Edifício Esther, Modern architectural building in República District, São Paulo, Brazil
The Edifício Esther is a modernist building in República District with ten floors holding 103 residential and commercial units in a functional design. The structure combines apartments of varying sizes, office spaces, and a rooftop restaurant, mixing different purposes within a single structure.
Two architects designed this building in 1938 as one of the first of its kind, combining housing and commerce in a single structure. The project marked a turning point in modern Brazilian architecture, showing how traditional urban blocks could be reimagined.
The building attracted artists and intellectuals from its early days, creating a gathering place for creative and journalistic circles. This appeal turned it into a vibrant hub where different communities could meet and exchange ideas.
The building is located at Praça da República and is easy to reach by public transportation. Visitors can explore the mixed-use spaces, but should check in advance which areas are open to the public since some parts remain private.
This building introduced the first duplex apartments in São Paulo, an innovation that would later be copied throughout the city. This spatial arrangement allowed more families to live in less space and quickly became standard in modern residential construction.
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