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Dynamic Spatial Analysis: Can site-specific dance be used to further our understanding of the relationship between body and space and develop an architectural design tool?

Part 2 Dissertation 2019
Kayleigh Avey
 University of Plymouth | UK
This research project developed from an interest in understanding how people use space and the body-spatial relationship. Background reading indicated that this research is incomplete as it uses a limited range of research methodologies. Therefore, the aim of this research project was to develop a new method for spatial analysis by combining site-specific dance and architectural studies. The combination of the two art forms helped to reveal new developing theories on body-spatial relationships which may be hidden when studying space from a single perspective.

This methodology recorded multiple dancers responding to a variety of physical sites. The recordings were carefully analysed by extracting still images with indicative gestures superimposed on top of the dancer. This process of interrogation helped to develop multiple observations and three key theories regarding the dancers relationship to the surrounding space. These are:
• Humans require a spatial anchor
• Concentrated architectural elements are more dominant
• Primal instincts of safety influence the way we exist in space

This research project acts as a catalyst into a new in-depth and cross-curricular field of study which long term will improve the architects understanding of the body-spatial relationship and the quality of architectural design.


Tutor(s)
Mr Robert Brown
Mathew Emmett
2019
01 - Site Analysis: To focus the area of study, five key architectural elements were identified as fundamental components of architectural spaces; plane, point, path, threshold and level. These elements have been identified on site, as shown in this image
02 - Workshop Exercise - Centrifugal Points: ’Centrifugal Points’ investigates the effects of desaturating the focus of the dancers by introducing multiple points. In turn, this creates a centrifugal effect; boxes, chairs and stools were used as these poi
03 - Centrifugal Points Analysis: Analysis of dancer moving between points and physically interacting with multiple points placed around the space.
04 - Centrifugal Points Observations: This analysis summary shows that the dancer responded to multiple points. The pull created by the individual objects is less concentrated and they moved the objects around their own bodies. The dancer makes themselves
05 - Workshop Exercise - Thresholds: The Pavilion site presents several layers of thresholds which the dancer could react to; the doors, steps and change in paving material could all be considered thresholds as they demarcate an edge between two spaces. T
06 - Thresholds Analysis: Analysis of dancer responding to a series of thresholds as well as paths present on the site.
07 - Thresholds Observations: The dancer appears to move fluidly when on the steps themselves and only stopped when at the top or bottom of the terrace. She also remained close to the handrail to move up and down the steps. This presents the idea that the
08 - Architectural Design Tool: Analytical studies of the dancers have helped to conclude three key theories. These theories have been amalgamated into a single image which acts as an architectural design tool, helping architects and designers to understa
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