Athos and Lelé

João Filgueiras Lima, also known as Lelé, was a Brazilian architect whose work was characterized by a search for rationalization and industrialization of architecture. In his projects plastic expression has always been integrated with technological solutions.

“Integration occurs to the extent that the art proposed by Athos meets the requirements of the architectural project. And all of Athos' work reflects this interference...” 

"...In my case, during the 50 years I had the opportunity to work with him, I learned many things, including a mastery of color, innate in Athos." 

João Filgueiras Lima, Lelé

Most of Lelé's works can be found in Brasilia and the northeast region of the country...

... especially Salvador, where Athos created works of art for various buildings, such as the stained glass windows for two churches designed by the architect and the tile panels for a bus terminal.

The SARAH Network of Hospitals, created in Brasilia, is a network of Brazilian hospital units dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of multiple traumas and locomotor problems.

Lelé was responsible for the design and construction of new hospital units, such as the headquarters at Lago Norte, in Brasilia, and in cities such as São Luis, Salvador, Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza, always in partnership with Athos.

“E These projects have a constant integration by Athos in the doors, in repetitive elements, that is, the art of Athos is also incorporated in industrial language, hence the amount of repetition. Athos tiles follow this same production line. "


Lelé

"If the network's first hospital, built in Brasilia, is already a jewel of Brazilian architecture, with a design by Glauco Campello, its expansion is, in the projects by João Filgueiras Lima, a complete program of construction technology... "

“...Highly specialized coupled with modern form and art, even extending to hospital equipment design.”

Paulo Sérgio Duarte    

"Although playfulness marks many of Athos Bulcão's works, it is in the Rede Sarah that this characteristic found room to expand and multiply. From the amusements of his childhood and curious animals in nature, the artist draws inspiration for his many "puzzles" ...”

“ ... And from the harmonious combination of form and colour emerge the Squids, the Mafunas and many other reliefs, sometimes more serious, sometimes more visually provocative". 
 
Neusa Cavalcante

"It's also very gratifying to know that this is a hospital, a school. It's nice to work on public bulidings.... "

"...At the Rede Sarah, I had some creatures placed along the halls that were made with children in mind. Children stay there for months. When they pass by to sunbathe, they see something light, they like it, it creates an affective relationship. It's very good.”

Athos Bulcão

This time the relief is the main support used in the integration, with acoustic function and a dialogue with the sinuosity of the architect's buildings.

“Lelé's relationship with Athos Bulcão does not take place within the context of the convention, according to which the architect realizes, builds his work, so that later the visual artist puts his frosting on the cake... "

“ ... As Lelé said recently: "Athos has been my partner in almost every project. His work was never just complimentary. That’s why his work has always interfered with the architecture.”


Agnaldo Farias