“Imagine a palace transformed”. That’s FAU Maranhão. It stands majestically on Rua Maranhão. This is in the heart of Higienópolis in São Paulo.
FAU Maranhão is more than just a building. It’s a historic landmark. It represents a fusion of architectural artistry and academic pursuit.
In the early 20th century, Comendador Antonio Alvares Penteado commissioned this palace. He was a powerful coffee farmer. He was deeply involved in São Paulo’s industrialization. The palace became home to the Penteado family.
Carlos Ekman, a Swedish architect, designed Vila Penteado. Its style reflects Art Nouveau influences. Specifically, it draws inspiration from the Austrian Sezession movement. The building itself was considered a work of art. Its intricate details and elegant design captivated all who saw it.
In the late 1930s, Vila Penteado was donated to the Universidade de São Paulo. The university purposed it to house an architecture college. FAU Maranhão was born.
The School of Architecture and Urbanism began its undergraduate course here in 1950. For nearly two decades, FAU Maranhão nurtured aspiring architects. Students filled its halls with creativity. In 1968, the undergraduate course moved to the Cidade Universitária campus.
But FAU Maranhão’s story didn’t end there. In 1972, it became the home of the postgraduate course. Vila Penteado was carefully preserved. It was restored to its former glory. This restoration provided a unique opportunity. FAUUSP and other USP units developed restoration techniques. They also conducted related research.
FAU Maranhão stands as a testament to architectural preservation. It is an ongoing commitment to education. It is a beacon of culture in São Paulo.
Today, FAU Maranhão continues to inspire. It hosts postgraduate courses. It also offers undergraduate electives. Research, culture and outreach programs thrive within its walls. The library’s non-circulating materials are available for consultation and research.
FAU Maranhão is not just a building. It’s a living legacy. It bridges the past and the future of architecture and urbanism in Brazil.