Fancy a trip back to the glamorous 1950s? Right before us stands the Edifício Bretagne. It is more than just a building. It embodies a unique architectural vision. The Edifício Bretagne is located in the upscale Higienópolis neighborhood. It stands as a testament to São Paulo’s evolving urban landscape.
Completed in 1958, the Edifício Bretagne was the brainchild of architect João Artacho Jurado. His design defied the prevailing architectural trends of the time. The Edifício Bretagne stands out with its eclectic style. It boldly mixes various forms and colors.
The Edifício Bretagne was one of the first residential buildings to offer common leisure areas. These include a swimming pool, playground, party hall, and even a rooftop garden. Jurado aimed to attract residents accustomed to large houses. He wanted to entice them with the comforts of apartment living.
The building’s L-shaped design was innovative for its time. This layout allowed for the inclusion of these extensive common areas. The Edifício Bretagne also had extra parking spaces for residents to rent out. This helped to reduce condominium costs.
The Edifício Bretagne quickly gained prestige for its beauty and prime location. It became so popular that there was a waiting list to acquire an apartment. Its success was recognized internationally. The English magazine Wallpaper even listed it as one of the world’s best buildings to live in.
However, the Edifício Bretagne was not without its critics. Some contemporary architects considered its architecture and decor questionable. They felt it mixed too many elements. Yet, Jurado defended his approach. He believed in providing comfort and attracting a specific clientele.
In 1995, the Edifício Bretagne was designated a historical landmark by CONPRESP. This protects its external appearance and common areas. It also preserves its furniture and decor.
Look closely at the exterior. Notice the “vidrotil” tiles in pink, blue, and yellow. These colors add to the building’s unique charm. The party hall is supported by stone-covered columns. They mirror the geometric shapes of the building’s internal lamps. These were also designed by Jurado.
Inside, you can imagine the original playground. It had walls decorated with Alice in Wonderland panels. The rooftop garden offers panoramic views. Its parabolic cover shows the influence of Oscar Niemeyer.
Jurado cleverly used flower boxes instead of balconies. This broke the monotony of the building’s height and facade. Many architectural elements of the Edifício Bretagne appear in Jurado’s other buildings. These include the Edifício Piauí and the Condomínio Viadutos.
The Edifício Bretagne stands as a reminder of São Paulo’s architectural history. It showcases the vision of João Artacho Jurado. He was an architect who dared to be different. Today, the Edifício Bretagne remains a treasured landmark. It reflects the city’s vibrant and ever-changing spirit.