Wow What a view This is the Conjunto Residencial Prefeito Mendes de Moraes also known as Pedregulho.
This incredible complex isn’t just a collection of apartments. It’s a testament to Brazilian modernist architecture. Designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy in 1947 it opened in 1951. It was meant for lower-paid civil servants. The complex sits on a hill called Pedregulho hence its nickname.
Reidy’s design is breathtaking. The main building is a long serpentine block. It’s raised on pilotis. This clever design provides amazing views of Guanabara Bay from most apartments. There are 272 units spread over seven stories. To avoid elevators Reidy cleverly placed the single entrance in the middle of the building on the third floor. Two gangplanks lead up. The first two floors are studio apartments. The third floor houses offices a children’s theater a nursery and a kindergarten. The upper floors hold two-story family units.
Pedregulho wasn’t just apartments. It was a planned community. Originally it boasted a public services building. There was a shopping center a children’s garden a primary school sports courts a gymnasium a swimming pool and a health center. The gymnasium is particularly striking. It’s reminiscent of Oscar Niemeyer’s work. It even features a large azulejo mosaic by Candido Portinari.
Pedregulho’s design was revolutionary. It won first prize at the International Architecture Competition at the 1st Biennial of São Paulo in 1951. European architects including Max Bill and Le Corbusier praised it. Today while parts of the complex show signs of age the school gymnasium and swimming pool remain in good condition. Portinari’s mosaic is intact. Its historical significance is undeniable. In 2011 it was registered as a cultural property by the State of Rio de Janeiro. A true masterpiece. A symbol of Brazilian modern architecture. A place that truly deserves to be admired.