The Cine Palladium, one of the most emblematic cinemas in the city of Belo Horizonte (capital of the state of Minas Gerais - Brazil), was deactivated in the late 90s due to the popularization of modern cinemas at the shopping malls. Years later, the location was purchased by SESC (Social Service of Commerce) to become one of the largest theaters in the capital city and the Minas Gerais state.
To renovate this new cultural center - renamed SESC Palladium - efforts were made to preserve the existing architecture and integrate the spaces of the former Cine Palladium with the newly constructed building.
The reference to the typical style of the 1960s, the era when the old cinema was founded, played a significant role in the project's development. The blue glass walls of the box office (evoking the old neon signs), the pink and orange luminaires in the entrance hall - works by the German designer Ingo Maurer, the "light magician" - exemplify the vibrant and colorful style that alludes to the era. The large foyer carpet, with vivid colors and geometric shapes, and the curved leather bench (both designed by the firm) also incorporate elements of the 1960s and contrast with the orthogonal rigor of the existing architecture. The office’s work was divided into four distinct stages.
Lead Architect:
Ângela Roldão
Collaborating Architects:
Isabela Vale
Gustavo Kümmer
Fabrícia Valle
Mariana Leite
Fernanda Faria
In the first stage, the detailing of materials and for the foyer of Avenida Augusto de Lima was carried out. In the second stage, the focus shifted to the foyer of Rua Rio de Janeiro, with the develpment of the spaces for a coffee shop, box office, store, and the upper level of the foyer, designated for temporary cultural events. The third stage involved further interventions building upon the second stage, with furniture details for the Rua Rio de Janeiro Foyer, coffee shop detailing, bathroom areas, and the design of the Small Theater, Grand Theater, and Restaurant (located on the 6th floor of the building). In the final stage, the project for the Library, Press Room, Art Gallery, and store restructuring was undertaken. The project's scope covers an area of approximately 4,300 m².
In the performance hall, the beautiful curved walls were covered in wood. The existing pillars were rounded and clad in the same material as the walls. Both interventions align with the design intent of maintaining the identity and architectural language of the space, while also playing a crucial role in the acoustic design of the environment. The remaining walls and floors were covered in polished gray granite, reducing the interior temperature of the building by up to 2°C and mitigating the use of air conditioning.
The "7 heads," sculpted by the artist Ronaldo Mafra, represent the seven arts: music, dance, painting, sculpture, theater, literature, and cinema. "The head represents thought, the greatest of freedoms. In this set of seven sculptures, a man, a thought, and the personification of the freedom of expression of the seven arts" (Mafra, Ronaldo).
