Dance Art Center

My aim was to create a structure that would embody the essence of dance. While there are many ways to incorporate dance into architecture, I drew inspiration from the birthplace of tango in Buenos Aires. The sharp, dramatic movements of tango guided my design choices, resulting in bold lines and expansive surfaces.

To meet the requirements of the local program, I included both indoor and outdoor auditoriums, dance studios, a choreographer's apartment, a café, a specialized store, a gym, and administrative offices. I also incorporated relaxation areas, a multipurpose hall, a space for exhibitions, and workshops to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the design.

The main black structure, which abstracts the male figure in dance, encompasses all internal functions, while the striking red structure, representing the female figure, brings life to the outdoor environment by serving as a sheltered space for the external dance floor. It also functions as a cover for the square in front of the internal auditorium.

The most important function of the design is the auditorium, located on the eastern side of the plan, facing a bustling street. It is connected to an outdoor square covered by a red roof, providing a dramatic entrance for visitors. The auditorium flows seamlessly into the reception and lobby area. From here, visitors can access the hall directly or take the stairs or elevator to the bar on the 2nd or intermediate floor. The 2nd floor also includes a balcony with elevated seating, offering a view of the lower-level hall.

Intermediate floor, which is open and provides another vantage point of the hall. Additionally, a ramp leads from the reception to the cafe, which can be opened to an adjacent outdoor square, doubling as a dance floor. The ramp continues to the reception for the dance school, providing easy access to visitors attending workshops or the multipurpose hall. The shoe and clothing store, which is accessible by ramp, is located behind the reception.

On the western side of the structure, the gym features a sauna, massages, and two rooms for group exercise. The entrance to the gym also leads to the administrative offices on the 2nd floor.

Overall, my design aims to create a dynamic and inspiring space that captures the spirit of tango while providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors.

The facade of the building features perforated panels that allow natural light to filter into the interior through small square-shaped openings. These panels create an interesting interplay of light and shadow within the building. Additionally, some of these panels can be opened if necessary. The vertical orientation of the panels was chosen to minimize the strong horizontal character of the building.