An interview with architect Angelo Bucci of SPBR

last updated 9 September 2022

Founded in 2003 by Angelo Bucci, SPBR is one of Brazil's most promising new generation architectural outfits. Their MO: a strong sense of the flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Could you tell us a bit about the history of the studio?

The studio was founded in 2003 as a response to my working conditions and

needs: sharing time between university and office, while working in small teams

with a flexible structure.

Who are the partners?

SPBR is basically owned by me; but I try to manage it as a group of architects. Thus, João Paulo Meirelles de Faria (31); Juliana Braga (32) and Ciro Miguel (30) all own a minor part of the firm as associate architects. This situation provides quite a flexible structure as it allows each of us to adjust our involvement in each project. Ciro has finished his Masters at Columbia, NYC; and Juliana will be finishing her Masters soon at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Sao Paulo where we all studied.

Where else have you all worked?

I was a founding partner at MMBB architects from 1996 to 2002; and I was also a partner at Arquitetura Paulista with Alvaro Puntoni and Alvaro Razuk between 1989 and 1994.

How would you describe SPBR's architectural approach?

At a time when architecture faces a lack of meaning, I'm trying to design meaningful projects.

Are there particular materials or spatial arrangements that characterise the

work of the practice?

We try to use the same air inside and outside; our work is to create the spaces in between indoor and outdoor. In addition, structure is naturally very carefully considered.

What projects have recently been completed?

We've just done houses in Carapicuiba and Santa Teresa, as well as the Ataliba Leonel School, and the House in Ubatuba.

What is currently being designed?

We're doing the Mediatheque PUC building in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazil Apartment Building in Lugano, Switzerland, a housing complex in the Algarve, Portugal, as well as several other small projects.

Are there any Brazilian architects in particular who have inspired or encouraged you?

Oscar Niemeyer, Afonso Eduardo Reidy, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Vilanova Artigas, Carlos Millan, Eduardo de Almeida, Marcello Fragelli, and Marcos Acayaba.

Architect: Marcos Acayaba

Project: Acayaba House, 1997
Read our Q&A with Marcos Acayaba

Project: Baeta House, 1993

Project: Olga House, 1990

Project: Pindorama Pavilion, 1985

Project: Terpins House, 1992

Architect: Angelo Bucci of SPBR

Project: Apartment building in Lugano
Read our Q&A with Angelo Bucci

Project: Atilba Leonel School in Sao Paulo

Project: House in Santa Teresa

Project: Housing complex in Algarve

Project: Mediatheque PUC in Rio de Janeiro

Architect: Bernardes + Jacobsen

Project: Guaruja House, 2007
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

Project: JH House
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

Project: JZ House
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

Architect: Marcelo Ferraz of Brasil Arquitetura

Project: Bread Museum
Photography: Nelson Kon
Read our Q&A with Marcelo Ferraz

Project: Igatu Museum

Project: ISA
Photography: Daniel Ducci

Project: Conjunto KKKK
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Rodin Museum
Photography: Nelson Kon

Architect: Arthur Casas

Project: PK Iporanga residence

Project: KAA restaurant, Sao Paulo

Project: MP House

Project: Avenue Atlantica apartment, 2009

Project: AC Iporanga, 2005

Architect: Marcio Kogan

Project: Bahia
Photography: Nelson Kon
Read our Q&A with Marcio Kogan

Project: Micasa Volume B
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Osler House
Photography: Pedro Vannucchi

Project: Paraty House
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Prime Time

Architect: Eduardo Longo

Project: Casa GL

Project: Casa CMC

Project: Casa CAL

Project: Casa CEG

Project: Apartamento MG

Project: Proposta Para O Elevado Costa E Silva

Project: Proposta Praca Roosevelt - Praia Roosevelt

Project: Apartamento do Bola

Project: Casa Bola Galia

Project: Casa CMC

Architect: Fernando de Mello Franco of MMBB

Project: Boaaava residence
Photography: Nelson Kon
Read our Q&A with Fernando de Mello Franco

Project: Antonico Creek reurbanisation - Plan of the typical sector

Project: Headquarters of Corporacion Andina de Fomento, Caracas, Venezuela
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Music centre at Campos do Jordao
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Vila Roma residence
Photography: Nelson Kon

Architect: Ruy Ohtake

Project: FCC Biulding, 2005
Photography: Nelson Kon
Read our Q&A with Ruy Ohtake

Project: FCC Building, 2005
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Instituto Tomie Ohtake, 2003
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

Project: Op Art Flagship Store, 2009
Photography: ROAU Archive

Project: Daniel Rosseler Residence, 2009
Photography: Daniel Ducci

Project: Zuleika Halpern Residence, 2005
Photography: Turca Reines

Project: Santa Catarina Building, 2003
Photography: Daniel Ducci, Carlos Gueller

Architect: Isay Weinfeld Architects

Project: Havaianas
Photography: Nelson Kon

Project: Fasano Las Piedras Hotel
Photography: Luiza Sigulem

Project: Midrash
Photography: Leonardo Finotti

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.