Dogtown Dance Theater

For the past ten years, a current of interest in the reincarnation of the 67-year old vacant Bainbridge School Gymnasium as a lively center for community enrichment has been slowly and steadily emerging. Formerly a gymnasium with ancillary classrooms serving the adjacent Maury School, the proposed new use will soon open its doors as Dogtown Dance Theatre. By incorporating on and off site salvaged materials into the design we stay true to the spirit of its original function and historical context. We honor the building as a work of art into itself: all new structure is made primarily of recycled content steel engaging the building in a manner that is distinct and designed for deconstruction. The design utilizes natural ventilation with an emphasis on improving the environmental quality for the dancers as well as the audience members. From its current state of gradual decay, Dogtown Dance Theatre will blossom into a locus of community and cultural vibrancy, with a physical vigor not unlike that of its former heyday.

Biodata

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Latitude: 37.33 N
Longitude: 77.27 W
Elevation: ~160 ft
Climate: Mixed-Humid
Sun Hours/Day: 4.5
Conditioned Area: 15,675 gsf
Year Complete: 2010