In architecture, the relationship between the old and the new is a dynamic interplay—a continuous dialogue between past and present. As time progresses, our patterns evolve cyclically, yet within this cycle lies a moment of transition—a space in between where memories linger and new experiences unfold. This project seeks to celebrate this transitional space—a testament to the appreciation of surface, where weathered walls of the existing building intersect with new constructions, echoing the solidity of the past while signalling the dawn of fresh beginnings. Surface, imbued with memory and narrative, becomes the canvas upon which new stories are told while honouring the legacy of the old. By implementing temporary interventions, the King's Theatre retains its historical grandeur while offering visitors a chance to engage with novel experiences. Ultimately, this project invites users to immerse themselves in the in-between—a realm where the old and the new converge, creating a captivating narrative of continuity and transformation.
Ore Ogunkoya
Project description
Dance activated by Texture and Structure.
the physical environment of the King's Theatre is integral to the performance. The decayed southwest and northeast facades, along with the renovated fly tower, provide unique textures and structures that inspire and shape the choreography. Dancers interact with these elements, using the rough surfaces and architectural lines to inform their movements and spatial awareness. The fly tower, repurposed for aerial dance, adds a vertical dimension, allowing performers to explore height and gravity. Timber structures are also repurposed as dynamic jungle gyms, blending natural materials with innovative performance spaces, enhancing aerial dance creativity.
Introducing the Site: Dundee.
Dundee, located on Scotland's east coast by the Firth of Tay, is the fourth-largest city in Scotland with a rich history from medieval times to the Industrial Revolution, where it was known for its jute industry. Today, it's a hub for education and technology, home to the University of Dundee and Abertay University. The city boasts cultural attractions like the V&A Dundee and Discovery Point. Recent redevelopment, especially along the waterfront, has modernized Dundee. The Kingsway, Dundee's ring road, is a major arterial route encircling the city. It connects key points and facilitates traffic flow, reducing congestion in the city center. The ring road is part of the A90, linking Dundee to other major cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen, making it a crucial infrastructure component for both local and through traffic.
The Easter Quarter: Home to the Kings Theatre
Stallan-Brand, an architecture and design firm, has proposed ambitious plans for Dundee's East Quarter. The project aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use development, blending residential, commercial, and public spaces. Key features include modern housing, office spaces, retail outlets, and green areas designed to enhance urban living. The design emphasizes sustainability, with eco-friendly buildings and improved infrastructure to support walking and cycling. This development is expected to boost the local economy, provide new job opportunities, and create a lively community hub, further revitalizing Dundee's urban landscape.
Introducing the Building of Concern: The King's Theatre.
The King's Theatre in Dundee, built in 1909, is a historic venue known for its live theater and cinema performances. Its ornate architecture and grand interior reflect early 20th-century design. Central to its operations is the fly tower, a structure above the stage used for maneuvering scenery and lighting. This feature enables complex productions and dynamic stage effects. The theater has hosted a wide array of performances, from Shakespearean plays to modern musicals and films. Current efforts to rejuvenate the venue include adapting the fly tower for aerial dance, ensuring it remains a vibrant cultural hub in Dundee.
Site Analysis and Repairing Main Areas of Concern.
The sun path diagram for Dundee highlights the King's Theatre, indicating that the southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) facades are the most decayed due to a lack of sunlight and prolonged exposure to wind and rain. As part of the renovation, I am readapting the fly tower for aerial dance. A fly tower, also known as a fly loft, is the tall section above the stage used to manoeuvre scenery and lighting equipment. This adaptation will repurpose the space to support aerial performances, enhancing the theatre's functionality and artistic offerings.
In-between the Surface: The old and it's Replica.
In this project, I used alginate on the weathered walls of the King's Theatre to create cast prints of the textures. These casts document the historical decay patterns, preserving the intricate details of the theatre's aged surfaces for future study and restoration efforts. The cats were used to make models, creating spaces that can activate movement. Models are made from original casts and abstractions of these casts.
1:50 Section.
Masonry Interior, Sourcing and Construction.
The poetic in-between space, created from reused bricks sourced across the UK and found in companies in Dundee, is exemplified by Cox’s Stack. This industrial chimney in Dundee, inspired by Venetian architecture and adorned with special shaped bricks and polychromatic decoration, beautifully blends functionality with decorative charm. The project aims to create a semi-exterior wall within the existing building. Between this wall and the thick exterior wall of the King's Theatre lies a timber lattice space, uninsulated and exposed to ventilation, designed to dry the wet northeast façade.
Copper and Timber Panel Construction.
Copper and timber panel construction designed for assembly and disassembly on timber structures supports a circular economy. This sustainable initiative not only enhances building flexibility but also minimizes environmental impact by promoting material reuse. It provides crucial employment opportunities for joiners and timber workers, addressing unemployment issues as highlighted by the Scottish government. By utilizing locally sourced timber and promoting design for easy assembly and disassembly, the project aims to contribute positively to both the environment and the local economy, aligning with Scotland's goals for sustainable development and job creation in the construction sector.
Film as an Activation of Space.
The King's Theatre in Dundee has a strong relationship with film and projection, enhancing its versatility as a cultural venue. Beyond live performances, the theatre hosts film screenings, multimedia presentations, and digital art exhibitions using projection technology. This capability allows the building to be utilized effectively at night, accommodating a diverse range of events and attracting a broader audience. By embracing film and projection, the King's Theatre expands its cultural offerings, providing immersive experiences and fostering community engagement. This integration of technology not only enriches the theatre's programming but also enhances its role as a dynamic center for arts and entertainment in Dundee.
Lighting and Ventilation Strategy.
The ventilation strategy aims to dry out the wet façade by utilizing the space between the new and old masonry walls for natural ventilation, benefiting adjacent areas. This open space also serves as an outdoor dance space, utilizing north light and air to create a conducive environment. This dual-purpose design not only addresses moisture issues but also enhances the functionality of the area, providing a versatile outdoor space for artistic and recreational activities. The integration of natural light and ventilation ensures an optimal environment, contributing to the sustainability and usability of the space within the King's Theatre in Dundee.
Plan Drawings.
Ore Ogunkoya
