Brazilian architect João Batista Vilanova Artigas (1915-1985) played an important role in the development of Brazilian architecture. In 1961, the construction of what is considered to be the masterpiece of his career: the building of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of São Paulo. Artigas designed this as 'a building without doors', a school for everyone.

‍

Military regime

However, he was only able to enjoy the faculty building for a short time. In 1968, the Brazilian military regime suspended the civil rights of Brazilians who were members of the communist party. Artigas, a convinced member of the party, was forced to flee to Uruguay to continue living in exile. A year later, he secretly returned to Brazil and lived clandestinely in friends' houses. When the strict military regime weakened in the early 1980s, he was allowed to move and work freely again.

‍

Toys for his grandchildren

The intense period of fleeing and hiding had a major effect on Artigas. He was tired and wanted to spend time with his family. From that moment on, he only started making toys for and with his grandchildren Pedro and Manuela. Together, they built beautiful miniature boats and planes, their own musical instruments and drew colorful animals. Artigas had the same desire in its architecture and toys: to create a better world, a world of fun and color. An open world for everyone.