Brazilian design: between classicism and inventiveness

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, Brazil has produced design rooted in exotic wood, one of its greatest natural resources. Its pioneers applied a modernist conception of design, inherited in particular from European design and the Bauhaus School. However, Brazilian design is not limited to the production of exotic wood pieces with the modernist shapes of the 50s and 60s. Behind the generation of the Campana brothers, who were the first to break with traditional codes, a new generation is designing creative, colourful furniture that reflects the country's ethnic mix. Of course, we can't talk about Brazilian design without mentioning the emblematic figure of architect and designer Oscar Niemeyer (1905-2012). He was the 'father' of the architectural project for the country's new capital, Brasilia, built in the late 50s and 60s. A disciple of Le Corbusier, Niemeyer built some of the most incredible buildings in Brasilia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Brazil has produced a design rooted in exotic wood, one of its greatest natural resources. Its pioneers applied a modernist conception of design, inherited in particular from European design and the Bauhaus School. However, Brazilian design is not limited to the production of exotic wood pieces with the modernist shapes of the 50s and 60s. Behind the generation of the Campana brothers, who were the first to break with traditional codes, a new generation is designing creative, colourful furniture that reflects the country's ethnic mix. Of course, we can't talk about Brazilian design without mentioning the emblematic figure of architect and designer Oscar Niemeyer (1905-2012). He was the 'father' of the architectural project for the country's new capital, Brasilia, built in the late 50s and 60s. A disciple of Le Corbusier, Niemeyer built some of the most incredible buildings in Brasilia. The Palace of Dawn (in Portuguese, Palácio da Alvorada) built in 1957-1958. Architect: Oscar Niemeyer. It houses the residence of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The Palace of Dawn (in Portuguese, Palácio da Alvorada) built in 1957-1958. Architect: Oscar Niemeyer. It houses the residence of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The Palace of Dawn (in Portuguese, Palácio da Alvorada) built in 1957-1958. Architect: Oscar Niemeyer. It houses the residence of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Entrance hall of the Palácio da Alvorada. Inside, Niemeyer used contemporary materials such as concrete, metal and glass. Entrance hall of the Palace of Dawn. Inside, Niemeyer used contemporary materials such as concrete, metal and glass. Entrance hall of the Palace of Dawn. Inside, Niemeyer used contemporary materials such as concrete, metal and glass. Interior of the Palais de l'Aurore. The interior layout designed by Niemeyer gives pride of place to transparency and fluidity of space. This spirit is reminiscent of the Barcelona Pavilion designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929. Mies van der Rohe was the head of the Bauhaus from 1930 to 1933, an obvious connection for Oscar Niemeyer. Among the pioneers of design in Brazil, we should mention three European figures who emigrated to Brazil in the first part of the 20th century. The first was Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), who came to Brazil from Portugal in the late 1920s. Trained as a carpenter, he set up his own company, Langenbach et Tenreiro Ltda, to produce his own furniture. His creations are heirs to the Bauhaus style. He uses Jacaranda wood, the exotic noble wood par excellence from Brazil, as well as the tradition of caning. Furniture designed by Joaquim Tenreiro exhibited at the Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery in New York (2018). Modern, elegant lines. Furniture designed by Joaquim Tenreiro exhibited at the Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery in New York (2018). Modern, elegant lines. Furniture designed by Joaquim Tenreiro exhibited at the Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery in New York (2018). Modern, elegant lines. Table signed Joaquim Tenreiro, Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery (New-York, 2018). Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery (New-York, 2018). Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Joaquim Tenreiro Live exhibition, R 20th Century gallery (New-York, 2018). Another precursor: Gregori Warchavchic (1896-1972). An architect of Ukrainian origin, Warchavchic arrived in Brazil in 1923. He produced some of the best-known pieces of Brazilian design, such as his rolling table and his famous Leque Leque magazine rack. Leque" magazine rack. Design by Gregori Warchavchic, 1928. Warchavchiv's furniture is distributed by the Brazilian historical furniture publisher Etel. Leque" magazine rack. Design by Gregori Warchavchic, 1928. Warchavchiv furniture is distributed by the Brazilian historical furniture publisher Etel. Leque" magazine rack. Design by Gregori Warchavchic, 1928. Warchavchiv furniture is distributed by the Brazilian historical furniture publisher Etel. Finally, Lina Bo Bardi (1914-1982), a Roman architect who worked with Gio Ponti, arrived in Brazil in 1946. She was to leave her mark on the city of São Paulo, designing famous buildings such as the Casa de Vidro Casa de Vidro ( glass house glass house ), the Museum of Art (MASP) the Museum of Art (MASP) , the SESC Pompeia Social Centre SESC Pompeia Social Centre and the Teatro Oficina Teatro Oficina Teatro Oficina . La Casa de Vidro, (1951), by Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Maria Bardi. It is now a house museum run by the Instituto Bardi. Pietro Maria Bardi, Lina's husband, was curator of the São Paulo Museum of Art for 51 years. La Casa de Vidro, (1951), by Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Maria Bardi. Today it is a house museum run by the Instituto Bardi. Pietro Maria Bardi, Lina's husband, was curator of the São Paulo Museum of Art for 51 years. La Casa de Vidro, (1951), by Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Maria Bardi. Today it is a house museum run by the Instituto Bardi. Pietro Maria Bardi, Lina's husband, was curator of the São Paulo Museum of Art for 51 years. The SESC cultural centre The SESC Pompeia cultural centre, nicknamed "The citadel of leisure Pompeia", nicknamed "The citadel of leisure", built in São Paulo by Lina Bo Bardi between 1977 and 1986. The site was a former barrel factory. A singular contrast with the Casa Vidro, designed in São Paulo by Lina Bo Bardi between 1977 and 1986. The site was a former barrel factory. A singular contrast with the Casa Vidro, where concrete architecture was used. The extraordinary architecture of SESC Pompeia. The extraordinary architecture of SESC Pompeia. The extraordinary architecture of SESC Pompeia. During the industrial boom of the 50s and 60s, design was booming in Brazil and the first steelworks were being built. It was still a time of modernist and rationalist styles. Another generation of designers, born in the 20s, was emerging. The figurehead of this generation was the designer Sergio Rodrigues Sergio Rodrigues (1927) is considered to be one of the fathers of modern furniture in Brazil. He triumphed on the international scene in 1961 with his Mole solid wood armchair. Mole. A year younger, Paulo Mendes Da Rocha (1928), architect and designer, favoured simple forms and materials. He is credited with many buildings in São Paulo. Michel Arnoult (1922-2005), a Parisian who arrived in Brazil in 1950, became the "pope" of Brazilian-style kit furniture. His project was to enable the Brazilian middle class to afford fine furniture at affordable prices. Mole armchair Mole armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957. The very comfortable seat is supported by adjustable leather straps. The frame is made of Jacaranda wood. The Diz armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, 2002. Another icon of Brazilian design, created at the age of 75 by the master of Brazilian wood. The Diz Armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, 2002. Another Brazilian design icon created at the age of 75 by the master of Brazilian wood. The Diz Armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, 2002. Another icon of Brazilian design created at the age of 75 by the master of Brazilian wood. The Diz armchair, seen from the back. The armchair is made from beechwood or imbuia (Brazilian walnut). Diz armchair, back view. The armchair is made from beech or imbuia (Brazilian walnut). Diz armchair, back view. The armchair is made from beechwood or imbuia (Brazilian walnut). An emblematic project by Paulo Mendes An emblematic project by Paulo Mendes da Rocha da Rocha: the Paulistano Athletic Club, São Paulo, 1958. For this project, the architect created a classic piece of Brazilian furniture: the Paulistano armchair. The Paulistano armchair: Paulistano Athletic Club, São Paulo, 1958. For this project, the architect created a classic piece of Brazilian furniture: the Paulistano armchair. Paulistano Athletic Club Paulistano Athletic Club , São Paulo, Mendes da