TOWER OF TREES AND GREENERY

Conceived as an oasis at the heart of São Paulo, ‘Cidade Matarazzo’ is a redeveloped 30,000 square metre complex that used to house a maternity hospital. The centrepiece of the masterplan is ‘Rosewood tower’, a Jean Nouvel-designed hotel and residential complex that will accommodate 151 guest rooms and 122 owners’ suites. Once complete at the end of 2019, the 100-metre-tall building will also contain two restaurants, a bar and caviar lounge, three swimming pools, a spa, and a fitness area.

Developed by Groupe Allard, Jean Nouvel conceived ‘Rosewood tower’ as a tribute to the Atlantic forest that lines much of Brazil’s coast. Local vegetation populates the ‘landscape building’, with flowers, plants, and trees protruding through and above the structure’s latticed steel façade. The vertical garden seeks to create a sense of continuity between the tower and its surroundings, while simultaneously offering privacy to its occupants.

“Matarazzo park is a remnant,” says Jean Nouvel. “More than a remnant, I would say it’s an oasis. It’s a space of calm urbanisation. A space of incredible trees: figs and magnolias…”

Both hotel guests and residents will be able to access a music studio, as well as a screening room, and luxury retail stores within the development. The property will offer event and meeting spaces, including a wedding chapel.

“The Rosewood tower is the way it is because of Cidade Matarazzo. Its historic buildings have survived but they have been besieged by a series of buildings constructed chaotically around them during São Paulo’s rapid expansion in the 1970s and 80s. The tower will be larger in scale in comparison to other buildings in the region and its colours will blend in with its lush, green surroundings.”