Martinelli: work of art, decadence and rebirth

Idealization and apex, 1920s

Whoever has been in the center of the great city of São Paulo knows what I am talking about ... a city located in the south of America and built by immigrants from all over the world, the largest colonies are Italians, Lebanese, Japanese and Germans after the Portuguese colonization. Those who come to São Paulo perceive the influence of other cultures, especially in civil construction. And the Martinelli building is an example of the rise and economic decline of one of the city's most influential Italian families at the beginning of the last century, as well as being the tallest building of the time, a landmark for its time. The Martinelli is a junction of architectural styles, has a bit of the French Baroque, Italian Baroque, English Gothic, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Rococo. A mixture of styles in a unique work.

Degradation and decay, 1960s

Due to a series of financial problems the family sells the building to the government of Italy at the end of the year 30. At the end of II War the city underwent a rapid progress in which a real estate boom in the region culminated, causing that which was before one of the main postcards of the city, lost space for other great buildings to its surroundings. In the 60s with the precarious administration and impoverishment of the region, the building is invaded becoming a vertical favela, scene of crimes and mysterious events ..

Rebirth, 1970s

Martinelli expresses well in his classic and elaborate details, the peak, decay and resurrection. Before a club and postcard often frequented by politicians, moguls of the era decay to bankruptcy, degradation and marginalization. At the end of the 70's the mayor of the time, Olavo Setúbal decided to save already the succumb work. With great police effort, he expropriated and revitalized the building. Who goes to the city of São Paulo and confronts Martinelli, realizes its magnificence.