Project
The Studios of Romantic Ballet: Momentum and the Metronome of Pleasures

Nomination 
Best Project of Public Building or Facility 

About the project
These studios host the practice and performance of scenes from Akram Khan’s modern reinterpretation of the romantic ballet Giselle. The narrative draws heavily from the argument that the viewers’ and dancers’ experience of a modern ballet should be consistent with the choreographer’s vision of deconstruction and reinvention. The idea of movement as a pursuit of pleasure, from pedestrian activities to the ideal modern performance space, is challenged in this conception of romantic ballet. The journey starts as a sweeping transition from the gardens of the Natural History Museum, flowing into an intimate building with moving walls, floating studios and a suspended stage. The expression of romantic movement proceeds from the carefully careless layout to theatrical sublime experiences for educational and entertainment use. This is manifested chiefly in the design of adaptable spatial boundaries that strips away traditional ways of viewing a performance, enabling all to be a part of one.

Location
London, United Kingdom

Project created in
2020

More project images
https://www.nadamaktari.com/studios-of-romantic-ballet

Applicant and author of the project
Nada Maktari, recent graduate from the University of Westminster with a First Class Honours in BA Architecture and experience in working within architecture firms in London. Additionally, I was selected for the RIBA Clawsa Prize and received a Platinum Scholarship from the University of Westminster. Having come from a strong artistic and mathematical background, I look forward to continuing to produce work with contemporary approaches to designing extraordinary spaces for all.