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Every year the Cité Internationale accommodates 10,000 students, researchers and artists in its 40 houses.

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BRAZIL HOUSE

HISTORY

Designed by Le Corbusier

Brazil House was financed by the Brazilian Institute of Pedagogical Studies, and it opened on 24 June 1959. The building was originally to be designed by the great Brazilian architect Lucio Costa. Costa called upon his friend and fellow architect Le Corbusier, who had already designed the Switzerland Foundation, to assist him. Le Corbusier made so many changes to the original plans that in the end Costa no longer felt he could claim the building to be his own design.  

Did you know?
The most impressive embodiment of the modern architectural movement to which Le Corbusier and Lucio Costa belonged is the architecture of Brazil’s new capital, Brasilia.
A jewel in the Cité internationale’s crown

Brazil House is one of the most impressive architectural works of the 20th century. It is a long, five-storey building constructed atop seven concrete arcades with colourful, recessed balconies. A space for the common areas, offices and director’s apartment is to be found below the living areas. 

Did you know?
The building was listed on the registry of historic monuments on 4 November 1985.
Complete renovation

In 1997, because the building was ageing and had not been properly cared for, it was closed for renovations, under the direction of architects Bernard Bauchet and Hubert Rio. Work began in 1999, and all construction was carried out in collaboration with the Fondation le Corbusier and the chief architect of historical monuments, Benjamin Mouton. The house reopened in 2000. 

Did you know?As part of the renovation of the building, one room was restored to resemble the original rooms as designed by Charlotte Perriand.