jean nouvel's rosewood tower forms the centerpiece of cidade matarazzo

conceived as an oasis at the heart of são paulo, ‘cidade matarazzo’ is a redeveloped 30,000 square meter complex that used to house a maternity hospital. the centerpiece of the masterplan is ‘rosewood tower’, a jean nouvel-designed hotel and residential complex that will accommodate 151 guest rooms and 122 owners’ suites. once complete at the end of 2019, the 100 meter-tall building will also contain two restaurants, a bar and caviar lounge, three swimming pools, a spa, and a fitness area.

groupe allard presents the ‘cidade matarazzo’ project

developed by groupe allard, jean nouvel conceived ‘rosewood tower‘ as a tribute to the atlantic forest that lines much of brazil’s coast. local vegetation populates the ‘landscape building’, with flowers, plants, and trees protruding through and above the structure’s latticed steel façade. the vertical garden seeks to create a sense of continuity between the tower and its surroundings, while simultaneously offering privacy to its occupants.

all images courtesy of ateliers jean nouvel

‘matarazzo park is a remnant,’ says jean nouvel. ‘more than a remnant, I would say it’s an oasis. it’s a space of calm urbanization. a space of incredible trees: figs and magnolias. the hospital in the middle of the grounds is a sort of mini-town, very well organized around patios. surrounding this little gem is a chaotic metropolis. what is most interesting for me is being able to work with the memory of the place.’

the tower forms part of a larger development

the hotel’s interiors, including its suites, are being designed by philippe starck, and can be seen in more detail here. both hotel guests and residents will be able to access a music studio, as well as a screening room, and luxury retail stores within the development. the property will offer 9,290 square meters of event and meeting space, including a wedding chapel.

the design seeks to create a sense of continuity between the tower and its surroundings

‘this project runs in tandem with my philosophy: creating something that is different and rises above the rest,’ continues nouvel. ‘the rosewood tower is the way it is because of cidade matarazzo. its historic buildings have survived but they have been besieged by a series of buildings constructed chaotically around them during são paulo’s rapid expansion in the 1970s and 80s. the tower will be larger in scale in comparison to other buildings in the region and its colors will blend in with its lush, green surroundings.’

flowers, plants, and trees populate the scheme’s rooms, terraces, and rooftops