Lessano Negussie, architecture student at Kassel University and Berlin native, spent some time working for Brazilian architects Barbosa+Corbucci in São Paulo and returned with an impressive collection of images. His photographs dive into the local spirit and set an open focus on Paulistanos and their interaction and relationship with their built environment. 

São Paulo, being home to more than 11 mio people and several œuvres of Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, Ruy Ohtake and the likes, functions as both home and hell to its inhabitants. Splendor and angst share the same space, just as light metal and massive concrete constructions do - and while it remains to be debated whether they actually coexist or just exist next to each other, it is definite that one cannot separate the people from the urban image of São Paulo.

On a finishing note: Lessano’s archive is endless and mind-blowing. And as each picture sheds light on a different facet of the city’s character, these 5 favorites of mine are but a mere glance at the whole picture.