Prize-winning Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha defines his work in the context of freedom, nature and literature.
SOMETIMES WORK NG LIFE delivers an unexpected gift. I had researched and written about Brazilian Pritzker Prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha for a book project that showcased his 1970 masterpiece, the Masetti House. But it took the drive and enthusiasm of Jacqueline Foti-Lowe, of Hub, to organise an architecture tour of São Paulo, aided by Guillaume Leman of furniture brand Objekto (who represents Mendes da Rocha’s celebrated ‘Paulistano’ armchair from 1957), and to engineer a meeting.
The tour gave me the chance to see several of his buildings first hand, to experience his architecture both in the residential and the public realm and to interview him in the modest 1940s office (by Rino Levi) that he shares with his architect wife Helene Afanasieff. Despite the fact that at 89 years old he is semi-retired and only accepts projects where the tiresome complexities of admin are taken on by affiliated practices, the accolades keep rolling in. Just last year the Royal Institute of British Architects awarded him a gold medal and in 2016 he was presented with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement as part of the Venice Biennale.
Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Belle Magazine Australia.
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Denne historien er fra November 2018-utgaven av Belle Magazine Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double handling
Leading architectural hardware designer Bankston has collaborated with New York's Civilian on a new range of door handles and levers.
Coastal COOL
A Hamptons-inspired weekender on the Mornington Peninsula is remodelled for three generations of one family.
CLOUD STREET
A sophisticated design with exquisite detailing elevates a top-floor penthouse into a world-class home for a returning local family.
Future proof
Crafting a beach house that could eventually become a permanent residence meant walking a fine line between relaxed and sophisticated.
Going with the ith flow
Two melds enticingly into one when an inner-city terrace tones up for contemporary living.
CHEF'S kiss
Entertaining by a smart renovation for a family of foodies on a grand scale was made possible
MAISON D'ART
Step into the captivating world of French gallerist Amélie du Chalard, for whom life, art and history are in perfect harmony.
ERA DEFYING
An interwar bungalow moves boldly into the 21st century while also celebrating its fabulous past.
PALM CANDY
Pink tones cap off a romantic mix of Spanish and Moroccan styles at a designer's weekend retreat.
HOUSE ROYAL
A pair of scented leather gloves sent to King George III marks the birth of one of the world's most enduring fragrance houses.
