Graha Bhakti Budaya
Tamain Ismail Marzuki, Cikini, Jakarta
personal references Philip Soden — a selection
Graha Bhakti Budaya (house devoted to culture) was originally built in the 1960s as a performance base for local cultural groups across dance, music and spoken word drama. The Jakarta Provincial Government has commissioned the demolition and rebuilding of the theatre to an international standard with increased seating capacity as part of the revitalisation of Taman Ismail Marzuki, a historic cultural park in Central Jakarta. The redevelopment project is managed by the Government’s Property Agency, Jakarta Propertindo.
The new 954-seat theatre is in two tiers, with curved seating rows to optimise sightlines and the artist-audience relationship while fostering a sense of shared experience amongst the audience. The theatre is currently under construction with a projected completion date in 2022.
Philip Soden is Theatre Consultant for the project, engaged by project architect Andramatin. The consultancy scope includes auditorium layout, stage configuration, stage machinery, lighting, sound, projection and communications systems, dressing rooms and BOH support facilities.
Architects — Andramatin
Owner — Jakarta Provincial Government
Theatre Consultant – Philip Soden
Acoustician — LITAC Acoustic
Project area — 5,578 m2 NFA
Status — under construction
