Power play: Red Bull’s new copper-clad Berlin recording studio

Red Bull unveils the latest addition to its network of state-of-the-art recording studios with a copper-clad design built inside a former power station

Red Bull has unveiled the latest addition to its network of 12 state-of-the-art recording studios, with a copper-clad design built inside a 1920s Berlin power station
Red Bull has unveiled the latest addition to its network of 12 state-of-the-art recording studios, with a copper-clad design built inside a 1920s Berlin power station
(Image credit: Jan Bitter)
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Wrapped in over a kilometre of undulating copper bands that mimic the natural flow of sound and music, a new music hub in Berlin is the twelfth addition to Red Bull's international network of state-of-the-art studios, offering a creative space for established and grass roots artists.

Designed by Los Angeles-based studio Optimist Design – who are made up of architects, interior and spatial designers with digital experience – the new theatrical studio space is located inside a former 1920s power station.

'Red Bull's revitalisation of the power station is a perfect metaphor for the resurgence of Berlin as a capital of ideas,' says Michael Brown of Berlin-based Optimist Design. 'The city's unused former industrial spaces, rendered obsolete by shifts in technology, provide a post-industrial canvas for the creative exploration of music, art and culture.'

In order to retain the industrial feel of the space, Optimist created a series of sculptural copper-clad rooms within the power station's existing walls. Chosen to echo the aesthetic of the existing space, the copper cladding sits in contrast to the dark graphite that is used throughout the rest of the interior. A winding staircase that runs through the centre of the space leads up to a mezzanine lounge perched on top of the recording rooms. From here, a series of spaces for group meetings or individual practise overlook the recording areas.

Acoustics experts Erik Breuer and Imar Sanmarti advised Optimist on which absorption materials, surface and diffusion areas would support the perfect sound platform.

'The design was shaped by acoustics,' explains Tino Schaedler, founder of Optimist Design, who created film-based, 3D drawings of the space to create a virtual journey before the build started. 'This was then broken down into prismatic surfaces to ensure perfect sound for the recording and mixing space.

'Ultimately, the music is about creation, but at the same time it is also about communication and the experience involved in the process. The space is a platform to foster creativity, add spirit and make people feel comfortable.'

Wrapped in over a kilometre of undulating copper bands that mimic the natural flow of sound and music, the studio offers a creative space for Berlin's established and grass roots artists

Wrapped in over a kilometre of undulating copper bands that mimic the natural flow of sound and music, the studio offers a creative space for Berlin's established and grass roots artists

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

Designed by Los Angeles-based studio Optimist Design – who are made up of architects, interior and spatial designers with digital experience – the copper-clad studio was chosen to echo the industrial aesthetic of the existing space

Designed by Los Angeles-based studio Optimist Design – who are made up of architects, interior and spatial designers with digital experience – the copper-clad studio was chosen to echo the industrial aesthetic of the existing space

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

A winding staircase runs through the centre of the space, leading up to a mezzanine lounge perched on top of the recording rooms

A winding staircase runs through the centre of the space, leading up to a mezzanine lounge perched on top of the recording rooms

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

The interior is painted in a dark graphite colour that creates a quietly austere backdrop

The interior is painted in a dark graphite colour that creates a quietly austere backdrop

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

Acoustics experts Erik Breuer and Imar Sanmarti advised Optimist on which absorption materials, surface and diffusion areas would support the perfect sound platform

Acoustics experts Erik Breuer and Imar Sanmarti advised Optimist on which absorption materials, surface and diffusion areas would support the perfect sound platform

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

'Red Bull's revitalisation of the power station is a perfect metaphor for the resurgence of Berlin as a capital of ideas,' says Michael Brown of Berlin-based studio NAU, who collaborated locally with Optimist Design

'Red Bull's revitalisation of the power station is a perfect metaphor for the resurgence of Berlin as a capital of ideas,' says Michael Brown of Berlin-based studio NAU, who collaborated locally with Optimist Design

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

'There is an interesting connection between the surrounding social spaces and the recording areas,' explains Tino Schaedler, founder of Optimist Design

'There is an interesting connection between the surrounding social spaces and the recording areas,' explains Tino Schaedler, founder of Optimist Design. 'We wanted to create views into the recording and control room from the shared spaces so people can watch and take photos of what is happening inside. We crafted a "hang out" lounge on the upper level that has a beautiful view from above into the recording space'

(Image credit: Jan Bitter)

INFORMATION

For more information visit Red Bull Studio’s website

Photography: Jan Bitter

Ali Morris

Ali Morris is a UK-based editor, writer and creative consultant specialising in design, interiors and architecture. In her 16 years as a design writer, Ali has travelled the world, crafting articles about creative projects, products, places and people for titles such as Dezeen, Wallpaper* and Kinfolk.

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