On Dancing with Architecture

Abstract

"I would like to - sometime - build a theater which has natural light..." Louis I. Kahn "Space and the Inspirations" 1967

Titled "On Dancing with Architecture" and in reference to Merce Cunningham's choreography, this thesis project is the notion of overlaying architecture as a third autonomous layer to the existing ones in the performance arts that are dancing and music. Since the project is equally concerned with the performers and the audience as well as with the general public, it shall contain a nonstandard performance stage for modern dance as well as general public space.

However, what does it mean to give shape to the notion of "Dancing with Architecture" in actual physicality? In order to investigate an appropriate answer to this problem, the project offers a unique opportunity of applying architecture's power of representation in rich analogies and metaphors. Therefore more than designing just a theater that serves for dance, this space shall be a place that, in its appearance as a whole and in detail, represents the tale of its initial challenge and investigation.

In addition, and as part of being a nonstandard stage for modern dance, the project shall critically review conventions in stage space and offers the opportunity to investigate it under a different scope, for instance through the question of how to increase the spectator's spatial experiences and interactivity with the performers, or through exploiting natural phenomena such as daylight, wind, water, landscape, time and gravity as stimulating factors to introduce new facilities in modern dance.