Architecture and Dance are two disciplines where similarities in reference to 3d space and movement can be detected. Although, architecture poses material boundaries to human’s movement while Dance defines prototypes of movement using specific notation systems and interactions between bodies. Moreover, temporariness of dance movement is being contradicted to the static forms that usually Architecture proposes. On the other hand, during the last years Architecture, supported by computational technologies, more and more tends to redefine Movement’s contribution to design process as an effective parameter.
Architects: Elli Athanasiadou & Dimitra Gkougkoudi
University: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
In this frame, a study on choreography techniques and an analysis of human’s movement have been carried out, the results of which played a crucial role in the study of human’s interactive relation with his surroundings, whether interior or exterior built space. As a result, the initiative for the thesis project consists of the recording of multiple choreographed and improvised movements by a professional dancer. The investigation of the possible incorporation of innovative parameters in morphogenetic process, like the dancer’s movement, and a study on corporeal experience and optical perception of space can be recognized as the general aim of the current project.
The final proposal is a space devoted to movement [kinesis]. It is situated in the center of Athens, in a brownfield region which is considered an under development cultural axis. A kinesis hall is a space derived from movement and aiming to embrace it as well. User’s interaction with natural light and the combination of interior and exterior is intended as contemporary dance is considered as an activity to be exposed.
Elli Athanasiadou
Elli Athanasiadou and Dimitra Gkougkoudi met in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece while studying to obtain a five-year equivalent to Master’s professional diploma in Architecture. After their collaboration in several academic projects and their Master’s dissertations on digital materiality and on a comparison between architecture and dance notation systems, they carried out their Master’s thesis project together, in which they combined their love for architecture and contemporary dance. The main topic they researched was the spatial relation between body movement and built environment. An investigatory movement recording based on Motion Capture technology was the starting point for architectural experimentation through digital tools. While the morphogenetic procedure was mostly bottom-up, an important aim, which has been taken under consideration when designing, was the rethinking of performance stage typologies.
Elli is currently working as an intern in OODA studio in Portugal and Dimitra has just graduated and is going to pursue her career.
Dimitra Gkougkoudi
Elli Athanasiadou and Dimitra Gkougkoudi met in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece while studying to obtain a five-year equivalent to Master’s professional diploma in Architecture. After their collaboration in several academic projects and their Master’s dissertations on digital materiality and on a comparison between architecture and dance notation systems, they carried out their Master’s thesis project together, in which they combined their love for architecture and contemporary dance. The main topic they researched was the spatial relation between body movement and built environment. An investigatory movement recording based on Motion Capture technology was the starting point for architectural experimentation through digital tools. While the morphogenetic procedure was mostly bottom-up, an important aim, which has been taken under consideration when designing, was the rethinking of performance stage typologies.
Elli is currently working as an intern in OODA studio in Portugal and Dimitra has just graduated and is going to pursue her career.