MAD Architecture Firm has unveiled its “Dance House” project in Rotterdam. This marks MAD’s second cultural endeavor in Rotterdam following the Fenix Immigration Museum, and their seventh project across Europe to be publicly announced.
Rotterdam boasts a rich dance heritage. It is home to Codarts, the oldest professional dance school in the Netherlands, and the birthplace of HipPopHuis, the world’s first hip-hop cultural community.
The “Dance House” is located on the Katendrecht Peninsula, historically a major gateway for migration in Europe. After a decline in the 1980s, the area was revitalized in 2007 with a government-led initiative to transform it into a vibrant district blending creativity, dining, culture, and art.
The Droom en Daad Foundation, co-owner of both the “Dance House” and the adjacent Fenix Immigration Art Museum, aims to strengthen Rotterdam’s cultural connections through these projects.
MAD’s design honors the region’s architectural heritage by preserving the original warehouse structure, a symbol of the city’s history. A minimalist white exterior refreshes the urban facade, creating a dialogue between old and new that continues seamlessly.
Dance is an art of movement and flow. This project aims to embody Rotterdam’s spirit of freedom and multicultural openness by making only minimal alterations to the existing building. The Dance House will be closely connected to the Fenix Immigration Museum, symbolizing a shared vision for the future in this historic port city.
The second-floor terrace features an art installation: a yellow seagull sculpture symbolizing the history of port immigration. The seagulls appear to float alongside the silver spiral staircase of the Fenix Immigration Museum, expressing themes of “flow” and “diversity.”
On the top floor, MAD has designed an open-air theater facing the Meuse River. At night, red neon lights along the river illuminate the stage where dancers perform against the dynamic backdrop of the flowing river, creating a striking contemporary scene.
Dance Home will feature state-of-the-art dance studios, performance theaters, and exhibition spaces. It is designed as a lively cultural hub celebrating freedom and diversity, welcoming performers and audiences from both the local community and around the world.
The Dance House is currently in the design phase, while the nearby Fenix Immigration Art Museum is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Project Drawings
△ Location Analysis Chart
Project Information
Project Name: Dance Home
Project Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Design Team: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano, Andrea D’Antarasi, Alessandro Fisali, Paolo Pirri
Owner: Droom en Daad Foundation, Netherlands
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