Designed for AI. Built for impact. How Hyphen helped shape one of the world’s most ambitious data centre ecosystems.
Hyphen led the concept design and master plan for Rio AI City, one of the world’s most ambitious data centre ecosystems, now under development in Rio de Janeiro.
A landmark initiative by Elea Data Centers, Rio AI City is designed to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing in Latin America and beyond. With the potential to reach up to 3.2 GW of energy capacity, powered entirely by certified renewable sources, this new digital city is already being recognised as a catalyst for technological transformation in the region.
But for us, this project has always been about more than just scale.
From the outset, Hyphen was invited to help shape a vision that could balance energy, infrastructure, and ambition, all while integrating with Rio’s broader urban revitalisation. We worked closely with Elea to define the project’s potential, align its strategic priorities, and lay the architectural foundations for what will become a multi-functional, future-ready ecosystem.
“Designing for this scale of digital infrastructure required not just architectural thinking, but long-term strategic thinking. It’s about placing human needs and system performance side by side.”
Matias Menichetti, Director at Hyphen in Chile
More than a data centre project
Located in Rio’s Olympic Park, Rio AI City is strategically connected to key submarine cable hubs, airports, and energy infrastructure. The masterplan includes:
- A city-scale network of data centres powered by renewable energy
- Integration with Mata Maravilha, a major urban regeneration initiative
- Public and green spaces designed to attract tech talent and foster community
- A long-term vision aligned with Rio’s role as a digital and innovation hub
Hyphen’s role went beyond the visual design. We combined strategic thinking, technical insight and close collaboration with stakeholders to shape a direction that evolves with growth, complexity and the pace of the digital world.
A shared mindset
This project reflects the best of how we work at Hyphen, in close collaboration with clients who are bold enough to think differently, and open enough to build together. Our role as architectural advisors is not just to design, but to guide, to challenge, and to make sure the vision holds together from concept to construction.
We’re proud to be in-synch partners with Elea on this landmark project.
From vision to reality
As the first phase of construction progresses, Rio AI City stands as a powerful example of what happens when infrastructure, design and purpose come together.
This is just the beginning.
Explore more of our work in digital infrastructure
Discover how Hyphen supports global clients in designing and delivering resilient, high-performance data centre environments.
