INABA architects: red bull music academy in new york

INABA architects: red bull music academy in new yorkall images courtesy of INABA

architect jeffrey inaba was enlisted by red bull music academy to transform a vacant building in new york city’s chelsea neighborhood into a vibrant, stimulating place of collaboration, learning, and experimentation. all spaces of the multi-level design encourage up-close personal interaction rather than the formality of lecture halls, with the aim of creating an experience for red bull music academy participants that is distinct to new york, while clearly making a statement differentiating it from stores, galleries, and cafés in the area.

when viewed from street level, the main level allows passersby an unrestricted view into the activities that take place inside through innovative wall placement. guests can get a glimpse of people gathered to exchange ideas, perform, or broadcast from red bull radio station. the main level has a continual mix of uses as a reception space, private workshop venue and music production location. in an interior that is used at all hours in a variety of capacities, the wide range of lighting moods plays a key role.

entryway and reception

some areas take advantage of the generous daylight from floor to ceiling north facing windows, while lighting for others is created by customizing the space and the fixtures that go in it. the lecture hall is intended to have dramatic impact and employs three different lighting arrangements to create a theatrical effect. the capsule-shaped cellar lounge, intended for intimate performances, is lower and height and has a softer, diffused light quality, achieved through scattering led bulbs spread out over the entire ceiling. the upper floor bedroom studios provide an intimate setting to create and utilize the resources of the red bull music academy, while still remaining open and encouraging collaboration.

main level lounge 

detail: reception 

main level lecture hall

cellar lounge 

detail: cellar lounge

bedroom studio

bedroom studio 

detail: cellar lounge

detail: cellar lounge

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