Memola Estúdio's Casa Baruk Restaurant in São Paulo Reimagines Arab-Brazilian Architecture
Casa Baruk, a 700-square-meter restaurant specializing in Arab cuisine, was crafted by Memola Estúdio, under the direction of Veronica Molina and Bianca Sinisgalli, in São Paulo's Higienópolis district. The design consciously steers clear of decorative Orientalism, instead highlighting the historical integration of Arab architectural features into Brazilian styles, including reinterpretations of Mashrabiya lattices as Portuguese colonial rótulas and gelosias, as well as internal courtyards and ceramic tiles. Located on Mato Grosso Street, the steel-frame structure boasts a perforated ceramic screen facade that enhances light filtration and privacy. Inside, the predominant use of ceramic tiles features eight rectangular terracotta tiles surrounding interlaced green tiles. The space is organized around a central bar with rounded edges and a blue iron display cabinet. Custom lighting, crafted without direct Arab motifs, employs unique fabric luminaires. The venue accommodates 130 guests across its ground floor and mezzanine. Memola Estúdio's design philosophy reflects a material intelligence similar to their Cinco House project, opting for ceramic over wood.
Key facts
- Casa Baruk is located on Mato Grosso Street in São Paulo's Higienópolis neighborhood.
- The restaurant is 700 square meters.
- Memola Estúdio is led by Veronica Molina and Bianca Sinisgalli.
- The project uses a perforated ceramic screen reinterpreted from Mashrabiya lattices.
- Ceramic tiles are used extensively, including a pattern of eight terracotta tiles with green interlaced tiles.
- The central bar has rounded corners and a blue iron display cabinet.
- Custom lighting includes fabric luminaires and shell-shaped wall sconces.
- The restaurant has a capacity of 130 seats.
Entities
Artists
- Veronica Molina
- Bianca Sinisgalli
Institutions
- Memola Estúdio
- Baruk group
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Higienópolis
- Mato Grosso Street