Gaudi Architecture in Brazil's Favelas
Brazil's Favela's have received a lot of press for the violence and crime they portray. Now there is a new reason for the world to take note: an artist among the inhabitants. Estevao Silva da Conceicao lives in the Paraisopolis favela amidst one of São Paulo's wealthiest neighborhoods, Morumbi. Over twenty years ago Estevao began construction of his 'Casa de Pedra' (house of stone) - creatively designed with household objects and stones covering the walls. The result is a cavernous structure that is not too far off the famous designs of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi.
Several years ago a passerby, who happened to be an architect, pointed out the similarities to Gaudi's work. Estevao, who had never heard of the famous architect has since had the opportunity to travel to Spain to see Gaudi's work first-hand, and has also had his home featured in Vogue's home style magazine (Brazilian edition). Click here to see photos of Estevao's house of stone. If you're traveling to Brazil, consider taking a tour of a favela to get an unusual perspective and a deeper understanding of Brazil.