How We Used Dance Notation to Develop a Conceptual Model for DSPAC

For the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center project, JPDA used photography and graphic analysis to create a conceptual diagram that informed our design process throughout the project.

As a dancer progresses from one dance pose into another, they create displacement in the air volume around them. The initial velocity of the dancer, their acceleration and the time utilized for changes in dance poses creates a unique signature that can be expressed as a notational trail.

We studied these movements, based on various dance poses, to understand the three-dimensional field of displacements created by a typical dance routine.

Dwana Smallwood herself participated in this study and her dance moves were captured using a stroboscopic photograph method which we used as the basis for our studies.

The resulting analysis generated a series of graphic and volumetric templates that were used to create spaces and graphic motifs for the entire dance studio.  The final design allows the user to experience dance routines through undulating surfaces, flowing spaces and expressive materials throughout the center.