Graduate Dance Center
The Department of Dance and the School of Architecture collaborated together to create a sustainable renovation of the East Art Annex 2, an underutilized, brick building on the South Quad. The renovated space (4000 square feet) was opened in December of 2010 and includes two dance studios, a media space, lounge, and computer stations for use by graduate students in dance. The entire second floor is now called the Graduate Dance Center. This space was made possible by grants from the Student Sustainability Committee, UIUC Research Board, The College of Fine Arts, The Department of Dance, and numerous private donors.
This process of making these spaces created a living/learning laboratory for students from Dance and Architecture. Assistant Professors Julie Larsen and Roger Hubeli worked with Graduate students and faculty in Architecture and Dance to design and build the space. Recycled materials were utilized whenever possible. The first space reclaimed an old basketball floor from the ARC, the second space utilized wood from an old barn donated by two alumni. Included in the redesign of the spaces are specially designed sprung floors, LED lights, and integrated work/live/play spaces. Our long-term goal is to completely renovate the entire building and bring it up to LEED Certification.
The Graduate Dance Center provides a living example of sustainable rehabilitation of underutilized space on campus with the use of environmentally friendly materials applied with innovative and contemporary design solutions and made possible through interdisciplinary collaboration with both students and faculty.
Watch a video about the sustainable building practices of the Graduate Dance Center.
Watch an interview with Department Head Jan Erkert featuring the Graduate Dance Center.
Read about the Grand Opening of the Graduate Dance Center.
Read the News Gazette article about the Graduate Dance Center.