Rocha, 1958 - © José Moscardi. A monumental structure with a reinforced concrete disc that also gives the building a certain lightness. São Paulo, Mendes da Rocha, 1958 - © José Moscardi. A monumental structure with a reinforced concrete disc, which nevertheless gives the building a certain lightness. Peglev rocking chair, Michel Arnoult design, 1968. An elegant, timeless look. Peglev means "I take and carry". A design for everyone, it's easy to dismantle and transport. Peglev rocking chair, Michel Arnoult design, 1968. Elegant and timeless. Peglev means "I take and I carry". A design for everyone, it's easy to dismantle and transport. Peglev rocking chair, Michel Arnoult design, 1968. Elegant and timeless. Peglev means "I take and I carry". A design for everyone, it is easy to dismantle and transport. Michel Arnoult, Pelicano armchair, 2003. The designer proposes a simple structure, allowing mass production at a reasonable cost and easy assembly and maintenance. Michel Arnoult, Pelicano armchair, 2003. The designer proposes a simple structure, allowing mass production at a reasonable cost and easy assembly and maintenance. Michel Arnoult, Pelicano armchair, 2003. The designer proposes a simple structure, allowing mass production at a reasonable cost and easy assembly and maintenance. The Campana brothers (Humberto 1953, Fernando 1961) were named designer of the year at the 2012 Maison et Objet show, revealing another facet of Brazilian design. Their design is inventive and joyful, reflecting the art of making do in the favelas. The opposite of the modernism of their predecessors. The Campana brothers (Humberto 1953, Fernando 1961) were named designer of the year at the 2012 Maison et Objet show, revealing another facet of Brazilian design. Their design is inventive and joyful, reflecting the art of making do in the favelas. The opposite of the modernism of their predecessors. Armchair Fauteuil Vermelha, designed by Frères Campana, 1998 for Edra. An astonishing seat created from 500 metres of nautical rope on a stainless steel frame. Vermelha, designed by Frères Campana, 1998 for Edra. An astonishing seat created from 500M of nautical rope on a stainless steel frame. The Sushi Chair by Frères Campana, 2002. The art of recycling... The seat is made from pieces of carpet, rubber, pvc, fabric... The Sushi Chair by the Campana brothers, 2002. Where the art of recycling... The seat is made up of pieces of carpet, rubber, pvc, fabric... The Sushi Chair by the Campana brothers, 2002. The art of recycling... The seat is made up of pieces of carpet, rubber, pvc, fabric... Back of the Sushi Chair, detail. Design by Frères Campana. Back of the Sushi Armchair, detail. Design Frères Campana. Back of the Sushi Armchair, detail. Design by Campana Brothers. Fernando and Umberto Campana, Banquete Chair, 2002. Great creativity and daring design for this assemblage of multicoloured plush toys that serve as a comfortable seat! The Campana brothers often border on the kitsch. Fernando and Umberto Campana, Banquete Chair, 2002. Great creativity and daring design for this assemblage of multicoloured plush toys that serves as a comfortable seat! The Campana brothers often border on the kitsch. Fernando and Umberto Campana, Banquete Chair, 2002. Great creativity and daring design for this assemblage of multicoloured plush toys that serves as a comfortable seat! The Campana brothers often border on the kitsch. In the wake of the Campana brothers, other Brazilian designers are emerging to offer a more creative, mixed-race design in the image of their country. Rafik Farah (1958), a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning in São Paulo, is a jack-of-all-trades. A furniture designer, scriptwriter, photographer and graphic designer, he first came to prominence in 1989 with his Kaeko coffee table. Kaeko coffee table, designed by Rafik Farah, 1989, for Objekto. An original, delicate sinusoidal shape topped by a 10mm tempered glass top make this table an aesthetically pleasing piece. Kaeko coffee table, designed by Rafik Farah, 1989, for Objekto. An original, delicate sinusoidal shape topped with a 10mm tempered glass top make this table an aesthetically pleasing piece. Kaeko coffee table, designed by Rafik Farah, 1989, for Objekto. An original, delicate sinusoidal shape topped with a 10mm toughened glass top make this table an aesthetically pleasing piece. Also born in 1958, Lia Siqueira is an established architect and designer, the winner of numerous competitions. Since 1987, she has run the Azul Arquitetura et Design architecture and design agency in Rio de Janeiro. In 2010, she