These photographs offer a look inside Oscar Niemeyer's recently reopened Hotel Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, which features interiors by Brazilian firm Debora Aguiar Arquitectos and US practice Studio VOA.
The late modernist architect's 33-storey cylindrical tower, which overlooks the beach from the city's São Conrado neighbourhood was completed in 1972, but abandoned in 1995 following financial difficulties.
Photograph is by Roge?rio Resende
Just reopened by the Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International and renamed Gran Meliá Nacional Rio de Janeiro, the building has been retrofitted with new interiors.
Photograph is by Denilson Machado
Debora Aguiar Arquitectos was responsible for the common areas, including the hotel's vast 3,000-square-metre lobby, while Studio VOA renovated the 413 bedrooms. Many of the building's fixtures and fittings were looted during its period of dereliction, but some elements of the original design remain intact ? including a huge sculpture of a mermaid by Brazilian artist Alfredo Ceschiatti and gardens by landscaper Roberto Burle Marx.
Photograph is by Denilson Machado
"VOA was challenged to respect the original design intent and preserve some of the original interior elements while creating a modern hotel with contemporary amenities," said Studio VOA.
"VOA's design efforts include the restoration of art works by renowned artists including the Mermaid sculpture by Alfredo Ceschiatti, the Carybé panel and...