Ballet Memphis, the headquarters of Memphis’ nationally recognized resident ballet company, is sandwiched between a commercial suburban strip development and an industrial district. The design for this 21,000 square foot rehearsal/production/education center for injects unexpected energy into a context largely devoid of distinctive images, incorporating elements of both industrial and commercial vernacular. The exterior, with its tightly stretched skin of aluminum and gray glass curtain wall, steel trusses, and concrete columns, is compatible with a nearby concrete plant. The roof and exterior skin both curve gracefully to suggest the movement of ballet. The roofline is punctuated by a series of abstract sculptures of dancers supported by steel pylons, in keeping with the venerable tradition of the integrating works of art into the architecture of fine arts facilities. Inside, three light-filled studios are linked to office, support and production spaces by an expansive gallery. The extensive use of glass storefront partitions provides transparency between the gallery and the studios, as well as between the inside and outside. The Ballet Memphis building knowingly gestures to its more mundane neighbors in its choice of materials and punctuates an otherwise non-descript environment with a sense of energy and “graceful movement.”
“An outstanding project, convincing from the first image of the building…Integration of exterior and interior spaces…Wonderful arrangement of studios, clearly an exciting place…Sculptural images captivating, convey use in clever manner…Details well executed; colors, materials, and textures handled with expertise…This project clearly expresses its function: graceful movement.” -- AIA Tennessee Design Awards Jury
