SESC Pompéia, Cultural and sports complex in Pompeia district, São Paulo, Brazil
SESC Pompéia is a cultural and sports complex built on a former factory site, featuring two concrete towers connected by elevated walkways. The facility houses exhibition halls, theaters, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and sports fields all designed within the preserved industrial framework.
Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi redesigned the former factory building from 1977 to 1986, preserving the original brick structure while introducing modern concrete elements. This transformation blended industrial heritage with contemporary design to create a public cultural space.
The center brings together people from all walks of life, creating a meeting place where community members gather for activities, performances, and social engagement. This openness shapes how different groups use the space and connect with each other daily.
The complex has multiple entrances and parking areas, making arrival straightforward, with an open courtyard and pathways connecting different zones. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk between buildings and across elevated bridges to reach various activities.
The concrete towers feature irregular window openings known as Spanish civil war holes, creating distinctive patterns of light throughout the interior spaces. These openings serve as a visual reminder of historical struggles that Bo Bardi wove into the building's design language.
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