North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The project design develops two new dance rehearsal studios for North Carolina School of the Arts. Keeping within the parameters of a challenging budget, this infill project creates a new identity for the dance department that lacked a physical presence on the campus in an area without any distinct architectural character.

The site fronts onto an existing pedestrian street used by students and faculty as they interact with rehearsal, office and classroom areas. The project site also fronts onto the west campus service drive one story below. The original arts school, a three-story historic structure forms one edge of the project site. A modern three-story ÒLÓ shaped building with exterior corridor access forms the remaining site edge. Thus, the site is located in the void between these two campus buildings.

The restricted site area required that the two 1,000 square foot rehearsal areas be located on two levels. The new studios are accessible from adjacent dance rehearsal and faculty areas located at both levels.

The design for the dance studios was derived from the stepped character of the site. Interior features enhance the experience of dance education by developing a primary rehearsal space that is edged by retreat window alcoves where dance students are able to relax, stretch and interact. The window design allows for requested privacy as well as to emit a diffused natural light. The sculptural exterior design reflected in brick and aluminum emphasizes the contrast of the dance studios and retreat areas. Thus, a new public image was created for the dance department that before existed in anonymous rehearsal spaces.

The design seeks to accentuate ordinary code required elements. The west campus service drive elevation is characterized by the expression of the egress stair and is contrasted against the metal skin exterior. A code required firewall necessitated the careful location and size of all window areas. The firewall was designed as a sharp angular object complimenting the retreat and stair elements rather than lost to the interior.

The project is constructed using structural steel, 6Ó light gauge framing and a combination of brick veneer and aluminum metal panels. The brick veneer is an indigenous brick from the Winston-Salem region.

AIA Award Winner - 2006