Jorge Zalszupin, born in Poland in 1922 to a Jewish family, discovered his passion for architecture at the age of 15 when he came across a book featuring the initials "LC" of Le Corbusier on its jute cover. This encounter sparked an irresistible attraction to the field of architecture within him. During the war, Zalszupin pursued his studies, but upon graduating in 1945, he was disheartened by the devastation he witnessed in his hometown. Determined to seek new horizons, he decided to leave and explore other lands. After a period in France, he eventually arrived in Brazil, where he found the perfect environment to cultivate his distinct, poetic, sensual, and modern style of architecture.
In order to convince clients to embrace his bold ideas, Zalszupin first had to construct his own house. This led to the natural progression of designing furniture that would complement his architectural vision. The availability of accessible woods, the post-war hunger for novelty, and Brazil's developmentalist model at the time created an ideal backdrop for his creations to be widely embraced by those with open minds.
Later on, Zalszupin's comfortable and timeless furniture, characterized by clean lines, impeccable craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, became industrialized. His brand, L'Atelier, gained widespread recognition throughout Brazil, with showrooms serving as a benchmark of modernity. In the 1960s and 1970s, his work adorned numerous public buildings in Brasília. At his factory, a cutting-edge infrastructure brought together designers, architects, engineers, craftsmen, and various professionals, collaborating on all stages of production, from material research to the final product.
The Zalszupin House, designed by Jorge in 1960 and completed in 1962, became his residence until his passing in 2020. In 2021, it transformed into a cultural space, opening its doors to foster culture through exhibitions, lectures, classes, and research. The space aims to preserve the designer's collection and heritage, contributing to the promotion and protection of his legacy.
