As you’ll know from the telly adverts, Red Bull gives you wings. In the sense of a big dose of stimulants, at least. The energy drink company is not content with perking people up through enhanced hydration alone, however, and has provided a major boost to culture in São Paulo by funding the creation of a new arts centre.
New centre, old building. This former Tramway, Light and Power Company property on downtown Bandeira Square was built in the 1920s, but had fallen into disrepair in recent years. The Red Bull Station Cultural Centre comes as part of a regeneration initiative in the district. French-Brazilian architecture firm Triptyque carefully restored and preserved the grand old façade, adding a few modern features such as the metal roof covering known as the “Leaf”. Inside has been remodelled to house the new arts facilities. Emphasis has been given to on-site creative productivity rather than merely providing a platform for artists to perform on, and there are recording studios and artist workshops as well as exhibition spaces. Stunning.
