Houston Ballet

Performing Arts

Location: Houston, TX

Completed Date: March 2011

Project Type: New Construction

Application: Full Coverage

Architect: Gensler

Consultant: HJHW, Inc.

Construction Manager: WS Bellows

The Houston Ballet completed construction of their new state-of-the-art facility in 2011.  Featuring a classically-trained, international company of professional dancers, the Ballet wanted to ensure its facilities could host its growing training program, which produces over 60% of its dancers.  In addition to dance studios and administrative and artistic support facilities, the Ballet also needed a space to showcase their rigorous practice for visiting troupes, school groups, or potential and existing donors, as well conduct choreography workshops and develop new works.  The space would also be made available for rental by outside groups for small performances or events.

IA Stage developed a SkyDeck™ system for this space, the Margaret Alkek Williams Dance Lab, which seats 175.  The system stretches over nearly the entire room, which creates a clean architectural ceiling.  This compliments the overall contemporary design of the space while providing maximum lighting possibilities for a wide variety of activities.  IAStage also installed the track and drape in the Lab.

The architecture firm Gensler designed a sleek, modern building which won the AIA Houston 2012 Design Award for Architecture greater than 50,000 SF, and the 2012 Landmark Award for Special Projects from the Houston Journal.  W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation was the general contractor.  The entire facility, located across the street from the Wortham Theater Center where the Ballet performs, boasts open, light-filled spaces reminiscent of a gallery setting.  The clean lines and neutral color palette combine to allow the dancers to be showcased and become the living art of the space.

 

AIA Houston 2012 Design Award for Architecture greater than 50,000 SF

2012 Landmark Award for Special Projects from the Houston Journal

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