Brazil's 'moderate Bolsonaro' strategy falters, Lula gains advantage

Brazil's presidential election strategy, crafted by the right-wing opposition, is facing its most severe challenge. Following the disqualification of Jair Bolsonaro, the family's plan centered on his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, presenting him as a "vaccinated" heir capable of appealing to the economic center while retaining the radical base.

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The architect Gastón Leloutre received the commission to renovate this house in Zona Norte and called us with the idea of enhancing the rough construction project and comprehensively addressing the reorganization of the program, as well as decisions on materials, lighting, and furniture.

However, an investigation into opaque transactions allegedly used to fund a film honoring his father has shattered the opposition's expectations. This has raised alarms about the viability of his candidacy. The impact of this scandal was evident in the latest Datafolha poll, which showed President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva extending his lead from 3 to 9 points in the first-round simulation, reaching 40% of voting intentions compared to the senator's 31%.

A week prior, both candidates were in a statistical tie. The poll also revealed a surge in the presidential hopeful's rejection rate, a critical factor for his electoral ceiling. The percentage of voters who stated they would not vote for him under any circumstances climbed from 43% to 46% in just one week.

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We understand these types of processes as an opportunity to build coherent proposals, where each choice is part of a whole.

The controversy stems from Flavio Bolsonaro's alleged ties to banker Daniel Vorcaro, currently under arrest for a multi-million dollar fraud involving Brazil's financial system. The senator had initially denied any commercial or personal relationship with Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master. However, leaked details from the Federal Police investigation have undermined his defense, leaving him struggling to counter the unfolding facts.

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The interior designer Camila Torassa, close to the family, actively participated in the exchanges, and her sensitivity facilitated the incorporation of important paintings and sculptures, carefully chosen to respond to the sophisticated language of the house.

Vorcaro's financial institution reportedly funded nearly 90% of "Dark Horse," a biographical film intended to praise Jair Bolsonaro. The situation became more complex with revelations that the production company hired for the project had no prior filmmaking experience. Despite this inexperience, it managed a multi-million dollar budget, significantly exceeding the funds used for Brazil's most awarded and successful recent productions.

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This renovation was planned for three adult women to live in, and they asked us to reflect a serene, feminine, and elegant universe. We approached the premise with a neutral color palette, quiet textures, and objects that break their scale with control.