If you’re an architect or an architecture enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of Lina Bo Bardi, one of the most influential figures in Brazilian architecture.
Lina was an Italian-Brazilian modernist architect renowned for her significant influence on architecture and design in Brazil.
Among her major works are the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), Sesc Pompeia, and her own home, known as the Glass House.
Although MASP and Sesc Pompeia are widely recognized as her most iconic projects, the Glass House deserves equal recognition, as it marked the beginning of her career in Brazil.
In this article, Blocks® takes an in-depth look at Lina Bo Bardi’s architectural legacy.
Continue reading to explore this timeless work of modern architecture.
Who Was Lina Bo Bardi?
No introduction to Brazilian modern architecture would be complete without mentioning Lina Bo Bardi, the architect behind some of the country’s most iconic structures.
Achillina Bo Bardi, commonly known as Lina, was an Italian-Brazilian modernist architect born in Rome in 1914.
Lina earned her degree in architecture from the University of Rome in 1939 and relocated to Brazil after World War II, in 1946.
In Brazil, she found both personal and professional fulfillment, adopting the country as her new home and becoming a pivotal figure in its cultural and architectural landscape.
In 1951, Lina completed her first major project: her residence, known as the Glass House, named for its predominant use of glass.
In 1957, she completed one of her most iconic works, the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), an enduring symbol of modern Brazilian architecture.
Later, in 1977, she was invited to work on the Sesc Pompeia project, transforming a former drum factory into a cultural hub in São Paulo.
Lina continued to contribute to architecture and culture until her passing in São Paulo on March 20, 1992, at the age of 77.
Achillina Bo Bardi
1914 – 1992
“I am against viewing architecture solely as a status project. I disagree with my dear friend Kneese de Mello when he says that bricklayers should not practice architecture. I believe that the people should create architecture.”
The Glass House: What Is It?
The Glass House: What Is It?
After settling in São Paulo with her husband, Pietro Maria Bardi, Lina designed the Glass House in 1951, which became their residence for many years.
The house became a landmark of modern architecture, characterized by its suspended glass façade and seamless integration with the forested landscape of the Morumbi neighborhood in São Paulo.
The site was chosen for its direct connection to nature, something Lina deeply valued in her architectural philosophy, as one of the first homes built in the area.
Historical records indicate that the land parcels were purchased in 1949, three years after Lina and Pietro arrived in Brazil.
Lina’s initial sketches reveal her vision for a home featuring extensive use of glass and immersed in natural surroundings, complemented by an open-plan living room adorned with art and objects.
In 1950, Lina took the first steps toward construction, inviting Italian engineer Luigi Nervi to develop the house’s structural design, which was later refined by engineer Túlio Stucchi in 1951.
Today, the Glass House is home to the Bardi Institute, an active space open to the public, dedicated to sharing the ideas and work of Lina and Pietro.
The Inauguration of the Glass House
After the inauguration of the Bardis’ residence in 1953, the house soon became known as the “Glass House,” following an article by Gio Ponti in the Italian magazine Domus.
With its opening, the house quickly stood out and attracted the attention of artists, architects, and intellectuals, becoming a cultural meeting point.
In addition to serving as the Bardis’ home, the house became a space for dialogue, reflection, and artistic debate.
Its modernist and innovative architecture provided the ideal setting for discussions on art, culture, and politics, reinforcing its role as a cultural center.
The Structure of the Glass House
The main structure of the Glass House is supported by slender cylindrical columns that elevate the residence above the ground.
Lina’s design creates the impression of a house floating above the landscape, allowing the native vegetation to grow freely beneath and around it.
The expansive glass walls provide full visual integration with the surrounding environment, dissolving the boundaries between the interior and the natural exterior.
The main façade, made of glass and supported by steel columns, reflects the ideals of the Modern Movement.
Living spaces are open and transparent, while the bedrooms and service areas, constructed of brick, form solid and private volumes.
Lina skillfully combined these contrasting materials in a rational yet experimental manner.
