Place Charles-Sturm view
Due to its dedication to art performances and its temporary nature, the Pavillon de la Danse is conceived as an abstract piece, whose presence in the city is introspective, enigmatic and ambiguous. Conceived more like an event or art installation than a building, its character emerges from the tension between what happens inside the building and its relationship with the city.
The building’s composition consists of a rectangular high volume containing the dance hall resting on an irregularly shaped podium housing all the other functions of the programme whose form adapts the position of existing trees and the various site conditions.
The horizontal composition of the facade draws inspiration from the historic stone facades of Geneva, characterized by a plinth that deals with the contact with the ground and upper entablature with more delicate stone.
Tectonically, the building is conceived as the stacking of cedar wood planks on a plinth constructed by stacking prefabricated concrete panels, suggesting an idea of temporariness and demountability.
The building’s few and large openings are treated as very precious elements: from the inside are perceived as frameless whereas on the outside appear as thick gilded frames hanging from the timber facade.
Site plan
Place Charles-Sturm elevation
Rue Charles-Sturm elevation
Boulevard des Tranchées elevation
Long section
Cross section
Ground floor plan
First floor plan
1:20 construction
Entrance view
Foyer view
Dance hall
Credits:
International Design Competition
Project title: Construction d’un Pavillon de la Dance
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Client: Ville de Genève
Architect: Estar, Aurora Armental Ruiz & and Stefano Ciurlo Walker
Collaborator: Farrokh Aman
Exterior images: Carlos Comendador
Competition: 2013
