A school encouraging the integration of communities through dance

The aim of Spike Island's Multi-Cultural Dance School is to encourage the integration of Bristol's cultural communities through dance. The programme of the school is to teach dances from all around the world as well as bring them together for social and dance events.

Having analysed Spike Island's long history in trading, it's impact on the island and city became evident. Spike Island's trading past shaped the economy, architecture and society of Bristol. As a result, Spike Island has a rich industrial character to it through its historical infrastructure. The design of the school reflects the island's history through its materiality. The stone, timber and steel used throughout the building are found in its immediate context. The design of the staircase and dance classes were also influenced by the old cranes found on site which were used for transporting goods in the past.

Sustainability was also an interest of mine in the project, therefore I found local and sustainable suppliers for the materials used in the building. The open plan design also supported its sustainable approach by reducing the amount of materials used; columns were strategically placed to reduce the number needed.

The location, materiality and design concept of the dance school stimulates a connection between the public, the dancers and the site. This enforces the desired outcome for the programme of the school.
My experimentation of public and private thresholds creates moments where dancers and public can communicate. The aim of this was to educate people and showcase dances from around the world to the rest of Bristol.