Inspired by one of the icons of Brazilian architecture, the film ‘sesc fábrica da pompeia’ is one of the winners of the Latin American Design Awards 2024 (LAD Awards), one of the most prestigious design awards in Latin America. The ceremony was held at the historic José de Alencar Theater in Fortaleza, Ceará, marking the first time the event took place in Brazil. The awards were organized in partnership with KUYA, Ceará’s Design Center, as part of the LAD Awards Festival, which featured lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and cultural events. With around 350 awards distributed among professionals from all over the Southern Cone, the festival highlighted the transformative role of design in the region.
Winner of the Bronze Ray in the category ‘Animation – Self-initiated Project,’ the film is a creation of the RIBS+SEIXAS duo, formed by architect and creative director Pedro Ribs and motion designer Lucas Seixas. ‘sesc fábrica da pompeia’ is an independent animation that celebrates the work of renowned Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi, focusing particularly on the SESC Pompeia complex, located in São Paulo. The film has an educational purpose and seeks to democratize access to the history and significance of this building, while also reinforcing the importance of preserving Brazil’s historical and artistic heritage.
The historical context of the work is essential to understanding its impact. At the end of the 19th century and throughout the 20th, São Paulo underwent a rapid industrialization process, transforming it into the most industrialized region in Latin America. While this growth boosted the local economy and improved the population’s quality of life, it also posed challenges, such as the lack of spaces dedicated to leisure and culture. By the late 20th century, many factories that once occupied the city’s central area were deactivated, leaving behind few significant examples of industrial architecture that testified to a critical period in the city’s history.
It was in this context of urban transformation that the Social Service of Commerce (SESC) invited Lina Bo Bardi to reimagine the space that previously housed a factory. The initial idea was to demolish the existing building, but the architect, with her sensitive and innovative vision, opted to preserve it. The project transformed the former industrial building into SESC Pompeia, which became a key center for leisure, culture, and health in the city.
This architectural complex is one of Bo Bardi’s most notable works and was included in the list of the “25 Most Significant Post-War Architecture Works” by The New York Times in 2021. Moreover, Lina Bo Bardi received the Special Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in 2021, recognizing her contribution to world architecture.During the production process of ‘sesc fábrica da pompeia’, the duo was responsible for every stage, from research to the final execution, including the script, illustrations, and animations. The film’s aesthetics and art direction were designed to reflect Bo Bardi’s architectural approach, using a mix of techniques such as illustration, typography, 2D collage, 3D models, and hand-drawn sketches. This variety of visual languages not only pays homage to the collaborative creativity involved in the SESC Pompeia project but also highlights how Lina Bo Bardi viewed architecture—as a way to create life and art in everyday life.
One of the most striking aspects of the animation is its color palette, which is reduced to shades of gray, with vibrant red accents. This decision was directly influenced by the building itself: the exposed concrete structure and pre-existing industrial materials were left visible, while the red was used to highlight contemporary interventions and bring a playful element to the space. “Preservation is still a challenge in the Latin American context, and Lina Bo Bardi’s project serves as an example of protection, revitalization, and adaptation to the present. Her work helps us think about Brazilian cities and architecture in a more just way, full of poetry and art in the everyday lives of people,” commented Pedro Ribs.
The recognition of the film ‘sesc fábrica da pompeia’ at the Latin American Design Awards 2024 is proof of its cultural and artistic value. The project reaffirms the ability of design and architecture to tell powerful stories, raising public awareness of the need to protect and appreciate historical heritage. Moreover, the animation demonstrates how art can be an effective educational tool, while also offering a rich and immersive aesthetic experience.
The intersection between audiovisual and architecture is a recurring theme in the work of the RIBS+SEIXAS creative duo. Since they began working together in 2018, the duo has explored a wide range of projects, including art installations, documentaries, virtual sets, and advertising campaigns. Their work has been exhibited in various renowned cultural spaces around the world, such as the Museum of the Republic in Brasília, the Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain, the Venice Biennale in Italy, and Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
In summary, the film not only celebrates Lina Bo Bardi’s work but also serves as an awareness tool for the importance of preserving historical heritage in Brazil and Latin America. By winning the Bronze Ray at the 2024 Latin American Design Awards, the project reaffirms the crucial role of architecture as a form of cultural and artistic expression, highlighting the importance of keeping the memory of transformative and inspiring spaces alive.