Located 115 kilometers from the capital, in the interior of São Paulo, Joanópolis has earned the nickname 'werewolf capital'. In addition to the mythical aspect, the city offers a tranquil environment, contrasting with the hustle and bustle of the São Paulo metropolis.
The local gastronomy features typical rural cuisine dishes, such as chicken with okra and tropeiro beans. Visitors can also taste artisanal cheeses, homemade sweets, jams, breads, and cachaças.
In terms of accommodation, Ponto de Luz is a notable place, established over thirty years ago, that attracts clients seeking spirituality, rituals, massages, waterfall baths, and ovo-lacto-vegetarian food.
Upon arriving in Joanópolis, one can see a statue of a werewolf over two meters high at the city entrance, signaling the relevance of the legend in the municipality. There are several other representations of this folklore figure, which has consolidated the informal title of 'capital' of the theme.
The city's history is intrinsically linked to the myth since its beginnings, as ancient inhabitants believed that Anselmo Caparica, one of the founders, was a werewolf. Suspicions arose due to his tall stature, the use of a cloak, and his nocturnal excursions through the city, related to his involvement with Freemasonry.
Although there is no concrete proof of the existence of werewolves in the city, the legend has been transformed into a marketing strategy and has become part of Joanópolis' cultural identity. Located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, the city is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility or wishing to connect with nature, as it is surrounded by waterfalls.
Cachoeira dos Pretos is the main water attraction, featuring a 154-meter drop, making it the second largest in the state of São Paulo. This location also hosts the source of the Piracicaba River. In addition to providing beautiful views, tourists can swim in the waterfall and practice boia cross. The area surrounding the waterfall has good infrastructure, including kiosks, restrooms, resting areas, and restaurants.
The Hospital del Mar is located at the southern end of the Mar Campus, bordered by the seaside promenade, the Ronda Litoral highway, railway lines, and the Barceloneta neighborhood.
The project faced several obstacles due to the complex nature of the terrain, which had only one access point, a water table situated eight meters deep, in addition to the fact that the hospital remained operational throughout the construction period.
Additionally, a tight schedule, with a delivery deadline reduced by six months after the project selection to receive funding from the Next Generation EU program, forced a complete restructuring of the construction system midway through the process.
This change involved replacing the traditional cast-in-place concrete structure with a prefabricated solution. The client's objective was to obtain a center capable of adapting to future health emergencies, resulting in a building that is flexible and evolutionary, able to keep pace with social changes and medical advancements.
