Review - Roberto Burle Marx

 

Banco Safra headquarters, São Paulo

   The Banco Safra headquarters seem to be one of Marx’s most famous designs, and is definitely the one which stood out to me most. The flow and shapes of the natural, earthy tones of the floor materials seems symbolic of a sort of interlinking, whether it be of cultures, people, or ideas. Planting just off-centre provides shade and height interest, but leaves a lot of space free, whilst the vegetation around the outside creates an enclosed feeling.

    I think that the design is really unique and memorable, although the earthy colours on an exposed rooftop might make the user feel like they are stranded in the desert. There also seems to be a lack of seating, which might create the impression of a hostile space. Overall, though, I think the organic shapes of the ground pattern create a striking space, and certainly suggest a deeper meaning or context.