‘the jellyfish theatre’ image © brian benson

berlin-based architects köbberling and kaltwasser have worked alongside volunteers to create ‘the jellyfish theatre’. located in southwark, it is london’s first fully-functioning theatre made entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials. the project focuses on energy-efficiency, co-operation and human-scale construction. opening to the public at the end of august, this temporary structure is made of materials from all sources:  junked theatre sets, reclaimed timber from building sites, market pallets, old kitchen units that the public brought along.

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

the project was initiated by theatre production company the red room as part of their ‘oikos project‘. ‘oikos’ is ancient greek for house and the root word of economy and ecology. embracing these principles, they have embarked on constructing ‘the jellyfsh theatre’ which fuses together disciplines of public-made art, architecture and performance. in doing so, it also explores how a new sustainable society can flourish in a world altered by climate change.

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre detail image © brian benson

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre detail image © brian benson

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre interior image © brian benson

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre interior image © brian benson

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre waterbottle wall constructed around the lounge area

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’ image © maja mysliborska

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre interior during buildup process

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre floor being laid

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre rendering

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre cross section

kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre priliminary plan