The human body, its movements, and positions have influenced architecture for centuries. In ancient Rome, the body was depicted in works of sculpture in public piazzas. Muybridge studies motion through photographing a moving body during the 1870s. Motion was captured per frame depicting a set of positions the human body creates through physical activity. American dancer, Loie Fuller explored motion through silk dresses she wore in her dance performances in the late 1920s. She invents the “Serpentine Dance”, capturing the creation of space interpreted through her manipulations of the dress.

Ornament gives architecture expression, for it’s identifiable through color, pattern, material, and function. Human movement can also be read as ornament since they become a part of expressing architecture.

In the contemporary age, human body has little direct influence on the creation of space. This project aims to redefine this role by employing the human body in establishing functional expression and the production of an ambiance. In an improvisational and public theater space, this proposal offers a cultural outlet in an underserved community at no cost while allowing contemporary performance artists grounds for experimentation. Located in Boyle Heights by Soto St. and 1st St., it’s surrounded by small businesses, a neighborhood, and the Gold Line to Soto Station. These performance spaces will create a public attraction to the community. People exiting off the station will be able to get a glimpse from a distance of the commotion of programs moving from one point to another.

Ornament will manifest through both the artists’ movements and the movement of programs. Stages can physically shift from one position to another dictated by the needs of each performance. Stages can physically shift from one position to another dictated by the needs of each performance. Other programs like, gift shops, administrative office, and restrooms will remain stagnant as oppose to mini-exhibition spaces and seating areas.