philippe starck unveils first images of cidade matarazzo’s hotel in são paulo

internationally acclaimed french designer philippe starck has unveiled his first creations for the rosewood são paulo — a luxury urban hotel and spa within cidade matarazzo. located a block away from paulista avenue, the tower’s façade has been designed by jean nouvel with alexandre allard. starck — appointed artistic director of the project — has brought 21st-century boldness and modernity to the former hospital building where more than 500,000 people were born.

all images by ruy teixeira

philippe starck dedicated over seven years to this project and visited brazil several times in order to develop a deep knowledge of its culture, materials, shapes, craftsmen, and suppliers. ‘at first, I was shocked,’ says starck. ‘the matarazzo was so out of context, out of time, at odds with reality. a dreamscape, like a marvelous tale kept within a bell jar guarded by fairies. this place is immaterial; it is the essence of são paulo, and especially of those born here. finding a jewel that expresses this incredible spirit of the brazilian people and whose who inhabit são paulo is magical. it’s a place that makes us immediately dive into a dream, into imagination, into fairytales held dear by both children and adults alike. there, anything can happen.’

with the reinvention of ‘cidade matarazzo’, starck aims to leverage brazil’s innate creativity and highlight the importance of preserving its natural environment by reflecting its deep roots coupled with its modern lifestyle. the design of the hotel and spa opts for ‘slow luxury’, respecting the location’s cultural traits. a green space serves as an oasis within the city with rare plants and trees. suite owners will be able to perform numerous customization options, with a choice of several types of wood, marble, carpet, and more.

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