Jurcă Ștefan, k. Hadil
07/2021 – Studio Prof. Dietrich Fink (TUM)
The new Tanzhaus Berlin (Dance Center Berlin) focuses on creating spaces for dancing in the German capital. Key ideas include a semi-public dance hall with an amphitheater-like stage and private dance studios on the upper floor, with secondary functions within cylindrical concrete structural elements.
The Dance Center is located in the Kulturforum district of Berlin, positioned along its northern boundary next to Tiergarten park. The area is characterized by a collection of singular, imposing buildings of architectural significance, spanning various historical periods. As such, it is less the surrounding buildings that have influenced the architecture of the Dance Center, but rather the various urban perspectives that have defined the building’s freeform shape and volumetric presence. We propose a unique and engaging structure that adds to the rich tapestry of the Kulturforum district.
Throughout the development of the project, two key ideas were specifically relevant:
- The main dance space is a semi-public dance hall accessible from street level. Similar to an amphitheater, the main stage area is situated lower. Less public functions of the dance center are situated in the upper floor, offering a view to the main stage below through a central skylight
- Secondary functions of both levels, such as the vertical connection or service areas, are situated in enclosed volumes, thoughtfully placed in the topographical landscape around the main stage area
The design of the Dance Center incorporates a thoughtful approach to spatial organization that is sensitive to the needs of both public and private functions. The street level of the building creates an inviting and dynamic entrance that welcomes visitors into the dance center, while also offering space for public or semi-public performances and gatherings, as well as distribution to the rest of the building. The upper floor is meant for more private functions, including dance studios, a library, smaller dance halls and administration offices. Structural vertical elements house all o f the building’s secondary functions, including vertical distribution, wet rooms and storage, creating a compact and efficient design that maximizes the use of available space.
In order to have the large dance spaces free from any internal structural impediments, as well as to keep a sense of visual continuity and the simple architectural concept, a 1.2 m high concrete substructure was added into the two massive building ceilings, as represented in the physical model.
