Innovative MASP Extension by Metro Arquitetos Features Sleek Aluminum Scrim

The MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo) is a landmark of Brazilian modernist architecture. It is celebrated globally for Lina Bo Bardi’s visionary 1968 design. The design features a suspended, glass-fronted museum overlooking a vibrant public plaza. Now, this iconic cultural institution is entering a new era with the completion of the 14-story Pietro Maria Bardi Building by Metro Arquitetos Associados.

A Thoughtful Architectural Addition

This new addition to MASP’s campus expands the museum’s footprint by 84,000 square feet. It transforms a repurposed 1940s residential tower into a sleek black aluminum-clad masterpiece. The building’s modest exterior ensures it visually recedes against São Paulo’s urban fabric. This consciously avoids competition with Lina Bo Bardi’s original design. Inside, the architects tailored every detail to align with the original building. They created double-height exhibition spaces with the same dimensions as MASP’s suspended glass galleries.

Why the Pietro Maria Bardi Building Stands Out

The design is more than functional—it’s an homage to historical techniques and the museum founder Pietro Maria Bardi’s vision. The signature black corrugated aluminum cladding serves dual purposes. It blends harmoniously with neighboring buildings while controlling sunlight to safeguard precious artworks. This choice emphasizes both aesthetics and practical considerations, a hallmark of Metro Arquitetos’ approach.

Key elements of this addition include:

• Double-height exhibition spaces: Perfectly matching the proportions of the 1968 structure.
• A ground-floor entrance and underground tunnel: Streamlining access while preserving Bo Bardi’s public plaza.
• New amenities: Classrooms, restaurants, conservation labs, and more.
• Sculptural concrete staircase: Built by an 80-year-old craftsman in a nod to traditional techniques.

A Decade-Long Renovation Culminates

Metro Arquitetos has spent nearly a decade restoring the original MASP building. They did this in parallel with the expansion project. This comprehensive restoration ensured the museum’s most iconic features remain intact. This includes Lina Bo Bardi’s pioneering glass easel display system. The system allows artworks to “float” within the gallery space.

The new Pietro Maria Bardi Building complements this renovation effort. It modernizes MASP’s facilities without disrupting the aesthetics and philosophy that define the museum.

Preserving Bo Bardi’s Vision

Lina Bo Bardi envisioned MASP not just as a museum but as part of São Paulo’s urban life. She saw it as a place for education, interaction, and cultural exchange. To honor this philosophy, Metro Arquitetos prioritized preserving Bo Bardi’s public plaza. They even utilized the underground tunnel to reduce surface-level footprint. Through such careful planning, the museum can now serve more diverse and expansive programming while continuing to be accessible to all.

A Monumental Opening

Set to officially open in spring 2025, the Pietro Maria Bardi Building will mark a new chapter for MASP and its visitors. With state-of-the-art facilities for exhibitions, conservation, dining, and learning, the expansion equips the museum to meet growing artistic and educational demands. The decade-long renovation and addition symbolize a harmonious blend of old and new, reflecting São Paulo’s evolving architectural narrative.

The Takeaway for Architects and Engineers

For professionals in the architecture and engineering fields, the MASP expansion serves as an inspiring case study. It shows how to balance historic preservation with modern innovation.

Metro Arquitetos’ commitment to recreating original materials and techniques highlights the importance of honoring architectural heritage. This is true even within the constraints of contemporary design and functionality.

From the discreet aluminum facade to the underground connection, every design decision speaks to thoughtful integration and innovation. The Pietro Maria Bardi Building demonstrates that the most impactful expansions are those that respect their surroundings. They also create space for growth and opportunity.

MASP’s expansion reminds us that great architecture doesn’t have to shout. It can quietly transform and elevate the spaces where art, culture, and community converge.

 
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