Inside, the furniture and objects are carefully curated, almost like a museum, reinforcing the couple’s artistic journey.
The Inspirations Behind the Glass House
The Glass House architectural references from two iconic works of modern architecture: Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House.
Both were constructed in the United States around the same time as the Glass House, between 1949 and 1951.
These architectural works share key characteristics: the extensive use of glass surfaces and lightweight steel structures, fostering a strong connection with the surrounding environment.
There’s also a symbolic connection among the architects, who, except for Philip Johnson, constructed their residences in countries different from their homeland.
Together, Lina Bo Bardi’s Glass House, Philip Johnson’s Glass House, and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House stand as landmarks of modernism, embodying architectural concepts of lightness and transparency.
Lina and Pietro Maria Bardi’s Life at the Glass House
During the early years of living at the Glass House, the couple made several changes to the residence.
In 1954, the main pathway to the house was paved with granite and sandstone,enriching the garden with additional plants.
In 1956, the first broken glass panels were replaced, and in 1958, a third land parcel was acquired to extend the residence.
Lina and Pietro shared a profound intellectual and artistic connection, living harmoniously at the Glass House.
Both were highly sociable and, over the years at the Glass House, regularly hosted artists, architects, and intellectuals.
The house’s expansive living room became a cultural hub, hosting renowned figures such as Max Bill, Glauber Rocha, Gilberto Gil, Gio Ponti, Calder, John Cage, and Aldo van Eyck.
Several years after its completion the Glass House underwent another renovation in 1986, which included the construction of an annex that served as Lina’s studio alongside her team.
Achillina Bo Bardi
1914 – 1992
“Of course, I said that Brazil is my country of choice, and for that reason, it is my country twice over. I wasn’t born here; I chose this place to live. When you’re born, you don’t choose anything — you’re born by chance. But I chose my country.”
From the Bardi Residence to the Bardi Institute
From the Bardi Residence to the Bardi Institute
In the late 1980s, the Bardis initiated efforts to preserve the Glass House and its legacy.
In 1987, they applied for the house to be granted heritage status with the São Paulo State Council for Historical, Archaeological, Artistic, and Tourist Heritage (CONDEPHAAT).
The request was approved that same year, and the couple later established the Bardi Institute, founded on May 3, 1990.
Following Lina’s passing in 1992, efforts were made to organize the house’s collection, and in 1995, Pietro officially donated the house to the Institute.
The Glass House underwent numerous renovations to preserve the Bardis’ legacy, and in 2015, the site was officially opened to the public, hosting various cultural activities.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Glass House
Se você deseja apreciar de perto o projeto de Lina Bo Bardi, a Casa de Vidro é aberta à visitação.
O Instituto Bardi/Casa de Vidro está localizado em Rua General Almério de Moura, 200 Morumbi, São Paulo – SP.
É possível ir ao local de transporte público, seja metrô ou ônibus, e também de transporte particular.
O local funciona recebendo o público às quintas, sextas e sábados em diferentes horários que variam entre: 10h, 11h30 e 14h e 15h30.
Para mais informações, acesse o site oficial do Instituto Bardi.
Inspire-se na obra de Lina Bo Bardi e facilite seus projetos com o Plugin Blocks®
The Glass House offers visitors the opportunity to experience Lina Bo Bardi’s work up close.
It is located at Rua General Almério de Moura, 200, in the Morumbi neighborhood of São Paulo, and is accessible via public transportation (metro or bus) or private vehicle.
Guided tours are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the following times: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bardi Institute’s official website.
Conclusion
The Glass House by Lina Bo Bardi remains a timeless reference in modern Brazilian architecture — a project that continues to shape and influence the field.
Her legacy remains a source of inspiration for architects and enthusiasts alike, preserved for future generations.
Exploring her work offers valuable insights into history and creativity, revealing architecture not merely as form, but as cultural expression.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your projects or wish to explore the broader impact of architecture, the Glass House stands as an essential reference.
For more articles like this, visit the Blocks® Blog for further insights into architecture and design.
