Menara Ikatan Alumni ITB

Design proposal for the Menara Ikatan Alumni ITB 2010
Design team: Baskoro Tedjo, Hafiz Amirrol, Edy Subangkit and Michael Lengkey

Sabri Idrus 8th Solo Show - Mufakat

Rampakasli and The Painting Garage present Sabri Idrus' 8th Solo Show entitled Mufakat. The creation of these installation pieces is Sabri's continuous effort in bringing art closer to the community, in which the process of making the artworks participated the local community of RT02/RW04, Desa Hegarbudi, Kelurahan Hegarmanah, Bandung, Indonesia. 

The Painting Garage is a newly converted old garage that now functions as a community-based creative space dedicated for the local community for them to participate in any kind of creative and social activities. Collaboration between Rampakasli, Sabri Idrus and the community gave birth to the The Painting Garage.

The event is open to public.

Sabri Idrus - Mufakat

Date: Thursday, 30 December 2010

Time: 19:30 WIB

Venue: The Painting Garage, Hegarbudi No. 2, Jalan Setiabudi, Bandung 40141, Indonesia

Pecha Kucha Night Bandung #11

Rampakasli (Hafiz Amirrol, Edy Subangkit, Michael Lengkey and Firman Irmansyah) will be presenting on the 11th edition of Pecha Kucha Night Bandung. Other presentations include:

1. Imelda Akmal; Architectural Writer


2. Ferie Budiansyah; Animation Project


3. Gunggi; Magician


4. Realrich Syarief; Architect


5. Mobil Cikal Indonesia; Automotive Design


6. Bandung Public Furniture 2010


7. Aulia Amanda Santosa; Almond


8. Indonesia Kreatif


9. Eko Nugroho; Board Game Community


10. Ihsan; Komunitas Kayak


11. Meeta Fauzan; Fashion Designer


12. Edi Omen; Photographer


13. Rampakasli; Architecture


14. Ardhana Riswarie; Open Your (Heart) Studio


15. Tisa & Nuri Fatima; Kandura


16. Asti Goenawan; Painter


17. Fahri; Indie Comic


18. Rony Amdani; Comic


19. Ade Bachtiar; Cendekia Leadership School


20. In-line Skate Community

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010

Time: 19:00 – 23:30 WIB

Venue: Dian Kencana Futsal (Previously Bioskop Dian)

Jl. Dalem Kaum 56, Bandung

Ticket: Rp. 20,000

More info: Bandung's Pecha Kucha Night

The Park Object Installation by Sabri Idrus

The Park Object

2010, metal structure, slates, resin, bearing and wind

800mm diameter each

The idea for this installation proposal is an extension of a previous interactive piece (see RGB, ORY and Blue Cube, from Masa Series by Sabri Idrus, 2010), scaled to the proportion of the context of public space and public usage. The intention of creating these interactive installation pieces is to engaged the public (viewer) and was developed with the belief that people are most effective in their role as community when they are able to claim public space and through it, make actions that define the space as public. The proposal encompasses the need to rethink citizenship in the context of environmental art, which recognition, engagement and materiality of the space becomes the main focus in placing the artwork. By combining painting and construction, the kinetic mechanism of the installation is hoped to create dialogical participation between the public and the environment. With the current condition where art is often being left out in the context of the built environment, this proposal sees that the crisis of the contemporary society is linked to the democracy of use and its expression in the built environment. Therefore, by envisioning citizenship, redefining democratic participation, and building the creative commons between art, community and the environment, the installation act as a tool in creating simultaneous engagement between fine art, urban design, architecture, visual culture and political will in the context of development. By providing aesthetic in the form of tangible construction and materiality, the artwork is to be tested in the form of public installation (i.e. playground) where public activities take place, and propose improvisational strategies of positive coexistence of the social ecologies. The artwork is also hoped to open up new dimension in the process of neighborhood development, which environmental art plays important role in the process of development of the built environment. Collaborative effort between the artist, the public, planners, architects, authorities and the developer is demanded in positioning the initial idea of the work, which sees proactive and democratic design as the new realm in claiming public space for the society. While not ignoring the basic elements of beauty, function, scale and craftsmanship, the proposal also embark on the concept of ephemeral, speculation and user-oriented perspective in addressing and promote values and forms of the society that are liberating and celebratory. The work is presented as the new ‘interface’ in the context of the public space and also becoming the new integrative component in the development of a more democratic design and place making.

