Arquiteto Paulo Casé Plaque

“Isn’t it remarkable how a simple plaque can hold so much meaning?” I pondered aloud, gesturing towards the Arquiteto Paulo Casé Plaque. This unassuming memorial, nestled near the bridge connecting Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva and Rua Visconde de Pirajá, speaks volumes about a man who deeply shaped Rio de Janeiro’s urban landscape. The Arquiteto Paulo Casé Plaque was inaugurated in December 2021, a fitting tribute during the week of Architect’s Day. It commemorates Paulo Casé, a renowned Carioca architect and urbanist who passed away in 2018. The plaque, crafted from bronze, isn’t just a name and date. It bears a quote that encapsulates Casé’s philosophy: “The question is man, always man, always him in front of everything.” This reflects his people-centric approach to urban design. Casé’s impact on Rio is undeniable. He designed iconic hotels like the Le Méridien and the Marriott, leaving his modernist, rational, and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced mark. He also masterminded urban projects like the revitalization of Ipanema, the Favela-Bairro project in Mangueira, and the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, a key venue for the 2016 Olympics. The location of the Arquiteto Paulo Casé Plaque itself is significant. It overlooks the Jardim de Alah, an area that benefited from Casé’s vision. The city undertook several improvements in the surrounding area, including restoring Portuguese stone pavements and cleaning the drainage system, coinciding with the plaque’s installation. Mayor Eduardo Paes, present at the inauguration, praised Casé’s contribution to the city’s public space discussions. The Arquiteto Paulo Casé Plaque stands as a testament to a man dedicated to improving his beloved city. It is a reminder that good urban design prioritizes people and their needs. As you cross the bridge now named Ponte Arquiteto Paulo Casé, remember the man whose vision shaped the very spaces we inhabit.