The Ginásio do Clube Atlético Paulistano designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha & João De Gennaro in 1961, was the earliest of Mendes da Rocha’s major works. Situated within a private sports club the building is unable to be appreciated by the general public. While asking permission to visit, I was sent the above photographs and asked whether I would still be interested to visit due to the changes resulting in it being “descaracterizando” (‘decharacterized’ – losing its character). I could not believe the alterations made but was intrigued to read into the case-study and understand how this ‘architectural classic’ (as archdaily refer to it as) can be allowed to be mistreated.

The building does not reveal itself on its approach as it is masked by vegetation and walls, almost as if it is ashamed of its loss of architectural dignity. (This is possibly over the top, but I am…