School of Design / Interior Design / Iona Taylor / The Lungs of the Collective

The Lungs of the Collective

The Dance Studios are situated on the First Floor. The studios, just as the lungs, provide a place for movement, breath and expression.

A birch clad dance studio, with wood floors and ceilings and a mirror wall. With two dancers performing in the centre of the space.
Dance Studio 1

Dance Studio 1 is a calm, focused space, defined by natural materials: warm wood floors, a matching timber ceiling, and soft limewash walls that keep the room bright without glare. One full length mirror wall with integrated ballet barre’s anchor the teaching side of the studio. In the corner a large timber shelving unit backed in green/gold marble wallpaper displays neatly arranged gym equipment, yoga mats, balls and dumbbells turning practical storage into part of the rooms visual rhythm.

A dance studio with large dark wood beams, a semi-circular mirror on the backwall lit with LED's and a group of dancers practicing.
Dance Studio 2

Dance Studio 2 has a softer, more atmospheric character, with pink limewash walls and a pale beige ceiling crossed by dark timber beams. A large semi-circular mirror anchors the wall. This mirror reflects a custom arched storage shelf that holds water bottles and small equipment, while the new extension creates a small seating nook where dancers can rest.

Specifications of the bespoke lockers with space underneath for wheelchair users and lockers at ground level for people at a lower height.
Bespoke Lockers

The female changing room is shaped by warm, grounded materials and soft curves. Rammed earth walls give the space a natural, tactile weight, paired with bespoke lockers that follow an organic flowing line. These curves continue into a built-in seating form, creating a gentle, continuous gesture through the room. Above a dropped ceiling feature mirrors the lockers contours and is fitted with integrated LED lighting, casting an even, soft glow that enhances the rooms sculptural quality.