“Avenida Central” Building – Pioneer Design and Construction with Reference to the Use of Steel Structures in Rio de Janeiro/RJ

Abstract

The first Brazilian capital was Salvador/BA, between 1549 and 1763. Then, the city of Rio de Janeiro/RJ was the second capital of Brazil, from 1763 to 1960. Until 1763, Salvador/BA was considered a more modern and equipped city. However, based on the discovery of gold in the region of Minas Gerais/MG, and the consequent risk of smuggling, it was necessary to transfer the main headquarters of the country to a city closer to the region of the mines [1]. In this sense, between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, the city of Rio de Janeiro/RJ becomes the main link between Minas Gerais and Europe. Subsequently, with the reduction of the production of precious metals, the city went through hegemonies and economic crises, during the following two centuries, due to a series of changes in the economy, which became supported mainly by the agricultural production of sugar cane and coffee. [2].