Fab 40: Bar Volt

When the city of Sao Paulo prohibited any outdoor advertising in January 2007, bar impresario Facundo Guerra sensed an opportunity, and decided to save all the neon lights existing on the facades of shops and bars in Rio Augusta. Two and a half years later with the collaboration of visual artist Kleber Matheus and architect Eduardo Chalabi, they have opened Bar Volt, decorated with all salvaged neon, set in new premises designed by Matheus.
Located in an old 400 square metre warehouse with its original wooden ceiling, old and new lights designed by Matheus hang together with a mirrored wall, a patio with a vertical garden, and Eames wooden chairs. All the lights are for sale and will be changed periodically according to different themes. The result is a vibrant space full of light and energy, well complemented by Volt’s cocktails, food, music and the very beautiful Paulista clientele.
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Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
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