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Getting to know SĂŁo Paulo

We visited the new places that are helping SĂŁo Paulo brush up its dreary aspect

Buildings, traffic, crowds and yet more buildings. Your first impressions of this heavily populated economic powerhouse may well be mixed, but if you’re willing to look beyond the city’s grubby exterior you’ll discover a sophisticated metropolis brimming with cultural activities and wonderful food. São Paulo is the end product of unplanned urban migration, a concrete jungle that has entered the 21st century struggling to recuperate a sense of space. But on its 454th birthday the city has two aces up its sleeve; major investment and bold designs.

urban landscape | Over the past few years, a series of new buildings have changed the skyline of São Paulo, but few are as radical as the Hotel Unique. “The Unique really stands out in the urban landscape of São Paulo. Some people criticise it, others lavish it with praise, but it fulfils what it set out to do: it draws people’s attention. It has real personality”,explains architect Gustavo Paschoalim. This daring project was dreamt up in 2003 by architect Ruy Ohtake – who’s responsible for other striking buildings in the city like the Tomie Ohtake Institute – and has gone on to become something of a landmark in the biggest city of Brasil.

The building’s unusual semi-circle design and round windows have led locals to refer to the hotel as the “watermelon building”, which just piques the curiosity of visitors. The sophisticated rooms were designed by João Armentano, currently the hottest interior designer in Brasil. The suítes located on the edge of the hotel, like the one named after Piccadilly Circus, have rounded walls. The novel look comes at a price though: the suítes are by far the most expensive option at the hotel. The top floor of the Unique is taken up by Skye, an impressive bar-restaurant frequented by hip young Paulistanos. The bar’s name doesn’t have to do with its height; it was baptised in honour of the lead singer of Morcheeba, the hotel owner’s favourite band. Your best bet is to ask for an outside-facing table – the red lighting,horizon pool and glass walls create a unique and relaxing ambience. The building’s strategic location offers one of the most impressive views of São Paulo, stretching from the sky-scrapers of Paulista Avenue all the way to the Ibirapuera Park.

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