-Introduction-
Emerging from earlier studies into performance based architecture the programme is for a theatre, housing the traditional Indonesian shadow art, Wayang Kulit. Sited in Java, the island most associated with this tradition,1 it is situated along the Citarum river, widely acknowledged as the most polluted river in the world.2 The river is a convergence of many current challenges facing Indonesia - the state of the river which has deteriorated steadily since the 1980’s3 being a reflection of the rapid population growth, rapid industrialisation and extensive deforestation occurring in the archipelago.4 Taking this context into account the programme became a combination of the Javanese theatre and a water treatment centre, combining traditional arts and contemporary issues. The purpose of a shadow theatre is both to entertain and to educate,5 and I intend to apply this mantra to the water treatment facility, the water travelling a highly choreographed procession around waterwheels and down waterfalls. This process will be driven by a waste-to-power plant, the idea of which is to encourage the local residents to dispose of waste here - currently it is the river which acts as a garbage disposal and sewer6,7 - and get clean water in return. Early concept sketch for a highly ornate theatre, suspended above the polluted river with a scientific language mediating between the two. 1. Hobart 1987, p22 2. Agence France-Presse 2012 3.Roadmap
Coordination
and
Management
Coordination and Management Unit 2011 4 ibid 5 People Like Me 2005 6 Cita-Citarum 2012 7 Agence France-Presse 2012
Unit
and
Program