ESPASSO

Made of wood and wrought iron, the Zumbi coffee table is a savvy update on colonial utilitarian farm furniture. Their simple and geometric lines, a nod to mid-century modern design, contrast with the wood and artisanal touches, resulting in unpretentious, yet distinguished pieces, appropriate for a number of different ambiences and uses.

The prolific Arthur Casas has earned the reputation of one of Brazil‘s most exciting contemporary architects. Along the years, he has forged a versatile, highly recognizable brand. Amongst his noted works in São Paulo are the minimalist showrooms for Reinaldo Lourenço and Alexandre Herchcovitch. The Hotel Emiliano, featuring towering high ceiling guest spaces, is one of the most glamourous hotels in São Paulo and was designed by Casas.

Casas’ first works were produced during the 1980’s and are reminiscent of the Bauhaus (visible in the space integration and glass plans), Herbst (in the need to merge architecture with interior design) and Chareau (in the details). Amongst his other influences are modernist masters like Mallet-Stevens, Eileen Gray, Villanova Artigas, Rino Levi and Oswaldo Bratke.

In 2000, Casas opened his first office in New York. Exposed to a more international market, the architect’s oeuvre challenges what it means to be Brazilian. He has designed the “World Bar” in the Trump Tower as well as private apartments. Casas explored the burgeoning interest in forms and typical materials from his country, albeit in a work deprived of ethnic obviousness. Indeed, the architecture and design represents an urban Brazil, modern and above all international.