Architect Rodra Cunha in the “Fantasia à Mesa” setting, inspired by French Rococo and Sofia Coppola’s film “Marie Antoinette.” Photo: André Nicolau

In his second appearance at the show, architect Rodra Cunha reinterprets French rococo in a 45-square-meter setting at Parque da Água Branca, through Aug. 9

SÃO PAULO – Architect Rodra Cunha, head of the Rodra Architecture studio, is debuting “Fantasia à Mesa” at this edition of CASACOR São Paulo, a 45-square-meter dining room inspired by the aesthetic of Marie Antoinette’s court and Sofia Coppola’s film about the French queen. The exhibition occupies Parque da Água Branca, in the western zone of São Paulo, from June 2 to Aug. 9, marking the designer’s second participation in the country’s largest architecture and decor showcase.

Built around the edition’s overall theme, “Mind and Heart,” the project translates elements of 18th-century French rococo into a contemporary language, without resorting to a literal citation of the style. Boiseries, ceiling ornaments, and a glass chandelier make up the decorative repertoire, alongside a rug custom-developed by the brand by Kamy, referencing the Aubusson model, a tradition in French royal palaces since the 16th century.

Overview of the “Fantasia à Mesa” dining room, featuring an ornate ceiling and a large-scale artwork that enhances the Rococo atmosphere of the space. Photo: MCA Estúdio

Cunha says the dining room should be understood as a space for gathering, not merely for practical function. “The dining room is a place of exchange and presence. A space where thought slows down and affection takes shape,” the architect said of the concept guiding the room.

Originally from Rio Grande do Norte, the designer incorporated references to his home region into the project through hand-drawn illustrations and discreet decorative elements. According to the studio, the intent is to establish a counterpoint between the French imagery that structures the space and the Northeastern Brazilian sensibility that runs through the architect’s career.

Concept And References

Developed under CASACOR’s general curation, the room draws on a personal reading of the visual universe of “Marie Antoinette,” the 2006 film directed by Sofia Coppola. Rather than literally reproducing the historical period, Cunha’s approach favors a playful transposition of rococo, using colors, textures, and furniture designed by the architect himself.

Central to the project, the dining table serves as the organizing axis of the space. Designed by Cunha, the piece carries more than a utilitarian function: according to the studio, it is treated as an architectural gesture that structures circulation and defines the room’s character.

Natural light from a large window reveals a second, more secluded area of the project, where classically inspired armchairs share space with contemporary pieces. That transition aims to bring together two distinct moments within the same room, one centered on gathering around the table, the other more intimate and restful.

A dining table designed by Rodra Cunha, the centerpiece that defines the flow of the space, beneath a glass chandelier and next to a work inspired by Marie Antoinette. Photo: MCA Estúdio

Ornamental treatment on the ceiling reinterprets classic French motifs, while boiseries applied to doors and baseboards reinforce the project’s cohesion. A glass chandelier positioned above the table completes the decorative ensemble, in direct dialogue with the contemporary reinterpretation of the historical period that inspires the room.

Art Curation And Partnerships

To furnish the room, the project includes art curation by Antiquário Por Luís, Azol Art, Dagmar Saboya Escritório de Arte, and Marília Bulhões Art, along with FastFrame, responsible for framing. According to RODRAARQ, the selection aims to expand the sensory character of the space.

For woodworking, Ama Marcenaria and Duratex took part in the project, while engineering was handled by Al Engenharia. Lighting was designed by Bella Iluminação, with building automation carried out by Ponto On Automação.

Among the finishing suppliers, Bernardino Gesso handled the ceiling’s plasterwork, and Marmoraria Multiformas produced the room’s marble elements. Coral supplied the paint used in the project, and Branco Casa provided the fabrics and wallpaper.

Furniture-wise, Dpot’s pieces complement those designed by the architect himself, while MG Box Esquadrias handled the room’s window and door frames. Brastemp supplied the integrated appliances, and Quickstep is responsible for the dining room’s flooring.

Rounding out the list of partners, Uniflex supplied the curtains, and Neon 3 Estações designed the neon decor featured in the space. SABESP and PORTO SERVIÇO also appear among the suppliers listed by the studio.

The Architect´s Career

Based in Rio Grande do Norte, RODRAARQ had previously taken part in CASACOR São Paulo, but this edition marks the studio’s first project that Cunha himself describes as a departure from his comfort zone. Known for a body of work that blends aesthetic boldness with attention to artisanal detail, Cunha retains recurring references to Brazil’s Northeast in the new room, even if expressed subtly.

A closer look at the art curation for the space, which features works from various partner galleries and studios. Photo: MCA Estúdio

Unlike the minimalist proposals common in previous editions of the show, “Fantasia à Mesa” embraces decorative layering and a denser ornamental repertoire. For the studio, that choice reflects a broader shift in the industry, a return to decorative elements after years dominated by cleaner, more functional lines.

View of the “Fantasia à Mesa” dining room, featuring the painting “We Want Brioches” by Mocó and the sideboard with neon decor by Neon 3 Estações. Photo: MCA Estúdio

Overall, 26 suppliers are listed in the project’s technical sheet, released by CASACOR São Paulo’s organizers. The list brings together companies from different segments, from engineering to art curation, illustrating the scale of production required to assemble a complete room within the show.

About CASACOR SÃO PAULO 2026

Recognized as one of the country’s leading architecture, interior design, and landscaping exhibitions, CASACOR travels annually to different Brazilian capitals, with the São Paulo edition among the most traditional on the calendar. This season, the event occupies Parque da Água Branca, on Rua Dona Ana Pimentel, bringing together rooms designed by architects and designers from different regions of the country.

Organized around the theme “Mind and Heart,” the edition proposes a reflection on the relationship between rationality and emotion in the design of spaces. Each invited architect develops an original room based on that premise, resulting in distinct interpretations within a single show.

Open to the public from June 2 to Aug. 9, the exhibition features dozens of rooms, including living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, outdoor areas, and shared spaces such as libraries and wine cellars.