dance and architecture:body, form, space and transformation

Abstract

The essence of a place is constantly affected by the cultural and traditional values that change and evolve through time. These changes take place due to changes in social, political, and religious behaviors and affect the context in which architecture is sited. They not only impact architecture but all streams of arts, music, theater and dance. In India, dance has deep cultural roots and over time has undergone immense transformation. Contemporary dancers have always looked back at the roots for inspiration and advancement in their field. Similarly architecture has the opportunity to be more meaningful by drawing inspiration from tradition. Both the dancer and the architect manipulate spaces, a dancer through the movement of the body and an architect by the design of built forms. Through the design of a Performing Arts Center for Odissi dance in Orissa, India, this thesis investigates how external influences lead to the transformation of these art forms; how inter-disciplinary studies can influence the design of the built form.