Bielsko-Biala | Poland
Banialuka Puppet Theatre
An experience-led cultural competition proposal shaped by performance, narrative and the identity of Bielsko-Biała's puppet theatre.
Client | City of Bielsko-Biala
Budget | PLN 100m
Status | Public procurement - 4th place
RIBA Stages 0-2
Area | 12,000 sqm
Use | Education and culture
Team | Piotr Smiechowicz, Luke Murray and Blazej Wendrowski
Scope | Concept design
CONTEXT
The competition concerned a 12,000 sqm cultural and educational project for Banialuka in Bielsko-Biała. Its identity as a puppet theatre provided the starting point: the building needed a public character connected to performance and storytelling as well as a setting for its programme.
ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSE
The relationship between performer, puppet and audience shaped the composition of the proposal. Body-like and stage-like elements — head, wings, movement and shadow — gave architectural form to the theatre’s identity. Depth in the façade and changing light extended this idea through shadow play, bringing a theatrical quality to the building’s public presence. The competition proposal also explored natural air movement through a wind-catcher principle.
