Pedro Lázaro has found an ingenious way to overcome the impersonality that accompanies hotel design: through intense contact with art. The naturally immersive nature of the works makes the
Coral Hotel a vivid experience, amidst many colors and many origins. Interpretations of African, European and indigenous pieces reflect on what makes us globalized, and on the references that precede us.
The colors are perhaps the most striking feature of the lobby. A soft shade of grayish blue brightens two-thirds of the walls, and is only bordered by a personality-filled eggplant purple. The combination innovates in the way the robust art collection is displayed, usually neutralized by a white background. The concept of accommodation is combined with the contemplation of art – one cannot happen without the other. “The idea is to offer the imaginary guest, in addition to comfortable environments, the contemplation of works of art and objects created by renowned artists and designers from the contemporary scene”, says Pedro.
The central piece – half sculpture, half installation – catches the eye right at the entrance. A work by Ernesto Neto, it is called The Body Comes and Goes, and is made of moldable materials such as lycra, cotton and foam to intensify its synesthetic character. The fabric has a touch of skin, and plays with the limits of the desire for touch.
In the background, colors explode from the canvas of German painter Franz Ackermann. The contrast of colors breaks out of the painting entitled Empty Flagposts, and establishes an unlikely conversation with the equally extravagant scenery.
The selected art collection only shares the spotlight with the furniture. The modular bookcase and the Gema sofa – key pieces in the ambiance – are designed by Jorge Zalszupin. Reissued furniture from the 1960s also makes up the lobby, featuring iconic designs such as the R armchair and the Z armchair by Zanine. The cultures are correlated in the pieces, and it is possible to find both a Xingu bench and an armchair by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto diluted in the space.
The hotel also has a suite and a dining room. The interesting thing about the space is the solution found for the original architecture of the Jockey Club, where the exhibition is taking place. A staircase with very visible signs of age takes shape behind the bed, and keeping it in its original state, protected only by a metalized nylon screen, was the decision that guided the arrangement of the furniture. It also receives lighting from internal chandeliers that highlight its years of use.
CASACOR SAO PAULO 2019: WHEN? From May 28th to August 4th Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm to 9pm Sundays and holidays: from 12pm to 8pm
WHERE? Jockey Club of Sao Paulo – Lineu de Paula Machado Avenue, No. 1075 – Garden City
TICKETS: From Tuesday to Thursday: Full ticket: R$64.00/ Half ticket: R$32.00 From Friday to Sunday and holidays: Full price ticket: R$80.00/ Half price ticket: R$40.00 Valet: R$ 40.00 Classification: Free Ticket sales for São Paulo are available on the website:
casacor.byinti.com 
