The group of buildings belonging to the Central Mills of Piracicaba represent an important landmark for the town. One of the oldest and most beautiful warehouses of the complex was chosen to house the Piracicaba Theatre.
The design pervades the building, transforming voids into entrance hall, auditorium, stage, backstage areas, an acoustically equipped rehearsal room, technical support areas and a restaurant – everything needed for a wholly functioning theatre.
With a double-sided stage, which opens to the central patio, the theatre provides an important facility for open air events and festivals, being a contemporary multipurpose theatre impregnated with history.
The old warehouse was formerly used as a barrels store and an alcohol distillery and is now protected by the Brazilian heritage institute. The memory of its use can be found in the construction materials and in its industrial dimensions, such as the ceiling height and the large central span.
Previously a place of work, it was transformed into a factory of entertainment, creation, celebration and conviviality, without hiding its past.
Project Details:
Location: Engenho Central (Central Mill), Piracicaba, Brazil
Type: Cultural – Public
Area: 2850 m²
Architects: Brasil Arquitetura – Francisco Fanucci and Marcelo Ferraz
Architecture Team: Anne Dieterich, Anselmo Turazzi, Beatriz Marques, Cícero Ferraz Cruz, Fabiana Fernandes Paiva, Felipe Zene, Gabriel Mendonça, Kristine Stiphany, Luciana Dornellas, Pedro Del Guerra, Rebeca Grinspum, Victor Gurgel, Vinícius Spira.
Photographs: Nelson Kon
