DANCE DANCE DANCE

Located beside the railway tracks in Milan's Lambrate district, this large, tall sports center addresses a clear neighborhood void by introducing much-needed dance studios. The project is conceptually driven by the dynamic between the performer and the spectator, translating this relationship into shifting perspectives and spaces that can fluidly transform into stages. Alongside the dance rooms, the building accommodates two full-size basketball courts.

Circulation across the site is layered through distinct staircase infrastructures. Set 3.6 meters below ground, the main sunken piazza is defined by tiered stairs that double as public seating. A striking spiral staircase directly connects the ground floor to the rooftops as a vertical visual marker, while an internal glazed core bridges the long volume to offer full visibility during ascent.

The interior accommodates two distinct basketball courts within a large, high-ceilinged volume, crowned overhead by massive structural trusses painted in the signature pink finish. While both courts share the building's bold industrial character, they serve different functional roles tailored to the project's performative theme.The main court is designed for big games and major performances, equipped with dedicated spectator seating to host large crowds. It also features a ticket office looking directly onto the space and an elevated special seating area suspended above, offering exclusive vantage points. Crucially, this main arena opens directly onto the sunken piazza, making the activity inside visible to the public outdoor space and blurring the boundary between the building's interior life and the city.

In contrast, the second court is built without spectator seating, serving strictly as a dedicated space for rehearsals, training, and practice. Together, through their varying scales, vantage points, and visual connections, both courts maintain the project's ongoing dialogue between performance, training, and spectatorship.The interior accommodates two full-size basketball courts inside a large, high-ceilinged volume. Overhead, massive structural trusses painted in signature pink set a bold visual rhythm. Just like the rest of the building, the arena features multiple vantage points overlooking the courts, turning every game into a performance and maintaining a strong connection between players and spectators.

The structure of the main volume is characterized by a steel frame system, selected for its efficiency, durability, and ability to accommodate large open spaces. To ensure that the roof could be fully walkable while spanning a considerable distance, the design incorporates a reticular truss structure capable of efficiently distributing loads across the entire roof surface while minimizing deflection. This solution allows the roof to function as both a structural and accessible architectural element.

HEM steel columns were chosen to provide enhanced stability and rigidity to the overall frame, ensuring reliable load transfer and long-term structural performance. In areas with smaller spans, the structural strategy is complemented by a reticular beam system, which provides efficient support while maintaining consistency with the primary structural language. Together, these elements create a coherent and flexible steel framework that balances structural performance, material efficiency, and architectural expression.