Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil

Can you imagine paying for a building with coffee? Here at the Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil, that’s exactly what happened. The Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil stands as a unique testament to the cultural exchange between Brazil and Spain. Its story begins in the late 1950s, driven by the initiative of Brazilian students studying in Madrid. They approached the then-president-elect of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek, with their dream of a dedicated space for Brazilian students. Kubitschek, the visionary behind the construction of Brasilia, embraced their vision. The land was donated by the University City Governing Board in 1959. However, funding the construction presented a unique challenge. Brazil, known for its rich coffee production, devised an innovative solution. The Brazilian government donated 1,200 tons of “Brasil Rio 5 coffee” to Spain. This coffee, packaged in 20,000 bags, was then sold by the Spanish government for 60 pesetas per bag. This coffee-fueled initiative funded the construction of the Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil, which officially opened its doors on June 4, 1962. The building’s architecture reflects a modern, avant-garde style reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s Parisian university residences. Its horizontal design incorporates several interconnected prismatic volumes, raised on stilts to accommodate the uneven terrain. The north facade, facing the avenue, features a nearly blind design with bands of concrete lattice to mitigate noise. Conversely, the rear facade opens onto a garden area with a series of superimposed, glazed terraces. Inside, the Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil initially housed up to 120 residents. The letters from the old Banco do Brasil, once located on Serrano Street, now adorn the entrance, adding a touch of history to the facade. Over the years, the Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil has evolved into more than just a student residence. It has become a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, hosting language courses, music and dance programs, and literary events. It serves as the headquarters of the Brazil-Spain Chamber of Commerce and a language center. Under the current director, Cassio Romano, the Colegio Mayor Casa Do Brasil embraces its role as a multicultural center, welcoming individuals from all nationalities to share cultural experiences and utilize its diverse spaces. It stands as a symbol of collaboration and cross-cultural understanding, built on the aromatic foundation of coffee beans.