Finland's first landmark designed for dance opened at the Cable Factory Cultural Centre in Helsinki downtown area in spring 2022. The Dance House project is a long-awaited milestone in the history of Finnish performing arts. The impressive new building and renovated premises in the old parts of the Cable Factory cultural centre are designed by JKMM Architects in collaboration with fellow Finnish practice, ILO architects.
The project, combining new and old, comprises over 7,000 square metres dedicated to dance – a world-class setting for the performance and experience of dance, circus, and culture. The architecture and the interiors of the Dance House were inspired by dance. The aim was to examine the underlying principles of dance rather than its forms and aesthetic. In the interiors, robust surfaces of raw steel and concrete meet theatre lighting systems, technical installations, and striking colours. Lights and shadows play with reflective surfaces. Together, these aim to create a "burlesque" quality reminiscent of the films by Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki.
In the lobby, the interactive lightwork "The Other" is created by artist Eetu Huhtala. The light system reacts softly to movement of the visitors entering the space, which creates a delicate and experiential light installation. The interactive lightwork transforms into art according to the movements of the people in the space – just like a dance.
The architecture and the interiors of Dance House are designed to leave room for dance performances, the building and the spaces are only complete when dancers and audience arrive. As the visitors enter the spaces, they feel like walking onto the stage, becoming part of the performance. The whole building can be experienced as a stage. The moment of performance has arrived.