The building of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at USP (FAU-USP) is one of those places that every lover of cities and urban design needs to see. Designed by Vilanova Artigas in partnership with Carlos Cascaldi between 1961 and 1969, the building, inaugurated in 1966, is a concrete manifesto: large internal courtyards and a direct relationship between public space and teaching.
In 1981 it was protected by CONDEPHAAT, which only reinforces its value as São Paulo’s architectural heritage.
What to do at FAUUSP?
Visiting FAU is a free lesson in architecture in SP. As well as admiring the floor plan that favors flows, light and encounters, you can take part in seminars, debates and exhibitions that take place routinely at the college , perfect for those who enjoy architecture, urbanism, design and sustainable practices. The specialized library is a find for research; the laboratories showcase design processes and models that inspire any creative curiosity. Check out the program on the school’s Instagram @fauusp.
It is also possible to schedule visits for groups or those interested in learning about the building’s history and construction details. Just send an e-mail to comunicacaofau@usp.br. Many of the activities take place from Monday to Friday and some of the visits open to the public are coordinated with teachers and students, which guarantees a more informed look at the place.
Visit this landmark of modernist architecture!
FAUUSP is located in the University City, at Rua do Lago, 876 – Butantã. Access works according to university regulations: schedule your visit, check the times and, if you can, combine it with a wider tour of the University City, where there are various cultural sites and gardens to complement the tour.
Passing by the FAU is to connect the past and future of architecture: political architecture, collective teaching and a building that continues to teach just by existing. Take your camera and good shoes, because this is a walk that yields photos, inspiration and a lot of talk about the buildings of SP.
