An organization all about movement cannot be put in a plain, boring box. That’s why in 2017, GTG was honored to construct a new space for Ballet Memphis in Midtown. Working with archimania, GTG was able to bring to life a soaring, 40,000-square-foot performance and educational space that embodied Ballet Memphis’s mission of reflecting the community in its work.

The contemporary space includes five studios, administrative and artistic office space, dressing and locker rooms for both professional company dancers and students, a costume shop, and warehouse. The building is walled by layers of glass, providing visibility and a connection with the surrounding, thriving urban district; while metals in contrasting shapes and tones echo the artistry of dance.

Outdoors, mesh screens and public courtyards work to further blur the lines of outside versus in. And special attention was paid to the streetscape, welcoming onlookers, where the triple-layer, sound-dampening glass allows for performances without aural distractions. GTG also collaborated on a special design with minimal supports for a large perforated metal screen wall on the exterior, creating a visual barrier between street and building, while also forming a gleaming facade that changes throughout the day as the sunlight hits it at various angles.

The build required special attention to acoustics because of the number of people engaging in classes, the large spans of space in the studios, and, of course, music. GTG worked with an acoustic consultant to figure out the best ways to limit sound transmission from one area to another. One key acoustic enhancement was the use of oversized ducts in the main performance area to limit noise.

GTG discovered that further study was needed to determine a good way to prevent rust on the metal facade. Creating a galvanic separation between steel posts and copper panels, we added a piece of rubber tape between the screen and the panel to prevent the surfaces from touching each other. This ensured that the striking beauty of the gleaming metal would not fade over time.

GTG was proud to be a part of Ballet Memphis’ new headquarters build. The organization’s beautiful new space is not only large enough for its growing company and outreach programs, but now also is an active component of its mission of inclusivity and engagement.

photo courtesy of archimania, architect