Jia Pavilion by DDAP Architect – A Celebration of Art, Nature, and Sustainable Design in Bali

Nestled within the tropical landscape of Plataran Canggu, Bali, the Jia Pavilion by DDAP Architect is a striking architectural installation designed for the immersive event Jia by OCK (Ong Ceng Kuang), held on 9–11 December 2022. This pavilion serves as a dynamic cultural hub, bringing together art, design, performance, and community under one inspiring structure.

The project, curated with the theme of “Material Alchemy,” transforms the surrounding forest into an idyllic retreat, blurring the boundaries between built form and natural landscape. The pavilion’s name, Damuh—meaning "dew" in Balinese—reflects its organic concept. Its leaf-like form, viewed from above, evokes the imagery of water droplets on fresh foliage, symbolizing rejuvenation and connection with nature.

Architectural Concept & Spatial Experience

Designed to resemble the terrain of a tropical jungle, Jia Pavilion adopts a fluid, nature-inspired geometry that harmoniously integrates with the site. Constructed primarily from engineered wood by Kayu Lapis Indonesia, the structure retains a warm, tactile character, while maintaining environmental integrity.

The spatial narrative of the pavilion mimics a home setting, comprising a “living room,” “bedroom,” “bathroom,” and “outdoor patio,” allowing visitors to experience it as if stepping into a friend’s house. This design blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, inviting visitors to feel a sense of comfort and openness while celebrating the creative spirit of the event.

Sustainable Design & Materials

Sustainability is at the heart of Jia Pavilion’s design philosophy. The modular, prefabricated system allows the pavilion to be easily disassembled and repurposed after the event, minimizing waste and energy use. The construction utilized:

• Meranti plywood for the ceiling, chosen for its durability in outdoor conditions.
• Keruing wood for deck flooring, offering strength and longevity.
• Flexi plywood, allowing the creation of the pavilion’s elegant curves due to its flexibility.

The entire installation was assembled in just three days, demonstrating the efficiency of the prefabricated approach while maintaining design quality and aesthetics.

A Fusion of Creativity and Community

The pavilion reflects OCK’s vision of merging handcrafted conceptual lighting, art installations, and performance spaces, transforming the forest backdrop into a living gallery of cultural expression. By embracing an open-air layout, Jia Pavilion creates a multi-sensory experience, celebrating the interplay of light, shadow, and natural surroundings.

Through this design, DDAP Architect has not only built a temporary structure but also an immersive architectural experience, encouraging collaboration among artists, designers, and creatives while showcasing the potential of eco-conscious, adaptive design.

All Photographs are works of Indra Wiras