The history of the famous sidewalk design of São Paulo
by Matheus Pereira
In the constant coming and going of those who pass through the city of São Paulo, it is possible that you have already noticed the typical graphic that repeats itself on several sidewalks. The classic pattern behind the modules that graphically conform the map of the state of São Paulo was created in 1966 by the architect and artist Mirthes dos Santos Pinto. It all started when the old mayor, João Vicente Faria Lima, launched in the 1960s a contest for the design of the new pavement of the city. Mirthes, who at the time worked as a designer of the Secretaria de Obras da Prefeitura de São Paulo, created a stylized map of the State of São Paulo, from square modules in white and black geometric pieces, alternating either solid color or now painted with the diagonal variation of the piece, creating a pattern.
According to the artist, in an audiovisual interview granted to the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo in 2015, everything happened spontaneously: “I started to scribble and the map came up. Was inadvertently! I scribbled a picture there and dropped it in the drawer. My boss at the time opened the drawer, asked for a pencil and saw the drawing, commenting ‘Wow, nice, who is it?’. I said ‘I scribbled’ and he then said, ‘pass on the vegetable you’re going to run!’ ” [1] At the time, still disbelieving with the proposal of pure and uncertain lines as to the artistic potential of the work, he concretized the drawings and sent them to the competition.
In the judging committee of 17 people, the proposal of simple, modular and original lines has established itself as the winner.
After the competition, for legal reasons the artist made the patent for the creation in industrial design, being informed that would be entitled to a “percentage per sidewalk implanted”, except for central beds. Unfortunately, even with the execution of hundreds of square meters throughout the city of São Paulo over the more than 50 years, the author received no value: “I think it deserved. After all, I tried to embellish São Paulo. ” [2]
Despite the unfortunate situation, it is considered honored to see owners considering their creation when using it as pavement, but believes that products, brands and publications involving the creation, should mention it as creative.
The pattern presents two material versions, in lajota and Portuguese stone following the same pattern of colors. Mirthes also points out that the city lacks maintenance and restoration of its sidewalks. [3]
Notes:
[1] (FOLHA, 2015);
[2] Idem.
[3] Idem.
References: FOLHA. Creator of the ‘Paulista floor’ says that she never received a penny for the drawing. Available at:
Available in: www.archdaily.com.br/br/902542. Accessed in: 17/01/2018.
