Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment
Sta. Mesa, Manila City

DEALA, KHRIS JOSE JR L. October 31, 2023

BS ARCH 2-3 Ar. Erico G. Abordo

ACTIVITY 2: ARCHITECTURAL THOUGHT

DANCING HOUSE by Ar. Vlado Milunić and Ar. Frank Gehry

The Dancing House, also known as the Fred and Ginger Building (the structure’s concept
is the legendary couple dancers, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire), is said to be the
representative of postmodern architecture. It was completed in 1996 and incorporated
with deconstructivism style. Its unique and unusual characteristics emphasizes
incongruity that challenges the standards of architectural design.
The structure's unusual shape is supported by 99 unique concrete panels, each designed
with different shapes and dimensions. These panels come together to create an odd-
looking shape for its exterior, which mirrors the structure's interior design. Instead of
clinging to the traditional layout of a commercial structure, the interior of the Dancing
House resembles the interior of a ship, adding to its highly unusual design.
The reason why the Dancing House arouse someone’s curiosity is because it doesn’t
follow Prague's architectural styles; Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau. In a city where
classical and symmetrical designs are the norms, the Dancing House seems to have
“inappropriate” design that made it a center of controversy and fascination.
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment
Sta. Mesa, Manila City

DEALA, KHRIS JOSE JR L. October 31, 2023

BS ARCH 2-3 Ar. Erico G. Abordo

Despite of its irregularity, the Dancing House is now considered as an architectural gem
in Prague. The combination of deconstructivism and avant-garde design questions the
norms and stands of people who are traditioned to symmetrical, proportional, and eye
pleasing structures.
The architectural style of deconstructivism is one that resonates with me personally, as it
defies logic and seems to have a will of its own. However, my admiration for the Dancing
House extends beyond its architectural style to the broader context of its setting and what
it is made of.
Imagine being someone that defies what standard is, in a place where symmetry,
proportionality, and classical styles are the traditional trends. Picture yourself as someone
who challenges expectations and dares to stand out in the middle of storm. This is the
reason why I love the Dancing House. Like the structure that expresses its uniqueness
and supported by its 99 concrete panels, I aspire to be someone who confidently follows
my own path, unbothered by the constraints of others' expectations and standards. Just
as the Dancing House that boldly shows and express its unique identity, I also aim to
stand out in my own way by daring to defy what’s “appropriate” to them while carrying the
different experiences I gained from unique challenges.
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment
Sta. Mesa, Manila City

DEALA, KHRIS JOSE JR L. October 31, 2023

BS ARCH 2-3 Ar. Erico G. Abordo

References
ayar, S. (n.d.). a901-10-things-you-did-not-know-about-dancing-house-prague. Retrieved from
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10-things-you-did-not-know-about-dancing-house-prague/
building-dancing-house. (n.d.). Retrieved from wikiarquitectura:
https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/dancing-house/
dancing-house. (n.d.). Retrieved from prague: https://prague.org/dancing-house/
Maddaloni, J. (2021, February 17). architecture-with-a-twist. Retrieved from thsindex:
https://thsindex.org/2021/02/17/architecture-with-a-twist/
MasterClass. (2021, September 29). dancing-house-architecture-explained. Retrieved from
www.masterclass.com: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dancing-house-
architecture-explained
Quizani, D. (n.d.). the-dancing-house. Retrieved from architectuul.com:
https://architectuul.com/architecture/the-dancing-house