Completed in 1999, Istana Budaya was one of the first theatres in Asia to be
equipped with state-of-the-art stage equipment. Covering a floor area of 21,000
m², ...
ISTANA BUDAYA - NATIONAL THEATRE
Developer: Architect: Acoustician:
MALAYSIA GOVERNMENT MUHAMMAD KAMAR YA’AKUB MARSHALL DAY ACOUSTICS
Project Description Completed in 1999, Istana Budaya was one of the first theatres in Asia to be equipped with state-of-the-art stage equipment. Covering a floor area of 21,000m², , , it is part p of a cultural complex p covering g some 5½ hectares. The inspiration p for the design g of the auditorium is based on a traditional moon kite in flight. The main building takes the form of the ‘sirih junjung’, a traditional arrangement of betel leaves used during Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies The building is divided by function and represents a traditional Malay house with its three sections: the ‘serambi’ (lobby and foyer) ‘rumah ibu’ (which roughly translated means “mother house” and is the auditorium) and the ‘rumah dapur’ (translating into “kitchen” or working area which is the stage and rehearsal hall. Although a new venue, Istana Budaya suffered from poor sightlines, technical equipment failures and general audience discomfort. Robert Mitchell, Mitchell as Technical Director to IMG IMG, was engaged by the venue as theatre consultant to assess the problems of seating seating, sightlines & technical infrastructure and recommend options for improvement. This involved working with venue management and staff, architects, government officials and building industry specialists.
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