Drawing and Manual Arts School: A Project That Adopts The Language Of Brazilian Modernism As Its Conceptual And Formal Foundation | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The project is situated in a key area of Cuiabá, within a zone of notable urban significance. Located near Miguel Sutil Avenue and just steps from Historiador Rubens de Mendonça Avenue—two major arteries that connect the city’s north-south and east-west axes—the school enjoys excellent accessibility and strong integration with the public transportation network.

The selected site boasts several advantages: its elevated terrain and unobstructed views offer sweeping vistas of the sunset and city skyline, while also allowing visibility beyond the surrounding Bosque da Saúde neighborhood. Its position above Miguel Sutil Avenue further amplifies the building’s presence within the cityscape.

Research developed during the Final Graduation Project (TFG) revealed a shortage of quality public spaces in the vicinity, including plazas, parks, shaded areas, and recreational amenities. In response, the proposal includes a system of plazas and viewpoints, enhanced by landscape architecture and communal spaces designed to foster comfort, inclusivity, and a richer urban experience.

Design Process

The project was conceived entirely through manual methods, employing exploratory drawing techniques and physical models crafted from paper and styrofoam, all assembled on a cardboard base that replicated the steep topography of the selected site. This sloped terrain presented the primary design challenge: creating fluid, interconnected spaces for functions—such as studios—that demand broad, level surfaces.

The initial phase involved outlining a basic program that would accommodate spaces for artistic practice, public interaction, and essential administrative functions. From this foundation, a structural grid system based on 5×5 meter modules was established to organize the majority of the spatial layout. This modular approach enabled the development of interconnected circulation routes linked to the street, while open areas were designed as flexible gathering and social spaces.

Given the program’s complexity, the building was distributed across multiple levels. Underground parking was incorporated, and the studios were positioned to take advantage of the expansive city views offered by the terrain. In the area with the most gradual slope—adjacent to a tall neighboring structure—the design introduced a vertical element for the art gallery, creating a visual and spatial transition between the low-lying, partially buried volumes and the surrounding high-rise context.

Final Outcome

The project is rooted in the principles of Brazilian modernism, using them as a foundation for both conceptual and formal expression. This influence is visible in the use of elongated, horizontal volumes and a material palette dominated by exposed concrete, clay bricks, and wood—materials deeply connected to local architectural heritage. The building integrates seamlessly into its sloped terrain: discreet from Rua das Orquídeas and presenting a strong horizontal presence from Avenida Miguel Sutil.

Architecturally, the complex forms a multifunctional cultural hub that promotes openness and community interaction. The ground floor, elevated on 4.5-meter-high pilotis, serves as the social and functional heart of the project. It connects Rua das Orquídeas and Rua Esmeralda, encouraging public engagement with performances, exhibitions, and workshops that are visible from the street. Brise-soleils enhance comfort by shielding interiors from the afternoon sun while framing views of the city and sunset.

Studios are arranged around a large covered courtyard, fostering natural light, ventilation, and visual permeability. These general-purpose studios—designed for drawing, painting, engraving, and crafts—feature modular furnishings, folding doors, and infrastructure such as sinks, storage cabinets, and map drawers. Long-term storage is provided by dedicated warehouses for both materials and completed works. All functional spaces are laid out on a 5×5-meter modular grid, ensuring flexibility, construction efficiency, and logical integration with the underground parking.

The use of a cable-stayed structural system enables a large-span block and open auditorium to float above the ground, supported by ten pillars spaced 10 meters apart. A key architectural feature, this system allows for spacious, unobstructed interiors and lends a sense of structural lightness. The landscaped embankment improves daylighting, ventilation, and acoustic comfort, particularly in the basement level.

Circulation throughout the building is fluid and intuitive. Ramps and carefully placed openings frame dynamic views of both the city and internal spaces. Movement through the studios toward the exhibition areas symbolically reflects the creative process. The layout promotes spontaneous interactions between artists and the public, with clearly marked and welcoming entrances supporting community engagement. Terraces and setbacks align the building with the topography and adjacent residential structures, reinforcing its contextual sensitivity.

Conclusion: The project celebrates memory, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. Blending Brazilian modernism with the site’s topography, it creates an inclusive space that connects architecture, landscape, and community. More than a school, it stands as a cultural hub that values creativity, manual work, and collective engagement.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]