Dance Space, Dundee, East Scotland

Dundee College 2002-03 Architects: Nicoll Russell Studios Photographs: Keith Hunter Photography images © keith hunter from Nicoll Russell Studios The Space Theatre & Dance Facility Dundee College, Scotland The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance, or The Space as it is better known, was the first of three Scottish Arts Council funded projects which the practice won in the late 1990's. They were each a continuation of the themes explored by Dundee Rep which collectively contributed to the blossoming of Scotland's arts scene at that time. The Space Dundee photos from Nicoll Russell Studios They all sought to be a shop window for the arts and to inspire, but The Space lifts those themes virtually to an obsession, where each stair, corridor or landing is considered as an opportunity to catalyze the artistic use of that area and to make the visitor 'jump for joy'. Architecturally the auditorium is revealed as a blue black concrete core at the heart of the building around which is wrapped a 'thin gauze' dividing it from a street linking separate administration, and rehearsal buildings. Three dance studios sit on a podium of support accommodation overlooking parkland to the west with a wave like roof floating overhead. The lecturers and students of Dundee College's new School have enthusiastically embraced The Space as their home and have used virtually every space from the shower rooms to the brise soleil for promenade performances. It has become an extremely popular multiuse venue and a flagship for the College which has attracted students from near and afar. The Space Dundee images / information from Nicoll Russell Studios Background Dundee College wished to build on the successful establishment of foundation training in Theatre Arts & Contemporary Dance by developing both its training opportunities and its work in the broader Arts Community. The various dance and theatre arts classes were dispersed throughout Dundee College's various buildings and even outwith with College. The Space Dundee photos from Nicoll Russell Studios