Once a vision of Brazilian student life in Paris, the Bâtiment 399, Maison des Parisudiens stands before us. Commissioned in 1952 by the Brazilian government, this building was intended to house Brazilian students at the Cité Universitaire Internationale. Lucio Costa was chosen to bring this vision to life.
Costa proposed an initial sketch in 1953. He then entrusted Le Corbusier with the project’s development. Le Corbusier had already constructed the Swiss pavilion nearby. While Le Corbusier maintained the original architectural style, he introduced numerous changes. Costa eventually withdrew from the project. However, Costa advised Charlotte Perriand on the interior design of the student rooms. The pavilion was funded by the Brazilian Institute of Pedagogical Studies. It was inaugurated on June 24, 1959.
The Maison du Brésil showcases Le Corbusier’s Brutalist architecture. Note the loggias. Observe the polychromy. Consider the undulating glass panels. The building comprises three distinct units.
The main building houses one hundred student rooms. It rises five floors high. Rough concrete pilotis support it. Painted concrete loggias compose the facade. Each loggia extends from the rationally designed 18 sq m living spaces.
Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand designed the fittings. These included a wooden bed and stool. There was also a square table with drawers. A shelf with a slate board and a cupboard divided the bedroom and bathroom. Corridors and kitchens overlook the park on each floor. Bedrooms face the avenue.
A rectangular wing connects to the main building. This wing accommodates communal areas. These include the entrance, recreational and exhibition room, and library. You will also find a meeting room and auditorium. Large bay windows punctuate the low flat roofed building. Undulating sections of glass accent these windows.
The director’s house is trapezoidal. It features a sloping roof. Undulating glass panels adorn the facade.
The Maison du Brésil holds the status of a Recognized Public Utility Foundation. The Brazilian ambassador to France chairs its board of directors.
In 1985, the building was registered as a French historical monument. Restorations took place from 1997 to 2000. Architects Bernard Bauchet and Hubert Rio collaborated on these restorations. They worked with the Le Corbusier Foundation, and the Historical Monuments Research Laboratory. The architects of Bâtiments de France and the Ministry of Culture were also involved. Restoring the concrete proved particularly challenging. The use of a corrosion inhibitor became necessary. Inside, collective spaces were restored. The kitchens were refurbished.
Major facade maintenance occurred in 2019. The same architects carried out this work. They renovated fractured concrete components. They also renovated the upper terrace roof waterproofing. They authentically renovated the paint used on the facades.
Currently, the Maison du Brésil can accommodate 100 students. It welcomes almost 500 visitors each month. This building is a testament to architectural collaboration and cultural exchange. It embodies a piece of Brazil in the heart of Paris.