Tanzwerk 101

Zurich, Switzerland

Photo © Roger Frei

Performing Arts Centers

Architects: spillmann echsle architekten

Year: 2013

The Tanzwerk is built within the Migros logistics facility in Zurich West. Before this conversion, the premises were used for banana ripening and food storage. Today, the spatial programme of Switzerland’s largest dance school is divided into 12 dance studios, a large dance auditorium and workrooms with various service rooms.

The large-format glass partition walls allow generous light distribution deep into the building core. The spiral exposed concrete staircase connects the wide entrance area with the floors below. The careful, reduced choice of materials produces a spatial atmosphere with an industrial feel: concrete, glass and yellow chromatised steel, together with acoustic sprayed plaster ceilings and textile ventilation ducts subtly complement each other. The dance school was expanded in 2019 with an enlarged cloakroom and four more dance studios matching the new design aesthetic.