Architecture firm Perkins&Will has unveiled the Figueira Leopoldo Tower, a striking 115-meter residential building in São Paulo's Itaim Bibi district that features a revolutionary kinetic facade system. Developed for MPD Construtora and Helbor Empreendimentos, the tower combines architectural innovation with movable wooden panels and brise-soleil elements that create shifting patterns across the building's exterior. The dynamic facade system allows residents to control light and privacy while establishing a unique visual dialogue between art, movement, and the urban environment.
The project draws its inspiration from the kinetic art of renowned Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik, translating his exploration of light, rhythm, and perception into architectural form. The movable facade elements serve dual purposes: enhancing environmental performance through solar and ventilation regulation while creating a constantly changing visual identity. As the wooden panels and brise-soleil adjust throughout the day, they generate shifting patterns visible from the street, with the building's appearance varying depending on the time of day and viewing angle.
Standing 115 meters tall, the Figueira Leopoldo Tower houses 32 residential units, including both garden apartments and duplex configurations. The structure emphasizes openness and spatial flexibility, with floor plans designed to accommodate multiple living arrangements. Large openings throughout the building enhance cross-ventilation and maximize daylight access, while interior gardens introduce natural greenery and materials into the living spaces, strengthening residents' connection with nature.
The tower's design maximizes efficiency and panoramic views by dividing each floor into two distinct functional zones: social areas and service areas. This strategic organization allows for uninterrupted 360-degree perspectives from the living spaces. At ground level, the building extends this philosophy of openness to the surrounding urban fabric, featuring a stone and wood base combined with carefully designed landscaped areas that establish both visual and physical connections between the building and the street.
The development includes extensive amenities and common spaces designed to enhance residents' quality of life. These facilities encompass landscaped gardens, a comfortable lounge area, a children's playroom, a swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a modern fitness center. The interior design was crafted by Carlos Rossi, while the landscaping was developed by Benedito Abbud. Native plant species were specifically selected to improve environmental integration and minimize ongoing maintenance requirements.
Practical considerations have also been carefully addressed, with each apartment provided with four dedicated parking spaces. Garden apartments and duplex units receive an additional parking spot to accommodate their larger scale. The thoughtful planning extends to every aspect of the living experience, ensuring that residents have access to both luxury amenities and practical necessities.
Through its innovative interplay of kinetic facade systems, natural materials, and flexible spatial planning, Perkins&Will's Figueira Leopoldo project represents a significant reinterpretation of high-rise living. The design successfully creates a dialogue between environmental performance, artistic expression, and urban continuity, establishing a new standard for residential architecture in São Paulo. The building stands as a testament to how contemporary architecture can honor artistic heritage while addressing modern urban living needs and environmental challenges.
