar Mill Ltda. to use as a commercial, residential and office building. Although it was opened in 1938, before the 1940s, it has a modernist style.
Other important works by Álvaro Vital Brazil were the Banco da Lavoura de Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, the Headquarters Building of the Brazilian Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro and the Vital Brazil Institute also in the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
An interesting fact: Álvaro Vital Brazil was the son of the doctor Vital Brazil Mineiro da Campanha, known worldwide for having created the antivenom serum.
John Artacho Jurado
João Artacho Jurado (1907 – 1987) was one of the most controversial architects from the 1940s to the 1960s. He divided opinions because he did not have a degree in architecture and because of the style of his projects.
These were full of colors, decorative items and mixed several styles, such as art deco, nouveau, modern and classic. Their residential buildings were innovative for providing leisure areas, swimming pools and roofs.
In the center of São Paulo, in the late 1950s, the architect and businessman from São Paulo was responsible for the design of the Bretagne Building. This is an “L” shaped residential building with a swimming pool, party room, playground and even a garden on the terrace. In other words, it was very different from what was being done at the time.
Other memorable projects by the professional in downtown São Paulo are the Piauí Building, Viadutos, Cinderela and Parque das Acácias (today called APRACS).
The works from this period make it even clearer how the center of São Paulo is a rich and relevant place not only for the city, but for the history of architecture and the entire country.
So, now that you know more about the architecture of this region, how about seeing other advantages of living in the center of São Paulo ?