Duplex apartments: modernity, uses and conservation

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the preservation of the modern duplex apartments in the city of Sao Paulo. As symbols of a modern way of living, these spaces announced the new design and domestic organization possibilities. The first examples of duplex apartments were designed as a way of arranging living spaces in small areas, since their setup on levels allowed separating the different house activities and saving elevator stops. Having their concept based on the Soviet Housing Narkonfim (1928-1929) and gaining international prominence with the French architectural complex Marseilles Housing Unit (1945-1952), the duplex apartment housings were designed to meet the housing demand in large cities. In Brazil, the government pioneered housing initiatives associated with this typology. However, other similar modern developments, but with larger areas and in prime locations were proposed in São Paulo for the high-income population. The analysis seeks to present the physical transformations in some of these apartments in order to understand the adjustments to the habits, routines and ways of life of the owners and residents in the current context.