The Space
Scottish School of Contemporary Dance
Dundee, Scotland
Nicoll Russell Studios

Natural materials and overlapping spaces make this performing arts center open and welcoming

© Keith Hunter Photography

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

A compact arrangement of spaces resulted from site limitations and the client’s need for three dance studios, an auditorium, support accommodations, a public foyer, and a student "buzz" area.

The main performance space or auditorium was conceived as the heart of the building. Its distinctive triangular form resulted from studies to determine the optimum arrangement suitable for dance, a highly mobile and visually vibrant art form requiring three-dimensional presentation and viewing in the round.

The buzz area’s form and top-lit double volume promotes interaction and provides an informal area for spontaneous events or performances. This space overlaps visually with an enclosed court to the south, which can be used in the summer for outdoor classes.

The windowed dance studios are considered as "performance platforms." The flowing lines of the curvilinear roof reflect the expression of movement, evoking the outstretched arms of dancers.

The juxtaposition of a variety of overlapping spaces, different levels, open galleries, and glazed screens are intended to conjure up an open and welcoming sense of place. They create an awareness of the various activities and events that occur, both within the school and the public area. Natural materials, use of color, sense of scale, and attention to lighting and detail reinforce this friendly atmosphere.

Formal name of Project:
The Space Scottish School of Contemporary Dance

Location:
Dundee, Scotland

Gross square footage:
24,704 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$5.6 million

Owner:
Dundee College
Old Glamis Road
Dundee Scotland DD3 8LE
Tel: +44(0) 1382 834834
Fax: +44(0) 1382 858117
Email: enquiry@dundeecoll.ac.uk
www.dundeecollege.ac.uk
Contact: Sheila Allan, Director, The Space

Architect:
Nicoll Russell Studios
111 King Street
Broughty Ferry
Dundee Scotland DD5 1EL
Tel: +44(0) 1382 778966
Fax: +44(0) 1382 480100
Email: design@nrsarchitects.com
www.nrsarchitects.com