Edificio Luciano Costa (Luciano Costa Building), Recife

The Edifício Luciano Costa is known for the visible transformation of its exterior over time, reflecting changing architectural ideas during the 20th century. The original structure, built in the 1910s, followed an eclectic style, with decorative elements and a more traditional façade. In 1959, architect Delfim Amorim introduced a modern intervention that altered the building’s appearance without removing its earlier structure. This approach created a layered design, where different periods of construction coexisted within a single building.

The most distinctive feature of this intervention was a cobogó screen added across the façade, known as the “Véu de Noiva” (Bride’s Veil). It filtered sunlight and improved ventilation while covering the original eclectic front. The building was used mainly for commercial and administrative functions, with interior spaces adapted into open-plan offices.

In recent years, the cobogó layer was removed as part of a restoration process carried out under the supervision of IPHAN. This decision revealed the original façade and details hidden for decades. It also sparked debate about preservation and how to treat different historical layers. Today, the building shows both its original design and later changes.