Dimitrih
Correa

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

Rio de Janeiro is my home, it is the place I was born and raised in and where I currently live. I work at my atelier in the city center.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Absolutely. I am a nature lover and being in Rio keeps this connection alive because the city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, mountains, beaches, waterfalls, forests. I often go to the beaches and the waterfalls to recharge my energy.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

Brazil in general has a lot of social issues, even though we are a huge and rich country with loads of natural resources, there is a social abyss that divides the population and poverty is still a serious problem.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

I think the last 5 years were a kind of reconstruction after the pandemic that has paralysed the whole country. So there are some improvements, but in general we have gotten a lot of setbacks.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

I could say some of my friends who are artists and designers are hidden gems of Rio. Their workshops are similar to mine, with a lot of creativity and expertise they create meaningful products and artcrafts. I could recommend the Casa na Árvore, Estúdio Simbiose, Studio Pedro Leal, Rodolfo Rascão and Pedro Sabão, just to name a few.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

I don’t think this is particularly innovative, but it’s definitely a great thing about Rio. We have a kind of easygoing spirituality, perhaps because of the weather or the proximity with the sea, but Cariocas (people born in Rio) are always trying to get the best even when the scenario is the worst ever.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I would recommend Bar do Joia as a very traditional experience. Located in the very heart of Rio, at the old city center it has a delicious “Feijoada” served only on Fridays, one of the most famous Brazilian dishes. It is open since 1909 and it is a very simple and humble place, but with delicious food and so full of meanings and histories.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

There are several, but I would recommend a beautiful local shop located in Paraty, called Refil. It has a selection of handmade and unique artworks and products by brazilian designers and craftsmen.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I could definitely live without apps and even a phone, but there are several of them that help me a lot, especially at work. I would say Instagram for connecting with different people around the world and showing my artworks. Notion is a powerful tool that I use to have a general vision about projects and tasks at the atelier and lastly I would say Notes because it is a kind of extension of my real notebook, where I can keep record of ideas, projects, concepts.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I generally keep up to date with different media from different countries, such as The New York Times, Le Monde and The Guardian, and I also read the biggest newspapers in Brazil, such as O Globo, Estadão and Folha de São Paulo. But I enjoy art and design magazines much more. Wallpaper, Sight Unseen, Leibal, The Design Edit, Elle Decoration, Casa Vogue, Casa e Jardim and IT HOME are some of them.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

I would try to bring more dignity to the poor and eradicate this social abyss we have. I have no doubts this big difference between rich and poor are the consequences of the serious problems we have. After this I would go for a total sustainable revolution, looking for higher recycling rates, ban of some plastics and other actions on this matter.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I would say a better Rio, without the social problems.