Why does this building evoke such a sense of quiet dignity? This is the Edificio Higienopolis. It stands as a testament to a bygone era in Sāo Paulo. Completed in 1947 the Edificio Higienopolis represents a significant piece of architectural history. Fortunato Ciampolini and Lucjan Korngold designed it. The Companhia Nacional de Comércio e Engenharia constructed it.
Initially, Christian G. S. Von Bülow, Francisco Scarpa, Roberto de Mesquita Sampaio Jr., and Stefan M. Neuding owned the Edificio Higienopolis. The 10-story residential building has stood the test of time. Its structure is concrete. It has four elevators. The Edificio Higienopolis stands at the intersection of Rua Sabará and Avenida Higienópolis.
Higienópolis itself was one of Sāo Paulo’s first planned neighborhoods. German entrepreneurs Martinho Bouchard and Victor Nothmann conceived it. They intended to attract the city’s elite with high standards. Higienópolis became known for prioritizing basic sanitation and domestic hygiene. This was a major advancement at the time. The neighborhood had water, sewage, lighting, and public transport via trams.
Many streets in Higienópolis are named after women from the elite. Avenida Angélica, Rua Dona Veridiana, and Rua Maria Antônia honor these figures. Maria Angélica de Sousa Queirós was the daughter of the Baron of Sousa Queirós. Maria Antônia da Silva Ramos was a descendant of the Baron of Antonina. Veridiana da Silva Prado was the daughter of the Baron of Iguape.
Between the 1930s and 1960s, architects like Vilanova Artigas and Rino Levy shaped the neighborhood. They created the modernist identity. The Edificio Lausanne was designed by Adolph Franz Heep. He also designed the Edificio Italia. Rino Levi designed the Edificio Prudência. Roberto Cerqueira César collaborated. Burle Marx designed the landscaping.
Other notable buildings in Higienópolis include Edificio Louveira by Vilanova Artigas. Artacho Jurado designed Edificio Bretagne. Giancarlo Palanti created Edificio Lilly. João Kon designed Edificio Juriti. Abrahão Sanovicz designed Edificio Abaeté.
The Edificio Higienopolis has seen changes. However, it maintains its original charm. Its low level of alteration makes it a well-preserved example of its time. The building has a good state of conservation.