Architects, Are You Proud?

Will Work for Love Campaign

There are many chances for me to re-think about the existence of being an architect today. Some people say it is a glamor job where your business is around developed technology and fancy life style, but some others say it is a miserable job which requires your 24 hours and wholehearted but never has slightest chance to increase your bank account. No more people say that architect's job is a master work of public needs, they believe only the rich could hire an architect. It is getting creepier when I saw a situation where owner architects met bureaucrats and they could change some policies in order to get what they called win-win solution, first party could maintain their money and second party could get extra money. Responsibility of people needs and place development has been replaced by interest of some certain parties. So let say the shallowest conclusion of those all is architecture is not for the savior. It could not save people's life nor his own life. Eat that, Andin!

I had almost lost my faith on this profession when I found some of my idealistic architect friends said that big project is not for real architect's job. It is pure business. They said when your creativity and vision of utopian future cannot be applied on your design just because you follow order from the owner yet you are no longer an architect, you are just a drafter. Creating open public space or developing traditional market is judged as the more responsible architectural work. Once again, it is not about the money but it is about working for love they affirmed. But what about self's welfare? How do you live your family? Does money always sound that bad?

For me money is not a life. It is only a tool, like internet or the smart phone in your hand. What they are doing is good for them and I have something good for me too. Being an architect who involves in commercial project could be an opportunity to influence investor parties with conceptual idea which could bring the best physical and environmental development. With convincing the owner to use some potteries from Pleret instead of import it from China, or revealing banana paper that produced in small industry from Singaraja Bali to be used in our resort projects, or "just" warning the owner to not against government rules. There are so many kind of ways to give advantage to the public. Then why should we judge some architects for how big or small project they chose? It is not about scale, judge them by what project they are in. Well then again I am still proud to call my self as an architect, even architecture cannot save the world; yes it still can set a good example.

"If you are good at something, never do it for free" - Joker

*And are you really sure that I never make an open public space outside my main job? :p

Miss Greedy

This situation happened when I was watching The Closing Ceremony of London Olympic 2012 on last August. My obsession of UK is undeniable, either its culture, places, music, end even the sport; I love it, so when it came an event which had so many British musicians (included Blur!!) inside it and held in the-very-british-city London I woke up happily on 02:00 am just to watch the closing ceremony via my only one tv. One little problem started when I realized that there was no Blur performance in that event, and it was confirmed that Blur performance is officially part of London Olympic Closing Ceremony B  U  T it is not gonna be held in Olympic Stadium and it is not gonna be broadcasted by any kind of tv channel in this universe! I was almost die when finally enlightened by one of tweet on my timeline which informed me that Blur will gonna hit the air by BT London Live Radio. Thank God.

With the successful online live radio performance, I muted the tv so I still could watch the glamor ceremony. While I enjoyed those unsynchronized audio-visual event, my phone alarm was ringing wildly with the notes on its screen written as: "sahur" (moslem early breakfast before fasting). So I ended up with my eyes into the tv, my ears stayed with the online radio, while my mouth was busy chewing the breakfast. It was a marvelous busy solo night, young fellas..

Illustration by Klas Fahlen

Well I always proud of my self for having a special super power what I called get-everything-at-the-same-time. So many success stories that I could not write down here about dealing with my wishes. But now on, being me is so anxious. I lost my super power. There are so many thoughts which dance abruptly on my head. It is about I want that, I want this, well honestly I want them all. Unfortunately each of the thoughts is pulling me into the opposite directions. The greediness has been driving me nuts.

Wouldn't it be fine becoming a greedy one if we do not harm anybody, right? I won't take the universe anyway. But at this time I knew I doubt it. Even my own brain has felt the pain every time I am dreaming some of the thought. However I am still working on it and wishing my super power back. Just like Little Richard ever said, greed has taken the whole universe and nobody is worried about their soul. So yes, I should not care about the soul because I am a (good) greedy. Get evertthing at the same time. Inhale... Exhale...

10 for Pontianak

In this recent three weeks I spent my time to.... READ! Alhamdulillah, finally my tiny brain and these lazy eyes realized how joyful that activity is. Well I have got 2 books in a row, one is The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (which I bought in 2010!!) and another one is a book that related to architecture and urban design thingy; Eyes of The Skin - Architecture and the Senses by Juhani Pallasmaa. Well unfortunately in this post I won't write any review for those books, the announcement above is for my excuse of blogging laziness only. Seems Legit.