Artwork by Sabri Idrus in collaboration with Hafiz Amirrol and Edy Subangkit. Park image courtesy of Jonathan Dawes and Flowspace Architecture. Text by Hafiz Amirrol.

Seminar Penelitian Dosen SAPPK

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The Dualism of Indonesia’s Urbanization

Urbanization in Indonesia

Rapid urban growth and the emergence of city areas are becoming the new phenomena in Indonesia (Gardiner, 2006). In understanding Indonesia’s urbanization, we cannot escape from the fact that it is largely affected by socio-economic development process. Industrialized countries such as North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia have high proportion of urbanized population compared to most developing countries. Newly industrialized countries such as South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia have witnessed solid transition towards a more urbanized society, while in contrasts, developing countries such as Indonesia have a relatively lower level of urbanization. This chapter will discuss the urbanization phenomenon in Indonesia and Bandung city in general, by focusing on the reality of dualism that happens almost in all urbanized area in Indonesia. 

Urbanization is a process of transformation from rural to an industrialized lifestyle (Firman, 2007). It is being considered as one of world’s most phenomenal socio-economic transformation process. The process of transformation from rural into being an urbanized condition usually involved transitions of economic sectors of the place, such as from an agricultural-based economy into industrialized-based economy. The diagram below explains the transitions of economic sectors that happens in the process of a certain country, state or city transforming into becoming urbanized. 

Agriculture-based > Industry-based > Service-based > Information-based > Creative City > Future Transformation

In most developed countries with high numbers of urbanized population, the scenario above happens progressively within the period of one century. However, Indonesia is experiencing similar transformation process almost within a simultaneous period of this century (Danisworo, 2010). In addition, urbanization of a certain area are usually caused by these three determining factors: (1) natural increase of population, (2) rural-urban migration, and (3) reclassification. 

There are two types of urban definition in Indonesia, as stated by Gardiner (2006). One is based on the administrative division, which local government units (kota) were given official status as municipalities. The second definition based on its functional aspect where each smaller administrative units (desa) were given functional status of being urban or rural according to their own characteristics and structures. The Indonesian population censuses conducted in 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 defined a locality to be considered as urbanized when it meets these three requirements; (1) having a population density of 5000 people or more per square kilometer, (2) having 25 percent or less of its households working in the agricultural sector, and (3) having eight or more kinds of basic urban facilities. These facilities include schools, hospitals, primary health care centers, sufficient road network systems, shopping centers, cinemas, market place, factories, banking institutions, restaurants, sufficient electricity and communication infrastructures and other basic public infrastructures. 

On the other hand, formations of globalized Asian cities are characterized by the followings (Firman, 1999): 

1. Development of economic activities at a global scale 

2. Division of functions between core and peripheral area in the city 

3. Shifts from being single-core to multi-cored city 

4. Conversion of agricultural land on city’s peripheries and changes of land use at the center 

5. Development of large-scale urban infrastructures, including airports, seaports, highways, telecommunication networks and other infrastructures 

6. Increase of land development rate 

7. Increasing numbers of commuters, commuting time and distances 

However, the phenomenon of the global city seems to disconnect local economic activities, resulting in regional disparities and uneven distribution of wealth (Ng and Hill, 2003). In general terms, urban development and urbanization patterns in Indonesia were largely affected by its socio-economic developments and political factors, which include the economy boom during the 1980’s to mid 1990’s and the economic crisis at the end of 2000 (Firman, 2002). Changes and reforms of government’s policies and directions from the era of the Old Order (Soekarno’s regime, 1959 – 1966), the New Order (Soeharto’s regime, 1966 – 1998) and the Reformation era of post-Soeharto also contribute to the overall development of Indonesia’s urbanization process. Basically, the development of urban areas and cities were backboned by politics. During Soekarno’s period of presidency, the development of urban areas focused on projects that represent nation and character buildings, while a more capitalistic direction by opening development markets to the globalized world was the focus undertaken during Soeharto’s presidency period. 

