“Ever wonder what transforms a house into a home for Brazilian culture?”
Today we find ourselves at A CASA Museu do Objeto Brasileiro. This museum is more than just a building. It is a vibrant space dedicated to Brazilian craftsmanship. A CASA is a celebration of Brazilian culture.
Renata Mellão wanted to share her love for Brazilian art. She transformed her own house into A CASA. She envisioned a place where Brazilian craftsmanship could be celebrated.
The location of A CASA presented a unique challenge. The land was a triangular shape near the Tomie Ohtake Institute. Architects RoccoVidal Perkins+Will designed A CASA in 2014. They turned this challenge into an opportunity. They incorporated a public square into the museum’s entrance. This created a seamless transition between public and private space. Visitors enter through sequential levels on a diagonal path.
Notice the facade. It resembles basketry art. This design is an architectural nod to Brazil’s popular cultural expressions. The V-shaped concrete edge beam on the first floor is a unique solution to the triangular shape. It marks the museum’s entry point. It also provides benches for visitors and passersby.
A CASA focuses on Brazilian production. It centers on everything in and about Brazil. Its interest extends to other countries too. This helps people better understand the Brazilian situation. A CASA values the process and context of design. It also values the making and consuming of objects.
Landscaper Isabel Duprat enhanced the area around A CASA. She emphasized the Flamboyant Tree on the site.
Inside A CASA, a retractable steel staircase connects the exhibition floor to the lower floor. This lower floor extends the exhibits. It also serves as an event space. You can access it independently from Avenida Pedroso de Moraes.
The swiveling metal frames hold horizontal ceramic slats. They improve air circulation and light. The panels seal the exhibition room. They open to maintain installations.
A CASA is more than a museum. It is a welcoming space that shows the history of Brazilian handcraft. It embodies the spirit of Brazilian artistry. It invites everyone to explore the rich cultural heritage of Brazil. A CASA stands as a testament to Renata Mellão’s vision. It is a place where Brazilian objects tell their stories.