Different iconic buildings designed by various leading names in architecture fill the landscape of one of the most famous postcard views of the city of SP
Submitted at Mar 25, 2023, 7:00 AM
(Reprodução/CASACOR)
Along the 3.5 km stretch of the Elevado Presidente João Goulart, popularly known as the Minhocão, various iconic buildings punctuate the landscape of one of the most famous postcard views of the city of São Paulo. Since 2016, the overpass closes on weekends and transforms into Parque Minhocão. Thus, with the expressway open to pedestrians, it is possible to observe the architectural details of buildings designed by different figures in the field, in varying contexts and scales. Below, discover and appreciate 7 iconic buildings that make up the landscape of one of the city’s best-known addresses, the Minhocão.
(Marina Pires/CASACOR)
Made up of small, practical apartments close to the central area, the General Jardim Building, seemingly neutral in color, reveals on its rooftop architect João Artacho Jurado’s signature: color, form, and ornamentation. So look up! Sinuous pillars support a slab perforated by alternating squares, over the terraces of the units on the building’s top floor.
(Diana Hattum/CASACOR)
Designed by architect Abelardo de Souza, who was also behind the Três Marias and Nações Unidas buildings, both on Avenida Paulista, the Nova Ipiranga Building surprises with its details. Geometric balconies, ceramic-tile and brick cladding, and spacious, well-lit apartments lend the modernist touch the city of São Paulo experienced in the 1950s.
(Marina Pires/CASACOR)
The Minhocão was not part of São Paulo’s landscape when the Washington Building took shape at the hands of Polish architect Bernardo Rzezak, in 1949. The building stands out for its colors, latticework, and sinuous form — which was not so common on the facades of buildings in the city of São Paulo.
(Marina Pires/CASACOR)
Four independent buildings, conceived for four brothers. With their colorful and sinuous facades, the very slope of the plots was responsible for the building’s organic movement. In 2018, the ensemble was listed by Conpresp in recognition of the importance of the architect’s work in its adherence to the principles of modern architecture.
(Marina Pires/CASACOR)
Popularly known as “Copanzinho”, the Racy Building presents an undulating form that makes it impossible not to think of Copan’s curves. Structured in reinforced concrete, the building has mixed use — commercial and residential — and large, well-lit apartments.
(Milena Leonel/CASACOR)
Facing the Minhocão, the Pacaembu Building, by João Artacho Jurado, does not feature the same striking characteristics as the architect’s other buildings. “Excellent installment plans and magnificent apartments” were part of the building’s advertisement in the 1950s.
(Marina Pires/CASACOR)
Built in the late 1940s, the Marajó Building represents the sumptuousness of an era in downtown São Paulo. More than a retrofit carried out by Readymake, the project is based on restoring the building’s original qualities which, over time, had disappeared due to the accumulation of different renovations.
