Piqué Dance Center

(Phase 1, unbuilt)

San Francisco, California
5,570 sf

piqué (pee-kay) French, literal translation = 'pricked'.  In ballet it refers to a quick and precise rebounding of the toe from the floor.  Also a movement in which the dancer quickly steps out onto pointe or demi-pointe with a straight leg.

(pique (pēk) In English, pique can mean 'to stimulate (interest or curiosity)' as in, "you have piqued my curiosity about the man".)

Piqué is designed as a 5,570 sf dance facility in San Francisco's emerging west South of Market neighborhood.  The existing brick building is conceptually rehabilitated to contain a large dance studio for classes, rehearsals, show previews, and event rental; a smaller secondary studio for training principal dancers and teaching children; an art gallery in a circulation corridor; guest quarters for visiting choreographers and dancers; and support spaces including an office, lobby, meeting room, kitchen, storage, and dressing rooms.

Piqué is conceived as a home to San Francisco's Man Dance Company.  MDC encourages progressive and visionary dancers to find inspiration in the movement and technique of traditional ballet.  Giving a new life to this historic structure echoes the company's mission.  New elements are introduced for functional purposes while the texture and rich colors of the old materials are celebrated.

The studio is an inwardly-focused space, safe from the distractions of urban life.  Natural daylighting from above creates a bright atmosphere where dancers can explore and share their art.  In contrast, the zones around the studios are dimly lit, reminiscent of backstage/ side wing lighting.

The feature spiral stair at the entry is the only built element that formally evokes the movement of dance, specifically a ballerina's dynamic turn.  Throughout the rest of the building the simple geometry serves as a backdrop to the dancers themselves.