Melodance: A Space of Rhythm and Movement
Melodance is a thematic school designed for primary and high school children, inspired by the unifying power of music and dance. Blending art with education, the project is located in Üngüt, a neighbourhood of Kahramanmaraş, next to an existing primary school. Its main aim is to support the individual and social development of children. In this context, openness, rhythm, harmony, and fluidity are the core concepts shaping the spatial design.
The structural character of the building is supported by organic forms that reflect the fluidity of dance and the rhythm of music. Semi-open transitional areas defined by arcades enhance user interaction while enabling seamless movement between spaces. Each age group has its own dedicated studio and rehearsal rooms, an open-air amphitheatre, nature-integrated courtyards, and cozy resting corners. The design is flexible and participatory, keeping children’s sense of exploration alive throughout the day.
Melodance Through the Eyes of a Student
Every morning, my heart skips a beat as I walk through the big gate with musical notes. It feels like music is everywhere in the school—sometimes the sound of a violin from a wall, sometimes the rhythm of our friends’ footsteps in the rehearsal room. Our teacher doesn’t just teach us how to dance, but also how to express ourselves. During breaks, we go out to the courtyard, spin on the grass, or simply look up at the sky. What I love most are the improvisational performances at the open amphitheatre. Melodance is not just a school—we grow together here, learn together, and move together. Every day has a different rhythm; every moment is a unique melody.
