With Brazil at the center of such current worldwide attention, renowned architecture firms have been flocking to the country for work; partly to be associated with the upcoming 2014 World Cup and/or 2016 Summer Olympics, but also because Brazil’s current economy allows for booming architectural possibilities. The new Leblon Offices for VINCI Partners in Rio de Janeiro will be a historic first step for Richard Meier & Partners as their first architectural undertaking in South America, and it certainly lives up to the hype.
The ten story building will house 6,500 m² of leasable space in an open office floor plan. The ground floor will consist of a substantial lobby and retail plaza, while an additional three levels of leasable space and private parking will be located underground.
The overall formal design is in the spirit of Meier’s iconic white aluminum aesthetic, but with a more distinct consideration toward sustainability. The exterior of the building is covered in louvers to regulate natural lighting, and an internal courtyard allows for sun exposure on two sides of each office space, while also allowing for vegetation to climb the inner facades, effectively creating vertical gardens. This overall sustainable strategy is projected to receive LEED-silver certification.
Bernhard Karpf, Design Partner-in-Charge, stated: “We are delighted to unveil our first project in Brazil and we are honored to contribute to the modern architecture that is part of the cultural life of Rio de Janeiro. Each element of the building’s organization reflects an ambitious focus on sustainable architecture and in the innovative use of efficient materials and construction solutions. We hope the new building is not only sustainable and efficient, but also the best working environment in the neighborhood of Leblon.”
Architect: Richard Meier & Partners Architects Location: Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Design Partner-in-Charge: Bernhard Karpf Project Area: 6,500 sqm (leasable floor area) Project Year: 2014
