The Espaço Cultural Porto Seguro, a new centre for the arts designed by Brazilian firm São Paulo Arquitetura which is headed by architects Miguel Muralha and Yuri Vital, was envisioned as a key hub to provide the inhabitants of Campos Elíseos with a much-needed centre dedicated to culture and creativity.
The project is located in the Paulista area of the Brazilian metropolis. Situated in the city centre, this lively district is home to the headquarters of the Sao Paulo government and the busy train stations of Júlio Prestes and Luz, however it has, in recent years, seen a rise in social problems. The new centre was built to encourage urban rejuvenation, hoping to bring a flood of creative opportunities to the area through a variety of events, from festivals to exhibitions, symposiums and parties.
The centre's striking concrete volume is divided into five defined areas; administration, museology, classrooms, bathrooms and a series exhibition spaces, all of which were designed with flexibility of use in mind. Access to the back half of the building is provided through a ramp, placed in a gap that slices the building in two. A ‘second skin’ made out of timber is used in parts of the facade to bring in natural light and ventilation where neded.
The angular building also comes equipped with outdoor space in the form of a 'cultural square'. This helps the centre ‘exceed the physical limit of the building and create alternative exhibition spaces outdoors.’ The square will also host facilities such as a gift shop and restaurant, ensuring that the Espaço Cultural Porto Seguro and its locale quickly become a hotspot for locals and visitors who want to sample the area's cultural happenings.
The centre was built to encourage urban rejuvenation of this part of Sao Paulo, inviting creative opportunities to the area
The concrete building is separated into 5 areas; administration, museology, classrooms, bathrooms and a series exhibition spaces
Access to the back half of the centre is provided via a ramp, which sits within a central gap in the building
The galleries feature a number of ’folds’, which guide access to the rooms and also ensure a good interior acoustic
All Espaço Cultural Porto Seguro interiors were designed with flexibility in mind, as the space will be used to host from festivals to exhibitions, symposiums, and parties
INFORMATION
For more information on the Espaço Cultural Porto Seguro, visit the website
ADDRESS
Alameda Barão de Piracicaba
610 - Campos Elíseos
São Paulo
Brazil
-
Aesthetics and acoustics come together in the Braque speakers from Nocs DesignThe Braque speakers bring the art of noise, sitting atop a brushed steel cube that wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary gallery
-
Inside the seductive and mischievous relationship between Paul Thek and Peter HujarUntil now, little has been known about the deep friendship between artist Thek and photographer Hujar, something set to change with the release of their previously unpublished letters and photographs
-
In addition to brutalist buildings, Alison Smithson designed some of the most creative Christmas cards we've seenThe architect’s collection of season’s greetings is on show at the Roca London Gallery, just in time for the holidays
-
A spectacular new Brazilian house in Triângulo Mineiro revels in the luxury of spaceCasa Muxarabi takes its name from the lattice walls that create ever-changing patterns of light across its generously scaled interiors
-
An exclusive look at Francis Kéré’s new library in Rio de Janeiro, the architect’s first project in South AmericaBiblioteca dos Saberes (The House of Wisdom) by Kéré Architecture is inspired by the 'tree of knowledge', and acts as a meeting point for different communities
-
A Brasília apartment harnesses the power of optical illusionCoDa Arquitetura’s Moiré apartment in the Brazilian capital uses smart materials to create visual contrast and an artful welcome
-
Inspired by farmhouses, a Cunha residence unites cosy charm with contemporary Brazilian livingWhen designing this home in Cunha, upstate São Paulo, architect Roberto Brotero wanted the structure to become 'part of the mountains, without disappearing into them'
-
Arts institution Pivô breathes new life into neglected Lina Bo Bardi building in BahiaNon-profit cultural institution Pivô is reactivating a Lina Bo Bardi landmark in Salvador da Bahia in a bid to foster artistic dialogue and community engagement
-
Tropical gardens envelop this contemporary Brazilian home in São Paulo stateIn the suburbs of Itupeva, Serena House by architects Padovani acts as a countryside refuge from the rush of city living
-
Itapororoca House blends seamlessly with Brazil’s lush coastal landscapeDesigned by Bloco Arquitetos, Itapororoca House is a treetop residence in Bahia, Brazil, offering a large wrap-around veranda to invite nature in
-
A postmodernist home reborn: we tour the British embassy in BrazilWe tour the British Embassy in Brazil after its thorough renovation by Hersen Mendes Arquitetura, which breathes new life into a postmodernist structure within the country's famous modernist capital