surprised everyone with her Volpi Volpi bookcase. Made from wood to respect Brazilian tradition, but with surprising shapes. Volpi bookcase, Lia Siqueira, 2010. A sophisticated design that turns a collection of books into a veritable graphic composition. Volpi Bookcase, Lia Siqueira, 2010. A sophisticated design that turns a collection of books into a graphic composition. Volpi Library, Lia Siqueira, 2010. A sophisticated design that turns a collection of books into a graphic composition. Rodrigo Almeida's DNA is rooted in his country's extraordinary cultural mix. Born in 1975, he draws his inspiration from the multi-ethnic roots of the Brazilian nation and, like the Campana, creates original objects that are diverted from their original purpose. Rodrigo Almeida's DNA is the extraordinary cultural mix of his country. Born in 1975, he draws his inspiration from the multi-ethnic roots of the Brazilian nation and, like the Campana, creates original objects that are diverted from their original purpose. Africa chair, designed by Rodrigo Almeida, 2009. For this chair, Rodrigo Ameida drew his inspiration from Afro and indigenous cultures. Africa chair, design by Rodrigo Almeida, 2009. For this chair Rodrigo Ameida drew his inspiration from Afro and indigenous cultures. Africa chair, design by Rodrigo Almeida, 2009. For this chair Rodrigo Ameida drew his inspiration from Afro and indigenous cultures. Chairs designed by Rodrigo Almeida, in the tradition of the Campana brothers' art of recycling, with a colourful touch of crossbreeding. Chairs designed by Rodrigo Almeida, in the tradition of the Campana brothers' art of recycling, with a touch of colourful crossbreeding. Chairs designed by Rodrigo Almeida, in the tradition of the Campana brothers' art of recycling, with a colourful touch of crossbreeding. Finally, Brunno Jahara (1979) is perhaps the most gifted of his generation. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he worked under the Spanish designer Jaime Hayon. Attached to his country's culture, he works to highlight Brazil's natural resources with a very tropical touch... Finally, Brunno Jahara (1979) is perhaps the most gifted of his generation. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he worked under the Spanish designer Jaime Hayon. With a strong attachment to his country's culture, he is committed to highlighting Brazil's natural resources with a very tropical touch... Neorustica furniture collection designed by Brunno Jahara. Babilonia sideboard (2010). Neorustica furniture collection designed by Brunno Jahara. Babilonia sideboard (2010). Neorustica furniture collection designed by Brunno Jahara. Babilonia sideboard (2010). Tableware, Batucada collection. Designed by Brunno Jahara. The term Batucada refers to the percussive sound made by the inhabitants of the favelas when they play instruments made from tin and aluminium pots. A reference to Brazilian popular culture and the art of recycling. Tableware, Batucada collection. Design Brunno Jahara. The term Batucada refers to the percussive sound obtained by the inhabitants of the favelas when they play on instruments made from tin and aluminium pots. A reference to Brazilian popular culture and the art of recycling. Tableware, Batucada collection. Design Brunno Jahara. The term Batucada refers to the percussive sound obtained by the inhabitants of the favelas when they play on instruments made from tin and aluminium pots. A reference to Brazilian popular culture and the art of recycling. Brunno Jahara, Multiplastica Domestica series. Multicoloured objects made from plastic bottles and other household packaging. Brunno Jahara, Multiplastica Domestica series. Multicoloured objects made from plastic bottles and other household packaging. Brunno Jahara, Multiplastica Domestica series. Multicoloured objects made from plastic bottles and other household packaging. The next generation of Brazilian design is assured in a country with a genuine design culture. Brazilian design has gradually emancipated itself from a past tied to the aesthetic canons of European modernism, to acquire a singular identity, a reflection of ethnic mixing and the Brazilian art of living. The future of Brazilian design is assured in a country with a genuine design culture. Brazilian design has gradually emancipated itself from a past tied to the aesthetic canons of European modernism, to acquire a singular identity that reflects the ethnic mix and the Brazilian art of living. François Boutard. François Boutard.

Brazilian design: between classicism and inventiveness

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