Emerging Brazilian practice Metro Arquitetos have revived the sloping streetscape of Ladeira da Barroquinha, a major pedestrian axis in the historic centre of Salvador. Their elegant stairway connects the Glauber Rocha Theatre to the Gregório de Matos Foundation at Barroquinha Church in a modern, daring way.
A heavily trafficked route to the bus terminal and home to a bustling street market, the homogenous intervention is cleverly organised to facilitate juxtaposing pedestrian flows. Bound on one side by a retaining wall, a ramp and continuous steps encourage onward movement, while opposite, elevated plateaus following the natural incline of the site and integrating with respective existing building levels are suggestive of a more relaxed pace.
A seamless organic sweep is formed by the merging of the two, dissolving boundaries and opening up views to Barroquinha Church. Portuguese mosaic paving and solid granite thresholds, traditional materials of the historic centre were applied with modern building techniques including water jet laser cutting for precision on curved and geometrical edges.
‘With a total of 2,500 sq m the whole area was equipped with benches, tables, bike racks, new lighting and landscaping which gave the entire complex not only the character of an efficient passageway and important landmark but also of a pleasant area to sojourn, contemplate the scenery and preserve the traditional leather market which for many years has been in this same place,’ explain the architects.
A monochrome palette of traditional Portuguese mosaic paving and granite edging merges with modern building techniques for precision at curves and geometric edges
Organic curves are formed by the seamless integration of the continuous steps with elevated plateaus
Strategically positioned stylized street furniture creates places to pause and contemplate the scenery
An extension to the new landscaped square at the Glauber Rocha Theatre, the stairway opens up views along its passage to the Gregório de Matos Foundation at Barroquinha Church
INFORMATION
Photography: Ilana Bessler
-
The world’s best swimwear brands, according to Wallpaper*From architectural precision to a sense of ease and luxury, our comprehensive guide to the world’s best swimwear brands – for both men and women – will help you find the perfect beach attire this summer
-
Aesop’s Queer Library bookmarks brilliant literature, no purchase requiredReturning to London’s Soho, 3-6 July 2025, the Queer Library pop-up offers complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors and allies
-
Wangechi Mutu's powerful sculptures take over the palatial interiors of Rome's Galleria BorgheseThe Kenyan-born artist is the first living woman to have a solo exhibition at the villa
-
Beige is best at this São Paulo apartment by Arthur CasasWith this quietly elegant São Paulo apartment, Studio Arthur Casas celebrates the power of subtle, neutral shades to create warmth and timeless appeal
-
Lina Bo Bardi, the misunderstood modernist, and her influential architectureA sense of mystery clings to Lina Bo Bardi, a modernist who defined 20th-century Brazilian architecture, making waves still felt in her field; here, we explore her work and lasting influence
-
A Brazil office makes the most of its tropical locationWe tour of a new Brazil office engulfed in greenery – welcome to Gabriel Faria Lima Corporate by Perkins & Will
-
Oscar Niemeyer: a guide to the Brazilian modernist, from big hits to lesser-known gemsArchitecture master Oscar Niemeyer defined 20th-century architecture and is synonymous with Brazilian modernism; our ultimate guide explores his work, from lesser-known schemes to his big hits; and we revisit a check-in with the man himself
-
Inspired by 1970s Brazilian brutalism, Arches House is rich in colour and expressionArkitito Arquitetura blends Brazilian brutalism with fresh colours, bringing warmth and energy into a renovated family home in São Paulo
-
A Brazilian house is a soothing oasis inspired by the black sands of IcelandTurmalina, a Brazilian house by architect Tulio Xenofonte, blends contemporary architecture with the cleansing energy of black tourmaline, creating a secluded retreat
-
The new MASP expansion in São Paulo goes tallMuseu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (MASP) expands with a project named after Pietro Maria Bardi (the institution's first director), designed by Metro Architects
-
An Upstate Sao Paulo house embraces calm and the surrounding rolling hillsBGM House, an Upstate Sao Paulo house by Jacobsen Arquitetura, is a low, balanced affair making the most of its rural setting
