Murray Kerr’s inspiration: SESC Pompéia, São Paulo

Andreia Reis Sesc_Pompéia_(4759990517)

Source: Andreia Reis / Wikicommons

The Denizen Works director recalls his first visit to the social and cultural centre in a Brazilian barrel factory

SESC Pompéia, São Paulo, Brazil | Lina Bo Bardi 1977-1986

When I was 21, I spent two and a half months visiting my uncle and aunt in Brazil to travel around South America, completely wide-eyed, with my cousin George. We visited many buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, Paulo Mendes da Rocha (who I met) and Lina Bo Bardi including the SESC Pompéia in São Paulo. Before the trip, I didn’t really know Bo Bardi’s work – it wasn’t really talked about at the Mac.

这是一个欢乐而又有点超现实的地方,正如研究博·巴迪的权威泽勒·利马(Zeuler Lima)所说,就像人们喝的一碗汤。

Apparently when Bo Bardi first visited the site she was impressed by the old factory buildings that were to be the home of SESC, but it was only when she went back at the weekend that she encountered the spirit of the place. Local families were using the abandoned structures as an informal playground and gathering place, and it is this informality that Lina took as her inspiration.

This is premium content.

Only logged in subscribers have access to it.

Login or世界杯乌拉圭vs韩国即时走地to view this story

Gated access promo

Existing subscriber?LOGIN

A subscription to Building Design will provide:

  • Unlimited architecturenewsfrom around the UK
  • Reviewsof the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Full accessto all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy ofWA100 worth over £45.

世界杯乌拉圭vs韩国即时走地now for unlimited access.

AlternativelyREGISTERfor free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts