Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) was one of the great
names in modern Brazilian design, recognized for translating the
national identity into furniture with authentic lines, noble materials, and absolute comfort. In the midst of a modernist movement dominated by European influences, he stood out as a designer for creating pieces that, more than just functional, carried a strong
cultural expression.
Gabriel Fernandes - Casa de Novela. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)
About to complete his centenary, Sergio Rodrigues makes a strong presence at CASACOR São Paulo 2025. Sofas, armchairs, chairs, and other pieces by the professional are prominently featured in various projects of the largest show of architecture, interior design, and landscaping in the Americas. They demonstrate the timelessness of the architect's work, bringing tradition, luxury, and affection to the spaces. 1. Tempo Presente – Leo Shehtman: Armchair Vivi
One of the creations by Sergio Rodrigues featured in CASACOR 2025 is the armchair Vivi. The furniture appears in the 76 m2 living room of Leo Shehtman, in contrast to the glass brick wall. This piece pays homage to an important figure from the 1960s: the carioca socialite Vivi Nabuco. She earned the nickname “cat bed” – which also reveals the designer's passion for animals. Léo Shehtman Arquitetura e Design - Tempo Presente. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
2. Loft Alvorá – Paula Neder: Chair DAAV
Paula Neder included the chair DAAV, by Sergio Rodrigues, in the composition of her 72 m2 loft. This model was one of the great successes of the designer in the 1980s, created especially for the Mofarrej Sheraton Hotel. In 2007, the product underwent a re-edition – arriving at CASACOR next to the colorful tile table. PN+ | Paula Neder - Loft Alvorá. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
3. Hall Raízes – Renzo Cerqueira: Sofa Mole
A reissue of the sofa Mole, created by the architect in 1957, is an important part of Renzo Cerqueira's project. The piece is recognized as a symbol of Sergio Rodrigues's ability to transform his good humor into furniture that translates the Brazilian soul. The space also includes architectural elements, textures, and lighting focused on the feelings of warmth and enchantment. Renzo Cerqueira - Hall Raízes. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Camila Santos/CASACOR)
4. Estúdio Potiguar – Rodra Arquitetura: Armchair Cuiabá
Created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1985, the armchair Cuiabá is part of the "Dadi" family of furniture – and also of the space of Rodra Arquitetura at CASACOR. The circular openings above the backrest pay homage to the family of the architect himself. Similarly, the home office of 31 m2 also seeks to evoke memory and Brazilian culture. Rodra Arquitetura - Estúdio Potiguar. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
5. Casa Coral – Maurício Arruda: Sofa Tonico
Upon entering Maurício Arruda's project at CASACOR, visitors encounter the sofa Tonico. This is a natural derivation of the homonymous armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, featuring the same oversized roll as a solution for head comfort. It is worth noting that the valorization of national creations is not limited to the classic piece: 100% of the items used in the project are Brazilian! Maurício Arruda - Casa Coral – Cores do Parque. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
6. Casa de Novela – Gabriel Fernandes: Sofa Paraty
Gabriel Fernandes thought of every detail to bring the atmosphere of a “soap opera house” to his 90 m2 space. Among the items that compose the narrative, is the sofa Paraty by Sergio Rodrigues. The piece is a variant of the armchair of the same name, designed in 1963 and reissued in 2018 – characterized by a single shell structure, elegance, and comfort. Gabriel Fernandes - Casa de Novela. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)
7. Ciclo Vivo – MAAI: Armchair Chifruda
Architects Arnaldo Pinho, Monica Pinto, and Isabel Veiga imagined the coexistence of past, present, and future through sustainability in their project at CASACOR SP. What better way than with one of the most iconic creations of Sergio Rodrigues: the armchair Chifruda. Designed in 1962 as part of the exhibition “Furniture as an Object of Art,” this object reflects the creator's passion for vikings. Maai Arquitetura Integrada - Ciclo Vivo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)
8. Casa Rumo – Tufi Mousse: Chair Júlia, Sofa Hauner and Chair DAAV
Tufi Mousse did not include just one piece by Sergio Rodrigues in his composition, but three! They are: chair Júlia (also created for the Mofarrej Sheraton Hotel), sofa Haunter (with loose cushions in the front and a shelf for objects on the back), and chair DAAV, which reaffirms its status as an icon by appearing in yet another project at CASACOR. The pieces complete the narrative of union between Brazilian modernism and innovation. Tufi Mousse Arquitetura - Casa Rumo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)
9. Office Urban of a Young Amazon – Daniel de Castro Cunha: Armchair Beg
The proposal of Daniel de Castro Cunha's office is this: to gather 19th-century French campesino furniture with Brazilian design pieces from the 1950s and 1960s – expressing the dynamic lifestyle of a young woman passionate about horses, art, and antiquities. In this context, the armchair Beg stands out, created by Sergio Rodrigues for the meeting table of the Bank of the State of Guanabara, in 1967. Daniel de Castro Cunha Arquitetura e Interiores - Escritório Urbano de uma Jovem Amazona. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Carolina Mossin/CASACOR)
10. Room Clearing – Sala2: Bench Mocho
Finally, the bench Mocho appears to the most attentive eyes in the project of Sala2 at CASACOR. The object placed next to the decorative shelf was inspired by rustic milking stools, created in 1954 by Sergio Rodrigues. Available in various color options, the piece was relaunched in 2014. Sala2 Arquitetura e Design - Sala Clareira. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
