Sesc 24 de Maio

Address: Rua Dom José de Barros, 178, São Paulo, Brazil Built area: 27,905 m2 Public program: Street-level covered square, common areas, library, dance studio, dental clinic, theater, auditorium, exhibition space, café, sports court, roof terrace with swimming pool. Project by Bonilha & Arquitetos Associados (1988–1997) Paulo Mendes da Rocha and MMBB Arquitetos (2000–2017)

The existing structure of a department store was completely remodeled and the original footprint increased with additional floorspace, including a section of ramps running across the entire west side and connecting all levels. The floors are conceived as continuous and undivided, providing a variety of uses and atmospheres: a street-level ‘Sesc square’, a naturally-ventilated foyer on the 4th floor, a covered garden with reflective pool on the 11th, and the terrace with swimming pool, creating a city beach at roof level. The glazed façade reflects the city.

Images by Claudia Kim