The new residence building at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School is a welcomed upgrade to the previous infrastructure that served the school for over 20 years. Quoted as being ‘more than a dorm’ the four-story building in the heart of downtown Winnipeg seamlessly blends with the existing RWB campus while positively contributing to the design aesthetic of downtown Winnipeg. The new residence was designed to support the ballet’s Professional Division, an internationally renowned training institute for aspiring professional dancers and instructors.
Through an integrated design process and in consultation with psychologists, design decisions were centered around the student’s mental and physical well-being. A great effort was made to keep the residence feeling warm and home-like and less institutional. Some students are as young as ten when they first move into the school, so the safety, security, and comfort of the building were paramount.
The residence is designed with single-occupancy dormitory rooms to provide students with their own space. Meanwhile, common spaces provide opportunities for connection, relaxation, and play with studios for classes; an exterior courtyard with a fire pit, barbecue, and gardens; a library, a meal hall with a commercial kitchen; and cozy lounge spaces.