Embracing Architectural Heritage

Coworking Casa Pedra, designed by Q_arts Arquitetura, breathes new life into the former headquarters of the Correio do Povo newspaper, a building steeped in history. Constructed in 1939, it originally served as a single-family residence with a commercial ground floor, showcasing attributes representative of the Art Deco movement prevalent during its time. This architectural style is evident in the geometrization and simplification of decorative elements, particularly notable in the facade facing the historic Avenida Rio Branco.

Respecting Original Design

The building’s facade is characterized by a division into Base, Body, and Crowning, following the compositional order typical of Art Deco architecture. The Base housed commercial spaces and access to the upper floors, while the subsequent levels accommodated residential areas. Notably, the asymmetrical composition of the facade reflects the internal spatial organization, with curved balconies projecting over the sidewalk.

Historical Interventions and Preservation Efforts

Over the years, the building underwent significant interventions, notably by the Jornalística Caldas Junior company (Correio do Povo) in the late 1980s. However, the original elements remained largely intact when journalist Marcelo Canellas acquired the property in 2018. The recent transformation into Coworking Casa Pedra sought to reconcile the new program while preserving the building’s authenticity.

Balancing Modernization and Preservation

The project focused on maintaining the building’s originality while making necessary adaptations for modern use. Interventions were limited to ensuring accessibility, structural compatibility, and integration of collaborative spaces. The covering of the lateral patio, adorned with motifs reminiscent of the former resident’s memories, pays homage to the building’s history.

Cultural Recognition

Coworking Casa Pedra has garnered cultural recognition, being listed as a municipal cultural asset. This acknowledgment underscores its significance as a historical landmark and reaffirms its importance within the cultural fabric of the community. Through thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse, Coworking Casa Pedra stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of past and present architectural narratives.