The projects designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Clube dos 500 in Guaratinguetá (1951- 1953)

• Grant number: 17/04879-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2017
• End date: June 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Project
• Principal Investigator: Ruth Verde Zein
• Grantee: Rolando Piccolo Figueiredo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The importance of the work of architect Oscar Niemeyer (1907 - 2012) is internationally recognized. However, there are still knowledge gaps about some of his projects, including his pre-Brasilia oeuvre which is characterized by a compositional language inaugurated in Pampulha (1943) and which forged a recognizable and readily praised image, in Brazil as well as abroad, of the Brazilian modern architecture. The study of such works holds as essential for the historiography and the academic and professional formation of architects. Among the lesser-studied works of the period there are the six projects built by the architect for the Clube dos 500 in the paulista city of Guaratinguetá. Through research in local archives, period documents, bibliographical research and visits, it has been possible to better comprehend the architectural, formal, structural and other aspects of the ensemble, allowing the proposition of a critical and referenced study. Beyond already known primary and secondary documentation, the author has identified archives, library and individuals to be interviewed which should collaborate to the study of these works which, independent from size or visibility, seem to meet all the criteria that would allow them to be considered cultural objects worthy of heritage treatment. (AU)