SOM064

Birmann 21

Design/Completion 1992/1996 Sao Paulo, Brazil

Birmann S.A. Comercio e Empreendimentos 375,000 square feet Concrete structure

Glass and metal curtain wali, Brazilian granites, marble

Designed to be the regional headquarters for international corporations in Sao Paulo’s newest commercial sector, the 24-story office tower includes an executive dining club, a conference center, a cafeteria, a health club, and public gardens.

The design is a harmonious composition of vertical forms varying in texture, materials and color, the focus of which is an external Steel skeleton that culminates in a 490-foot spire.

The spire and the building’s placement perpendicular to the city’s peripheral highway establish a presence on the skyline.

The major glazed facade is curved slightly towards the south for the proper orientation in the Southern hemisphere, and provides views of the Pinheiros River. The northern facade, including the main entrance, is clad in Brazilian granites and marble, and features smaller, deeper Windows to reduce cooling loads.