Zip Zap Circus School
Cape Town ZA
Tsai Design Studio
2017
Type
Cultural
Tags
cultural facilities, community infrastructures, post-Apartheid
Visitability
Allowed
Description
Zip Zap Academy is an institution dedicated to the free training of circus arts and performance to children that has been functioning since 1992, with the aim of contributing to social and community transformation using innovative methods. The new building is located in the semi-industrial area of Salt River, and consists of the union of various architectonic shapes that serve the triple function of the space: circus, theatre and school. This way we can see the contrast between the colorist section in the front facade and the restrained central unit. Inside, the building is designed as a theatre, with a Trapezoid Hall in the centre in order to highlight the excitement of circus training. Surrounding this key element, the project also includes all types of spaces adapted to the performance techniques that are taught inside, as well as a variety of conventional classrooms.