guto requena transforms industrial space into interactive dance club in brazil

guto requena transforms industrial space into interactive dance club in brazil
(above) an interactive LED cage responds to several sensors placed around the space
all images courtesy of estudio guto requena

located in vila nova leopoldina and designed by estudio guto requena, ‘the year’ is a club that complements the urban transformation of the sao paulo industrial zone, an area used recently for film productions and the creative industry. the club has two dance floors with an area for shows, three bars, a VIP area, dressing room, restrooms, kitchen, manager office, and cashiers that control entries and exits.

the interactive light system enhances the clubbing experience
video courtesy of estudio guto requena

an organic geometric pattern, referencing cells found in nature and created with a parametric design process, was used for the details of the hallway and ceilings. laser cut into wooden plates, the recurring pattern is a digital aesthetic that appears in different areas, bringing a strong identity to the club. the inner dance floor has an interactive LED cage that responds to different sensors installed in the space. above this area, a sensor is affected by the temperature and the movement of the people dancing below, transforming this information into lighting effects. the result is a dance floor that reacts to the guest’s stimulation, working as an extension of their bodies.

an industrial space turned dance club, with its hangar reimagined as an interactive light installation

the DJ area can be transformed into a stage. the general space is also flexible, allowing for it to be rearranged according to the necessities and the mood of the night. two bars are located in this area, besides a staircase that leads to the upper floor, which hosts the VIP area and a dressing room. the outside terrace has a retractable roof, an open sky back patio with green areas and gardens, ideal for small shows, sunset parties, and drinks.

the DJ can control the light effects with his own dance motions, through a body sensor

above the dance floor, another sensor is responding to temperature and movement of the dancing below

an organic geometric pattern was used for the details of the hallway and ceilings 

the recurring pattern is a digital aesthetic that appears in different places and brings a strong identity to the club

restrooms 

the terrace has a retractable roof

cage in red light 

cage in blue light

dance floor 

dance floor

project credits:

‘the year’ by estudio guto requena
creative direction and coordination: guto requena
design team: lucas ciciliato and paulo de camargo
photography and video: fran parente
video edition: júlia massamy mori
video soundtrack: ‘touch you gently’ by art department

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom