As I approached one of the most fascinating residential complexes I’ve had the chance to visit in Brazil, a new storefront caught my eye. It’s been over a decade since I began viewing that part of the city through an architectural lens, and COPAN—the iconic housing project by Oscar Niemeyer in São Paulo—is no stranger to significant cultural expressions.

The Megafauna Bookshop serves as a gateway, allowing visitors to transition from the urban streetscape to the building’s pilotis by meandering through its bookshelves. Upon entering, the main wall near the entrance proudly displays an extensive collection of books focused on race and gender. To the left, where a broad corridor unfolds, a table is adorned with an eclectic assortment of novels, fiction, cookbooks, and more.

As you reach the final bookshelf, a biography of Lina Bo Bardi hints at the careful selection of architecture books, predominantly highlighting São Paulo’s expressive architectural scene, featuring works such as Casa Butantã – Paulo Mendes da Rocha by Catherine Otondo; Lina Bo Bardi – Habitat by Julieta González and Tomás Toledo; Parques Urbanos de Sao Paulo by Thyago Nogueira.

Adjacent to this last shelf is a glass door leading to the acclaimed restaurant, Cuia. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing mate, a sandwich, Brazilian couscous, or one of the many other creations crafted by chef Bel Coelho.