DIEGO ASSIS
LOCAL REPORTER
Sao Paulo, Brasil

DECORATION
For American Ron Pompei, “Casa Cor” worries to much about concept and leaves comfort behind.

Too many ideas and not enough comfort. This was basically the impression that American Ron Pompei, 57, had when Folha asked him to visit the Casa Cor 2004 exhibition.
Among the main criticisms made by this architect—who among other projects has been responsible for the interior decoration of several U.S. stores, such as Levi’s, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie—is the abundance of sponsors in this year’s edition and the lack of communication among them.
“There are so many different concepts being shown all at once that they start competing among themselves,” Pompei summarizes. His own proposal is to create “3D collages” that would make visitors feel “culturally integrated” into the environment.
“It’s not a problem to mix things up in an eclectic way, but you really must have some common sense,” he says. “You need to have an artistic eye to mix styles, materials, and fabrics so that everything comes together in harmony.”
The U.S. architect felt an aesthetic “shock”—one of many— as he entered the first official room of the exhibition. The event took place in a 31,215-square-foot mansion located in Morumbi neighborhood, which was build in the 1970s and, later, was turned into a small luxurious club. “There’s something schizophrenic about it. Materials are unrelated, they are heavy, extremely dramatic,” he said about the entrance hall created by architect Léo Shehtman, from São Paulo.
Pompei also felt uncomfortable in the living room designed by Marcelo Rosenbaum. “The room is too small for something like this,” he explained, pointing to the large velvet modular couches that take up most of the room. The walls, which painting job was left unfinished, almost pleased the American. “It looks good for someone who has children, but I wouldn’t hang so many things on the walls. I’d leave some space for kids to make some drawings. It would be so much fun!”
Most of his criticism is directed to the juxtaposition of textures, such as bamboo ceiling contrasting with a polished stone floor, a modern bookcase contrasting with a traditional dressing table. In spite of his criticism, the architect would give the exhibition as a whole a 7 out of 10.
“I don’t mean to sound picky, but one of the things about this kind of exhibition, which is almost a showroom, is that it tries to give a unique opportunity to several professionals. People tend to show off everything they can because they are afraid of editing and leaving something behind,” he analyses. “It also seams that merchandising is playing a big part in it. When architects try to combine commercial and artistic aspects, they feel obligated to use all the information they can, which sometimes gets in the way.” Among the positive highlights of the 18th Casa Cor, Pompei includes the spa created by João Armentano, the home theater by Roberto Migotto, the café by Sig Bergamin, and the swimming pool decorated by landscaper Gilberto Elkis.
“The pool area is consistent with the garden. We have to remember how our eyes marvel at the look of nature. Stones, wood, ceramics are all combined with water.”
Coordinated by architects Deborah Stock and Gustavo Horta, Casa Cor 2004 is open to visitation until November 2nd. There are 85 rooms created by professionals from all over Brazil.