The current urban economic growth in Indonesia is not driven by investments but rely greatly on exports and consumptions. Meanwhile, new laws of regional autonomy and fiscal decentralization would have significant impact towards urbanization in the near future since urban development is becoming a local development affair. As stated by Danisworo (2010), city is the accumulation of decision-makings’ products by many different parties, especially from political decisions. What cities would become are physical manifestations based on the norms practiced during its formation process. In Indonesia, the concentration from capitalistic investments had caused changes in physical developments, but these changes do not apply to behavioral aspects of its dwellers. This dualism phenomenon in most urbanized area of Indonesia has characterized its cities. 

Dualism of Indonesia’s Urbanization 

In her book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), Jane Jacobs pointed out that diversity is natural to big cities. The concept of place and authenticity of a city are often conflicting, and contain contradictions, resistances and differences. In the context of rapid urbanization of most Indonesian’s cities, there are apparently great contrast between kota and kampungs. This dualist condition of the city, which is the product of the above-mentioned decision-makings and transformative process have been discussed long ago by Geertz (1965): 

"This transformation of kampung or rural into being urbanized or kota have three major aspects. Firstly, there is the emergence of new, semi-modern occupational structure that allowed and encouraged people to move off land and into non-agricultural-based work sectors. Secondly, changes of traditional forms of village social life within the kampungs as the agricultural-based community structure disappeared and new forms of social structure emerge replacing it. Thirdly, partial dissolution of village political structure happens and is reoriented towards the urban political leadership model. In general, it is a process of readaptation, not simply of disintegration – as urbanization is so often described." 

Referring again to the urban transformation cycle based on economic developments as described in Diagram 1 above, what happened in most urban area of Indonesia are merely ‘physical urbanization’ while most of its dwellers are still not urbanized, mentally. The unsynchronized cultural transformation created this dualism character of the city. The question of integrating the functional and the visual aspects of urban characters holistically had long been a challenge to decision makers and implementers of policies and planning and designs. Table 1 outlined major differences of kampung and kota, and also delineate dualist conditions for urbanized area that were embedded with kampung’s characteristics. 

Dualism in Indonesia’s Urbanized Areas (Source: Sihombing, 2004) 

From the characteristics above, we can see that the dualist conditions of kampung and kota in most urbanized places in Indonesia have contradictory and different elements between them. However, it is also important to notice their similarity and integration, as these similarities contribute to the important aspects of symbiosis. Historically, both kampung and kota in Indonesia cannot stand-alone. As stated by Siregar (1990), Indonesian cities from the period of the Hindu civilization up to now have contained kampungs but they have never been a kampung. Because of poverty and the availability of the informal sectors, kampungs always exist together with kota to support and serve each other. In respect to the main interest of this thesis, the transformative value that continuously happen in the urbanized area of the city with all of its elements, including the kampung kota needs a better process of allocation and re-allocation of the city’s sources in ensuring fair distributions of wealth for the society. 

The provisions of conducive in-between spaces in responding to the needs of both the urbanized and non-urbanized dwellers in the city are much needed. This is also important to meet the needs of both formal and informal sectors that have been contributing to the whole transformation process of the urbanized area. Since transformation process cannot happen in a vacuum space, architectural and urban design interventions are some of the most important elements that need to be implemented carefully, with special attention given to the unique conditions of this dualist phenomenon. The selection of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Bandung as the case study of this thesis will provide a testing ground that resembles this condition of dualism, and the target of this thesis is to provide design guidelines with simulations on intervening an urban area that is always transforming and dynamic. 

