New York City Ballet

Since 1964, the New York City Ballet has called Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater home. Over the years, the building’s fifth floor has served as a practice and exercise space for NYCB dancers and, more recently, as a facility for physical therapy staff. To better support the well-being of its performers, NYCB engaged MAD to transform a portion of this floor into a dedicated Physical Therapy and Wellness Suite—a thoughtfully designed space focused on enhancing dancer health and performance.

At the heart of this renovation was a 1,300-square-foot practice room, previously surrounded by a series of disconnected spaces. By reimagining the layout, we removed inefficiencies, reorganized the physical therapy rooms, and introduced new wellness amenities. Through careful planning and refined material selection, we created a cohesive environment that optimizes these critical support functions while fostering warmth and comfort.

The new suite includes two independent physical therapy rooms, a Pilates exercise room, and a plunge treatment room, all designed to meet the specific needs of the dancers. A circular lounge, positioned at the entrance of the main practice room, serves as a welcoming space for relaxation and social interaction. Throughout the project, three curved bamboo wall panels evoke the fluid movement of dancers, reinforcing a sense of harmony and flow. Durable yet elegant materials define each functional area, while updated MEP systems, AV technology, and lighting enhance both usability and atmosphere.