New headquarters of Greenpeace Brazil

Project: Lucas Durães and João Pedro Facury. Collaboration: Diandra Noemí and José Henrique Paiva

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

Bordered by the public balcony of the Copan Building — a suspended sidewalk in the Historic Center of São Paulo —, the project for the New Greenpeace Brazil Headquarters presents itself as a showcase for the institution in the largest city in Latin America.

The move to downtown São Paulo—in a historic and symbolic building—reflects the organization's sustainable approach. The new address takes advantage of the city center's abundant urban infrastructure, linked to urban mobility and service accessibility. Such initiatives contribute to resource conservation and better use of the time and energy of those involved in the Greenpeace ecosystem.

Its privileged location combines with the architecture to invite the city's inhabitants to enjoy a widely accessible space, featuring unique materials and unparalleled cultural relevance. Inviting furnishings allow for ample use of the veranda, which extends as a continuation of the sidewalk. From there, the program is graduated in privacy: from the Warehouse to the Multipurpose and Joker rooms, all the way to the Collective Office. Its access and operation are independent of the rest of the program, and it can be opened to the public whenever necessary.

The spacious spaces, permeated by movable dividers—such as curtains and sliding doors—allow for multiple uses through easy reconfiguration. This flexibility allows for adaptation to previously unforeseen uses, thereby extending the space's lifespan. Organizing flows around a central infrastructure axis provides greater freedom of appropriation, facilitating flexible integration between workspaces and reducing conflicts caused by simultaneous, divergent activities.

The space emphasizes the architectural history of the site. During construction, an imposing skylight, previously hidden by the ceiling and covered by concrete, was revealed. Niemeyer's original drawings confirmed his vision, intended to illuminate the deepest part of the space, devoid of windows. Its reopening flooded the office with natural light and guided the arrangement of the communal desks. Thus, the historical appreciation harmonizes with current demands, highlighting a consciously silent architecture, focused on infrastructural interventions that ensure robustness for a long-lasting and environmentally responsible occupation.

The project was conceived by two partner firms. Guaja.cc is an interdisciplinary creative studio, born from one of Brazil's first coworking spaces, with over a decade of experience in the design, implementation, branding, and management of corporate, cultural, and food and beverage spaces. Facury is a multidisciplinary firm that operates in two autonomous and complementary areas: architecture and process management. By combining these expertise, it develops projects that align sensitivity and technical rigor, attentive to the realities of the construction site and client demands.

Participate in the program of debates, workshops and associated activities!

HOJE (14.10)

10am – table Urgent Panorama! Space as an act of permanence

3:00 PM – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

5:00 PM – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

18h – Launch of the “Nature-Based Education” Guide

NOS PRÓXIMOS DIAS (15 a 19.10)

10/15 | 10am – For an Anti-Racist Adaptation

15.10 | 2pm – workshop senseBox:bike: bikes and data with open technologies

15.10 | 3pm – Academic Meetings: Escola da Cidade talks with the curators

15.10 | 3pm – workshop Sustainable studio: jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic at the Living Lab

15.10 | 6pm – Technical assistance to communities in Bahia

10/15 | 8:00 PM – activity Cine Fluxo Cart in the Mauá Occupation

10/16 | 10am – Presidents' Forum CAU/SP

16.10 | 3pm – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 6pm – table Revive the Center with Eduardo Paes (Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and president of the National Front of Mayors), Alê Youssef (former Secretary of Culture of São Paulo), Marta Moreira (partner at the MMBB office) 

16.10 – activity Urgent Overview! Visit to the Paraisópolis Complex

17.10 | 10am – table Citizen Science in Climate Adaptation

17.10 | 2pm – table Black Women for Climate: Strengthening Urban Peripheries 

17.10 | 15:30 – table Territorial climate action and justice

17.10 | 6pm – table Living Periphery

18.10 | 10am – table Taking action for climate adaptation from the Public Authorities

18.10 | 10am – workshop Design marathon to communicate fair, resilient and low-carbon cities

18.10 | 2pm – table Achieving decarbonization and resilience in the built environment

18.10 | 3pm – Alfredo Sirkis Piratininga Park Book Launch – Nature, Innovation and Socio-Environmental Justice

18.10 | 4pm – Publication Launch of the II Climate Emergency and City Seminar

18.10 | 6pm – Closing Session of the 14th BIAsp – Paths to the Future

18.10 | 19:30 – International Schools Competition Award at the 14th International Architecture Biennial 

19.10 | 5pm – activity Urgent Panorama! Visit to the Panorama Lab project in Jardim Panorama 

19.10 – TRIBUTE TO ARCHITECT KONGJIAN YU

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

The Biennial is open until October 19th!

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE

With deep sorrow, the Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo Department (IABsp) mourns the passing of architect and landscape architect Kongjian Yu, a global leader in ecological urbanism, and the members of his team who accompanied him, tragically killed during the filming of a documentary. The institute is honored to have had him as a participant in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, where his transformative vision strengthened the dialogue between global challenges and local realities. IABsp emphasizes that Yu's contribution, which transcends borders, will remain an inspiration for generations and expresses its condolences to China, to the families of all the deceased, to his friends, and to all those impacted by his genius and dedication. Read the full note here.