kobberling and kaltwasser: jellyfish theatre

‘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.

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.

detail image © brian benson

interior image © brian benson

buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

waterbottle wall constructed around the lounge area

buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’ image © maja mysliborska

interior during buildup process

floor being laid

buildup of ‘jellyfish theatre’

rendering

cross section

priliminary plan

Looks like a big bonfire waiting to happen!
THE PILOT
Aug 27, 2010
It looks like the makeshift houses one sees in informal settlement here in South Africa. It’s great! A few years back I constructed a dividing wall with reclaimed timber and used old hessian sacks as insulation/sound proofing. It was very effective.
Ryan
Aug 26, 2010
What Fun! Great idea for a temporary structure. It also serves as a reminder that so many of the globe’s population are living in dwellings made up of the remnants from the more affluent. Ohhh and really like the buildings that encompass the area. Hope we get to see the finished article d;-)
Jetwax
Aug 26, 2010