Rancho da Maioridade and Padrão Lorena, located near the old Caminhos do Mar, have undergone an intervention by Kruchin Arquitetura and are now obligatory stops for visitors.
São Paulo, 2023 – Located near the old Caminhos do Mar, a historic route that linked the coast to the Brazilian plateau, Rancho da Maioridade and the Padrão Lorena have been restored by Kruchin Arquitetura, which has transformed them into a belvedere and a café, providing a must-see stop for visitors exploring the mountainous region, often shrouded in dense fog. These monuments are part of a set of eight artworks commemorating the centenary of Brazil's independence in 1922.
Conceived by Victor Dubugras, the monuments display the artistic beauty of the panels created by José Wasth Rodrigues. The central aim of the project was to highlight, in an exclusive and unique way, the work of the architect and artist, whose legacies in Brazilian architecture are invaluable.
Meticulously integrated into the lush Atlantic Forest, the buildings are strategically positioned at points that unfold into infinite views of the ocean, where the gaze embraces the entire landscape with enchantment.
Going beyond the visual, the integration of Rancho da Maioridade and Padrão Lorena with the landscape is also reflected in the materials used and the spatial layout. There are multiple spaces that intertwine and interact, creating an architectural labyrinth, but with an approach that connects all the environments via uniquely designed staircases.
The use of stone - which is resilient to the weather - increases the durability of structures, as well as ensuring that the architecture integrates more naturally and durably into the landscape.
These monuments are not just urban buildings that blend in with others; they are landmarks that bring the landscape to life, marking the path of those who see them. They are landmarks that celebrate independence with unique architectural features, marked by Portuguese, oriental and other elements.
Although some of the tiles have been modified over time, with some gaps and interventions, both Rancho da Maioridade and the Padrão Lorena continue to tell the stories of the Brazilian Empire, connecting the past with the present and celebrating Brazil's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
