The Braseiro Labuta is located on Senado Street, an important address in the Cultural Corridor of downtown Rio de Janeiro. The region is home to several century-old townhouses from the early 20th century.
Since the valorization of urban spaces starting from the 2014 World Cup, through the 2016 Olympics and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centro (downtown) has experienced moments of euphoria and chaos. Today, post-pandemic, it is a neighborhood marked by deep scars resulting from the emptying of commercial buildings and business closures. The Labuta, along with two other restaurants from the same group on the same street, represents a movement of resistance and optimism. The project is, above all, an exponent of the belief in better days, fueled by the expectation of revitalizing the region. Gradually, the return of new businesses and customers can be observed.
The Braseiro occupies the interior of a former restaurant that closed during the pandemic. The design approach encompasses and absorbs the developments of Brazil's economic situation in 2023. Beyond aesthetic considerations, it is fundamentally important to critically analyze the role of architects in creating new projects in current times. It is necessary to analyze, preserve, and resignify urban spaces. Megacities grow rapidly and chaotically, pressured by the real estate market. Plagued by a lack of urban planning and inefficiency in preserving cultural and architectural heritage, the decaying zones in cities are a reflection of the urban and social challenges of our time.
In this sense, in order to develop a conscious, uncomplicated, and low-cost implementation project, it was crucial to initially investigate the potential of the space, including the reuse of tables, chairs, the front awning, and the porcelain tiles from the salon. Lighting and installations were designed to minimize the impact on time and resources.
During the structural investigation, it was possible to recover the texture of old bricks and the concrete of the original building's structure. The arrangement of tables, bar, and parrilla counter was inspired by traditional "galeterias" (chicken restaurants) in Rio de Janeiro. The layout is linear, with peripheral occupancy, and the center is free for staff movement and customer passage. It is possible to enjoy the experience at the counter or at tables. The bar at the entrance took advantage of the water and sanitation installations from the previous establishment. However, it was necessary to add bathrooms and new facilities for the parrilla kitchen annex. It can also be observed that part of the original floor was complemented with a different coating - the same as the kitchen. The chefs and some of the tables in the salon occupy the same space, providing a unique experience within the restaurant.
The appreciation of the culture and history of the region is an important part of Labuta's business strategy. The restaurant combines cuisine with the rich history of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Team:
Architect: Tadu Arquitetura
Lead Architect: João Duayer
Photography: João Duayer
Briefing and project conception: João Duayer
3D modeling: João Duayer
Interior desing development and detailing: Diego Curcio
Architectural project development and detailing: Diego Curcio
Work execution: Azeq serviços
Art curator: Raul Mourão
Shooting direction: Felipe Nassar
Lighting design: Maneco Quinderé
Material Used:
1. Eliane coatings: Tiles
2. Jad Inox: Stainless steel equipment
3. Jubis Garcia: Stools