Packaging Design for Pitahati's Bintang Biru Kristal Salju Single

Design by Hafiz Amirrol
Client: Pitahati and Luncai Emas

Black Star: The Unrealized Stage Design for Search's Concert Tour

Design by CODA and Hafiz Amirrol

Client: Search

Visiting Lecture Series SAPPK Institut Teknologi Bandung 2010

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Baskoro Tedjo Design Sharing Series at Institut Teknologi Bandung

Design Sharing Series on the Concepts, Processes, Approaches and Performances of 40 Selected Projects by Baskoro Tedjo

Date: Every Friday, 19 November, 26 November and 3 December 2010

Venue: Ruang Kuliah 6101, SAPPK, ITB

One of the most celebrated architect in Indonesia, Baskoro Tedjo's career has spanned for over 25 years. This design sharing series will be conducted in three parts, presenting 40 selected works on governmental buildings and public spaces, private buildings, and award winning projects. The presentation series are part of the book making process on the architecture of Baskoro Tedjo.

Urban Transformation Phenomena in Bandung - Pre Thesis Part 1

The proposed thesis is concerned with the process of urban transformation that is happening in Bandung today. The research is interested in these transformations because of its importance in understanding the whole phenomena of the city, which might lead to the development of the city in the future. This thesis, which deals with the practice of architectural and urban modernism and its transformation opens against a background in which expectation tinged with equal measures of uncertainty. Public and professional attitudes towards modern architecture and planning systems, and its continuing potential for reshaping cities had changed dramatically since the death of modernism was announced*. Although some continued to believe in and practice modernism as if nothing had happened, as what happened in Indonesia, elsewhere the mood was critical, apologetic and sometime confused (Gold, 2007). Architects and urban planners, who previously enjoyed general endorsement as built environment’s experts now faced criticisms and are accused of authoritarianism, dogmatism, unaccountability, elitism, hegemony, lack of ethical concern, arrogance, and above all, being a whore for those with capital strength. These criticisms usually come from the grass-root level of society that primarily are users of the places and spaces designed by architects and planners. These places which society celebrated in the past now stood condemned as dysfunctional, socially sterile, without respect for history and the collective mnemonic memory and monotonous. This kind of transformation is the primary research topic of the thesis, which tries to investigate and understand the evolution of use and functions of the designed places and spaces over the transformative period that had happened. Click to read more. 

*Architectural theorist and critic, Charles Jencks in his book on The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977) opens with the statement: 'Happily, we can date the death of Modern Architecture to a precise moment in time... It expired finally and completely in 1972'.

Slide Show Selasa Sore - Unrealized Presentation Series

The unrealized presentation series of Slide Show Selasa Sore at SAPPK, ITB, 2010.

Visiting Lecture Series SAPPK Institut Teknologi Bandung 2010

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Pre Thesis Seminar - Urban Transformation Phenomena in Bandung

This presentation discuss the restructuring of my proposed thesis on the subject of urban transformation that is happening in the city of Bandung, with specific analysis along the area of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Download the presentation here.

Kevin Mark Low Presentation at Institut Teknologi Bandung

Kevin Mark Low (smallprojects)

Date: Thursday, 18 November 2010, 1300 WIB
Venue: Ruang Kuliah Planologi SAPPK, Lt. 6, Institut Teknologi Bandung

smallprojects is run by Kevin Low who returned to Malaysia and culture shock after nine years in the west with a bachelor's and master's degree in architecture and a minor in art and architectural history. Kevin has, over various periods in his life, been professionally involved in writing, environmental sculpture, illustrating, teaching and copyrighting. He has presented papers on building technology at Harvard University and lectured in the architectural department at MIT. While in the United States, Kevin worked in architectural practices both on the East and West coasts and studied closely with the Aga Khan Foundation, earning awards of research grants and fellowships to Italy, North Yemen, Spain and Bangladesh. He joined GDP Architects upon his return to Kuala Lumpur where he stayed for the next eleven years, running the r + d and special projects division.

His work while at GDP Architects included project branding, budget hotels and high end condominiums, a refurbished warehouse for a corporate office, various housing types, guardhouses, garden memorials, mailboxes and master plans; the last one being the master plan for Sentul in Kuala Lumpur. 

