MAD Architects has revealed the design of Danshuis, a world-class dance center built from a former riverfront warehouse in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It will feature professional dance studios, theaters, and exhibition spaces for dancers from around the world.

MAD Architects was commissioned by philanthropic investor Droom en Daad Foundation. The Rotterdam-based organization aims to make the city a world leader through art and culture. Sitting along the south bank of the Mas River Rotterdam, the Danshuis will echo the adjacent Fenix Museum of Migration, MAD’s first European cultural project. 

For Danshuis, the architects preserved the original warehouse structure while introducing a number of components that express the project’s aim to be a symbol for freedom and pluralism. This is evident through an open-air, semi-circular theater that refers to ancient Greek gathering spaces located in the middle area of the top floor. This performance space will be open to the public for free. 

In addition, a yellow seagull sculpture designed by Ma Yansong will be featured atop the landscaped terrace on the building’s second floor, along with red neon signs facing the river. 

According to MAD, the Danshuis is likely to start construction soon, with the Fenix Museum of Migration scheduled for completion in 2024. 

“Dance is a flowing art of space. To emphasis that and respect the locality and history of the building, we decided to make minimum change to the original structure, just to add art installations in conversation with the environment,” said Ma Yansong. “With this second commission from Droom en Daad Foundation, we hope to highlight Rotterdam's yearning for freedom and embracing of diverse global cultures. The Fenix Museum of Migration and the Danshuis are closely linked and will also look to the future together in Rotterdam's century-old port.”