The architects' brief was to create an innovative hybrid space to house artist's ateliers. It had to be versatile and allow spontaneous changes in layout and use and balance high water levels at the site. The resulting building is located in a creative neighbourhood on the west side of São Paulo where the local climate is essentially tropical with high temperatures and heavy seasonal rainfall.
Harmonia // 57 is a building divided into two main blocks joined by a metal footbridge above an internal plaza. The front block is raised and floats off the ground on pilotis, whereas the rear block is solid and has a bird house-like volume positioned on the roof. Large windows, shutters and terraces give a feeling of lightness.
The whole building has a planted façade irrigated by a misting system. The dense walls are made of an organic concrete that absorbs water and has pore-like niches to hold a variety of plant species. This external vegetal layer acts like an additional skin buffering the interior against external noise and heat. The choice of plant species for the walls was dictated by practical as well as aesthetic considerations: Some species create shade while others crawl over the surface of the building providing a buffer of humidity for other plants.
Harmonia // 57 also has a fully integrated, yet technically simple, hydro system of pipes, collectors and tanks that are part of the architecture itself - in the form of handrails for example - allowing the buildings' rainwater and grey water to be re-used for the irrigation system and toilets, and preventing uncontrolled runoff into the ground. A green roof helps generate fresh air and provide good thermal conditions inside the building, reducing the need for air conditioning.
