Identity

Fig: 1 - Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands with many city agglomerations.

PREMISE

Indonesia, the world’s largest island country is a sovereign state with a more than 270 million population. Like most countries, it has been in conflict with its bordering nations like Papua from time to time. Diversity is harboured here, on a large scale. As a result, its native multi-ethnic and lingual population sometimes cause mild disruptions in the internal affairs of the nation. 

Local conflicts are characterised by violence over politics or land resources. Several instances of violence have reportedly increased, in the aftermath of floods, pandemics, or pollution. While the country suffers to keep a stable political stand, the power entities take advantage and oppress the economically weakened community.  

The suffering of the locals is exasperated due to poverty. At a time when the condition may become slightly stable, some disaster or conflict hits and puts the whole system in turmoil and loss is in majority suffered by poor people. 

How can Indonesia maintain the peace and well-being of its people?

Fig: 2 - The city is a flood prone area, occurring during heavy rain seasons.

CONTEXT

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Due to its booming business, it has attracted many migrants from all over the archipelago. This inward migration has been a huge reason for urbanisation in the city. It has a pluralistic population with a balanced blend of ethnicity, but the religious majority is of Islam. Free expression of culture is encouraged, and diverse influences on art and architecture are observed. 

It is a coastal city, so it is under constant threat of flooding and sinking from rising in sea levels. The rapid urbanisation has created consequences of congestion, increased pollution and ecological breakdown. Life in the city is disrupted in many such instances, due to the breakdown of infrastructural systems. While structural damages can be restored with resilient construction, the effect of these disasters on the psyche of members of local communities must be reinforced with a cohesive community sense.  

How can design unite the struggling community?

Fig: 3 - Society in Indonesia is an eclectic mix of people with different beliefs, traditions and norms.

BRIEF OF THE COMPETITION 

Brief: The challenge is to design an interpretation centre that can help disseminate knowledge of the cultural heritage of Indonesia and its people. 

Design can be inspired by the local context and culture. The connection to the site can be expressed in different ways through design of form and spaces. The design must stimulate an anticipatory journey for the user through the centre. Information can be relayed using various media forms and mediums of design. 

The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout or spaces. The relationship of the building with the context, both in physical and mental terms must be explored. 

The aim of the design is to create a public landmark that can serve as a reminder to the local people of the rich heritage and co-exist in harmony. The centre will also operate as a skill centre where the poverty-stricken population can seek shelter and learn traditional skills that might help them gain income for survival. 

OBJECTIVES

• Concept: The design concept of the interpretation centre must be inspired by the local heritage in the region.
• Function + Space: The navigation and access around the centre must be designed for efficiency and as per the nature of activities.  
• Interactive: The interpretation centre must include dynamic and engaging exhibits that are interactive with its visitors.
• Balance: The balance between aesthetic and functionality, innovation and tradition balanced.
• Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

 

SITE

Jakarta, Indonesia

The site is adjacent to Jakarta Inner Ring Road, in the Kota Tua neighbourhood towards the coastline. It is surrounded by commercial and large-scale cultural and recreation sites, attracting visitors to the area in large numbers. The area is suitable for this typology as it is easily accessible by citizens of residential settlements.

• Site area =  6058 sq.m
• Height restriction =  6 metres
• Maximum FAR: 1
• Ground coverage = 30%
• Coordinates = 6°07'45.5"S 106°49'55.7"

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Ground Coverage refers to the ratio of maximum allowed solid/permanent footprint on the site to balance the built and unbuilt spaces. You can utilize the other 70% of the site for any temporary intervention/recreation. 

AREA PROGRAMME

The programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. The maximum areas of different activity areas are mentioned below. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the given design programme. 

Multipurpose Hall ~ 200 sq.m
Museum and gallery ~ 200 sq.m
Multimedia room/theatre for performances ~ 300 sq.m
Workshops ~ 200 sq.m
Administration Offices ~ 100 sq.m
Courtyard, gardens and other open areas can be incorporated into the design as per the participants requirement.