An expressive and radical architectural language in constructing a Dance Academy using unconventional forms and building processes. The Dance Academy is located in Islington, forming a vital social link between the bustling Essex Road and New River Path. The concept is partly inspired by Gaudi and the Empire style, the French Renaissance interiors of the adjoining Grade II* listed theatre and its prominent Egyptian façade. The lightweight scaffolding and recycled fabric design mirror a contemporary rendition of these architectural principles, forming dramatic spaces, whilst studying the relationship between skin and bone. This proposal incorporates a crucial awareness of the biodiversity crisis, creating habitats through restoring and reusing waste material. This sustainable development is achieved by soaking reused fabric into cement and wrapping it over a lightweight structure, inspired by biomimicry to form biophilic spaces for the public to engage and interact with. Drawing from the works of

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, striking organic pillars combined with sweeping drapes of concrete create dramatic neutral backdrops for performing artists. Its sculptural features draw sunlight into a series of civic spaces while harvesting rainwater through scaffolding columns. The approach is a way to leverage the economic potential of the site to achieve a social and cultural value for the local neighbourhood and ultimately creating a significant new signature venue for Islington.