DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Alice Chirculescu>

Abstract

The Flamenco dance is an intricate blend of elegant, flowing movement and staccato rhythmic motives. This is the concept that is abstractly represented by my design for a Flamenco Dance Centre in the heart of Madrid. The rhythmic displacement of the timber batten cladding enriches the Centre with gradual flowing curves. This design feature allows for a delicate manipulation of light and shade within the building, creating mesmerising patterns to inspire the dancers. Nestled within the eastern facade of Madrid’s well-known Plaza Mayor, this centre for dance provides a cultural hub for the historical square. The design espouses two complementary uses for the building, seamlessly intertwined. During the day it is a specialised museum of Spanish dance, while at night the exhibition spaces become a backdrop for passionate Flamenco dance classes. The presence of sliding mirrored built-ins make this transition possible as they hide the museum after sunset. The building also features a small theatre where performances can be enjoyed. This flows into a ‘Sunrise’ cocktail bar with sweeping views over Madrid. The café downstairs is there for those wishing to absorb the atmosphere of the Plaza, with animated shade and a sense of enclosure provided by the cantilevering shade structure. This design is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional stone collonade that wraps the square. The structure is mechanised so that it can be closed, creating a unique facade and transition space in the evenings. The new timber ‘arch’ and ephermal qualities of glass are used to reflect the buildings rich context. The atrium to the south draws in natural sunlight through the flowing rhythmic cladding while providing legibility to all floors. The roof terrace enjoys maximized north light and a magnificent view of the plaza, the shade evoking the unravelling loose threads of a Flamenco dress. The building intends to provide a vibrant, inspiring cultural hub that promotes Madrid’s rich identity and contributes to the city’s bustling ‘night’ lifestyle.