It was the early years of the 20th century when the Frenchman
Joseph Gire arrived in Rio. A renowned international architect, partner in a large office in France, he was brought to the country by
Octavio Guinle . A partnership that changed the landscape of Rio forever with the construction of mansions that are admired to this day. The duo's work includes the Copacabana Palace, the Hotel Glória, the Palácio Laranjeiras, and the Praia do Flamengo building. These buildings turned the city towards the sea – something so typical of Rio and that today seems so natural to us. But Gire did much more. In addition to the mansions that still carry the glamour of the tropical Belle Époque today, he was one of the architects responsible for the beginning of the verticalization of the city, especially on the Copacabana and Flamengo waterfronts. He was also one of the first to design buildings in a style that was beginning to emerge in Europe: art deco.
The A Noite building, on the left, at number 7 Praça Mauá, is his work. Considered for two decades the tallest skyscraper in Latin America, the building constructed between 1928 and 1930 is recognized for its cultural importance since It housed the National Radio and was the stage for practically the entire Brazilian music scene of the first half of the last century. But its architectural importance is perhaps even greater. With 23 floors, it was one of the first to use reinforced concrete. Something so innovative that, At the time, it was considered a great victory for the construction industry. It is no wonder that the building, which has very striking art deco features, was one of the city's greatest attractions for decades. Shortly before, however, Gire had already flirted with the style. When designing what would become the passenger disembarkation station at the port, the French architect created a building in a classicizing eclectic style, but with several art deco elements. . Just look at the beautiful Clock Tower or the countless stained glass windows created by the Italian César Formenti – considered one of the greatest stained glass artists in the country.
Opened in October 1928, the terminal housed an access pavilion, ticket office and a three-story baggage storage room. From January 1929 onwards, it also had a Touring Club office, which ended up giving the building its name. Until In the 1940s, this building welcomed travelers arriving in Rio. Whether they were statesmen, artists, immigrants, or workers, they all passed through here. The wealthiest had at their disposal a gardener that crossed the city on the great seaside avenue that connected the Center to Copacabana (and the Copacabana Palace). Hidden since the 1950s by the Perimetral, the Touring building was once again appreciated with the renovation of Praça Mauá. And now, restored by Companhia Docas – the current administrator – and supervised by the Instituto Rio Patrimônio da Humanidade, it has its doors open again. open to locals and tourists for the 29th edition of
CASACOR Rio, an event that further enhances its relationship with Guanabara Bay by installing a large part of its 44 environments facing the sea. Gire would certainly approve!
CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2019 From August 20 to September 29, 2019 From Tuesday to Saturday (including holidays), from 12pm to 9pm; Sunday, from 12pm to 8pm.
Where? 10, Rodrigues Alves Street – Maua Square – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
As? From Tuesday to Friday: full price ticket: R$50; half price ticket: R$25 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: full price: R$60; half price: R$30 Passport: R$ 160 Children up to 10 years old go free. Senior citizens over 60 years old and students with official ID pay half price. Tickets available at:
casacorrj.byinti.com/
