FIESP Headquarters
Building Name: Edifício Luís Eulálio de Bueno Vidigal Filho (FIESP Headquarters)
Architect: Rino Levi Arquitetos Associados
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Year of Construction: 1970–1979
Architectural Style: Brutalism / Modernism
The Edifício da FIESP is one of the most recognisable buildings on Avenida Paulista. Designed by Rino Levi Arquitetos Associados and completed in 1979, it stands out with its bold pyramid-like shape and dark, metallic façade. The structure is made up of two stacked volumes separated by a floor on pilotis, creating a spacious open plaza at ground level. This design not only gives the building its unique form but also allows more sunlight to reach the lower floors, combining visual impact with functional thinking.
Cultural and Urban Role
More than just an office tower, the building is home to key institutions like FIESP, SESI-SP, SENAI-SP and CIESP. From the beginning, it was meant to be a landmark that reflected Brazil’s industrial growth. Over time, it grew into a cultural destination too, with features like a rooftop garden, an art gallery, and a mosaic at its entrance designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
Transformation and Identity
What started as a closed-off corporate space eventually opened up to the public. A major renovation by Paulo Mendes da Rocha in 1998 helped transform the base of the building into a cultural centre, including a theatre and exhibition space. In 2012, the Digital Art Gallery was added to the façade, using over 100,000 LED lights to display interactive art. These changes helped turn the FIESP building into a lively spot on weekends and a true part of São Paulo’s public life.
Legacy
Today, the Edifício da FIESP is more than just an office block. It’s a cultural symbol, a public space, and a reminder of how buildings can evolve with the city around them. From its striking design to its role in shaping Avenida Paulista’s identity, it remains a powerful example of architecture that speaks to both ambition and accessibility.