As with Fenix, the project retains the raw character of the industrial shell and its expansive proportions, organising the spaces in a flexible layout whilst enhancing the views of the river.
Here too, the contemporary aesthetic is defined by a single sculptural element that integrates with the existing structure without compromising its identity. Whilst at Fenix it is the “Tornado”, at Danshuis it is the large, glazed atrium at the western end of the building, which connects all its levels: a fluid, sinuous volume that resembles cloth shaped by a dancer’s movements, translated onto an architectural scale. “Movement goes beyond architecture, becoming part of the character of the district. The beauty of human movement and the moments of dance will resonate with Fenix, creating a continuous dialogue between the two”, said Ma Yansong.
Today, the site is still imbued with the atmosphere of that industrial past, which seeps from the walls and bare structures, but it is not difficult to imagine the myriad possibilities for its use and the dynamism that the building will embody. Completion is scheduled for 2030.