Kevin currently divides his time between architectural and product design, concept master plans, teaching architecture at University Malaya and providing design concept services to clients and other consultants.

He still designs mailboxes.

And unusual houses for unusual clients with an emphasis on what he calls the garden house.

(Text courtesy of Kevin Low)

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Performative Urbanism - Rem Koolhaas’ Delirious New York

Delirious New York

This chapter will review and analyze Rem Koolhaas’ Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan (1978) – a book with an engaging review of modern architecture and urbanism. In this book, Koolhaas presents the city as world of the ‘fantastic’, disguised as the pragmatic, and termed the city as the Rosetta Stone of the 20th century. Manhattan, the main subject of discussion of the book was viewed as a world of illusion that was brought to life and became a factory of man-made experience. This condition had caused the real and the natural condition of the city to ceased to exist, lacking a sense of the real.

From Modernity to Performative Modernity

Throughout the 1970s, intense hostility toward the modernist approaches in architecture and urban planning provided motivation for a reengagement with architectural history, and stressed out upon an articulation of architecture as a system of communication. The parallel framing of architecture as a communicative system was influenced by methods from other disciplines, such as semiotics and structuralist linguistics. However, Delirious New York was written by depicting the architecture of Manhattan not in linguistic or representational terms, but as a kind of a performative drive.

In this context, Koolhaas’ processes of understanding the city were done through the analyzing of the block grid that is Manhattan. The block grid was conceived in 1807, breaking Coney Island into 2028 blocks, totally indifferent to topography. Manhattan was basically formed by the imposition of the mental over the real. The city form was a result of overlying the grids, shifted out of the real into the fantastic with the advent of the skyscrapers. This had made Manhattan became lobotomized, in the words of Koolhaas. The external image of the city representing the illusion of what a proper and monumental urban structure should be, while the internal being entirely divorced from the external, and being only what it was – be it fantasy or the mundane of everyday life.

Performative Driven Urbanism – The Culture of Congestion

Delirious New York was represented as the ‘popular’ American modernism – a modernism of unselfconscious density, which in Koolhaas’ view, the culture of congestion. What keeps Manhattan running is congestion, a world constantly on the edge of total gridlock. This is the similar phenomenon that Bandung is also facing currently. The simultaneous explosion of human density and invasion of new technologies, together with unregulated forces of capitalism and politics surpasses established urban planning and architecture theories. In the case of Manhattan, Koolhaas coined the term ‘Manhattanism’ – which is the undeclared modern phenomena that exceeds both the rationality of Le Corbusier’s machine age modernism and the irrationality of Salvador Dali’s paranoid-critical surrealism.

The reason Le Corbusier could not conquer Manhattan is that his urban form removed the congestion phenomena of the city, replacing it with an ideal city form to live in. This congestion, similar to what Bandung is facing today, forces the city to be divorced from reality – into a more speculative world filled with people with unique human desires. These desires were also caused by the systemization of the efficient city, which lack inspiration and surrender individuality to the automatism of a synthetic routine of living in the city.

Delirious New York as an Inductive Research

Koolhaas’ research on Manhattan operates predominantly in an inductive mode, involving the extraction of general principles (theories) from observation of specific phenomena (facts). His approach was in opposition to the deduction method, which is the testing of general principles through the production of specific phenomena. If the modernist manifesto was intended to be read according to logic of rationalist deduction, Delirious New York is a reversal to it. The research attempt to recuperate an alternative to the rationalist’ modernism through a parallactic historiography, in which the object of study is being reframed by the point of view assumed by a repositioned subject. This method led to the blurring of roles, which plays out in the book structure and way of writing.

This generative mode of polemical architectural research, directed toward theorizing urban phenomena outside of the architectural profession was, perhaps made famous by the work of Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown and Steven Izenour’s Learning From Las Vegas (1972). My research for the thesis follows the similar approach of both Delirious New York and Learning From Las Vegas, looking to contemporary explosive locations of urban growth and transformation that are driven by the global and local market economy and socio-political factors, rather that the dictates of architects and planners.