WAYANG PUPPETRY THEATRE

by Oliver Benson

Wayang puppetry is an ancient form of shadow puppetry, originating from the island of Java, Indonesia. It revolves around shadows, depth and projection; aspects to help inspire my design. Situated in Peckham, at the old library site, the project sets out to bring the cultures of Java to the streets of Peckham, all whilst creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for all age groups. The design took inspiration from ancient Javanese materials such as basalt and earth as well as the re-immersion of cork as a sustainable building material as the materiality of the building. The aim is to not only be a Wayang puppetry theatre, but also a first hand experience into the Javanese culture and to encourage children and adults to interact, learn and enjoy.