Kapuas Bridge

But the good news appeared while I was searching for that excuse; I miss my hometown! I miss Pontianak, the place where I was born, where I grew up 'till 18 years old, where I always go home when it is Eid Fitri, where my family are waiting for me to come home. My mind flew about 750 kilometers away from here and was wondering what are people doing right there? Are they enjoying the Friday night with some fellas in some cafes just like many Jakartans do? Are some of them sitting on the simple bench of the most favorite noodle house in town named Apollo? Or they're just gathering around tv at home with their family like what I'm craving for right now? AND I decided to agree with my second and third thought; it must be Apollo or TV! (sorry Mega Mall, for my future hometown culture good sake, I insisted to delete you from my own thought. Dear Pontianak people, please understand me :D).

Even though Pontianak is a big developing city with strong identity of its culture, it is not a city with many local urban entertainment. The youngster, like most typical big cities, they love to mingle in the modern sacred place named shopping mall. Fyi after closing Gadjah Mada Mall, this city where lived by 565.856 people has (thank God) "only" three malls; Ayani Mega Mall, Matahari Mall, and (yes I have to count it) Ramayana Mall. The most favorite mall is Ayani Mega Mall; the newest, largest, coolest tenants, and best location. Well the local attraction is not Pontianak's Favorite -at this time.

Despite it all, it reminds me to discuss about the real local urban attractiveness of Pontianak. Based on one article in PPS (Project for Public Space) website, there are some powerful magnetic spots spread all around the city. These powerful spots are places with special connection between people and place, they could be a place to sit, a play ground to enjoy, art to touch, music to hear, food to eat, history to experience, and people to meet. We could find at least 10 places as described before, 10 places that could attract people to come and stay, that's why they called it as The Power of Ten.

I have listed my 10 best urban spots that always make me optimist and proud of Pontianak to become one of the most emerging city in Indonesia, here they are:

Alun-Alun Kapuas

This unique plaza is directly located beside Kapuas River. Some areas are even part of the river, like stepping, floating gazebo, and wooden path walk. There are many potential area that could be imagined with good waterfront development. Indeed this city has a strong connection with The Kapuas River, the longest river of Indonesia.

Riverside Cafes: Serasan, Pak Uweh, etc.

The existence of Kapuas River evoked all riverside potential attraction in food and beverage business that has been developing. This riverside also could be very attractive when it was Malam Takbiran (the night before Eid Fitri), where Mayor of the city with the local people are celebrating the night with "meriam karbit" (traditional cannon made from bengkirai wood).

Museum of West Kalimantan

Their collections about Dayak tribe, Melayu Culture, and Tiong Hwa acculturation would give you some special experiences. The most interesting of this museum is the fact that they have outdoor exhibition area with the same scale model! Even as the local from there, I would love to schedule my time to revisit it again and again.

Local Coffee Shops as long as Jalan Gadjah Mada

This actually is the new phenomenon of the urban lifestyle since 5 years ago. In the earlier there was only Tiong Hwa people who mingle on this area, but recently it became the largest night sitting area to enjoy some tubruk coffees, football big match, or just hanging out with friends.

Taman Budaya (Pontianak Cultural Center)

This building has just been renovated for its extended outdoor area. Dance practicing, theater, and food retails are the best activities that could be enjoyed in your shiny noon.

Rumah Panjang Betang

For the best impression about Dayak tribe could be found in this location. Architecture of traditional house with amazing wood carving everywhere and Dayak's music that played by some people who are practicing for their upcoming performance would hypnotize you into your exotic thought. If you are lucky, you would watch traditional ceremony around that area. On the other part of this area, there were teens playing skateboard.

Aloevera Center

Located near the boundary of Pontianak and its suburb, this agro-tourism is the largest aloevera producer in Indonesia. This business has been one of the biggest supply for local income. Try the cold aloevera juice to make you stay cool! :p

   

Tugu Khatulistiwa (Monument of Equator)

Pontianak has well known for its super shiny day (and heat weather indeed) because it is located in 0° 02' 24" N – 0° 01' 37" S and 109° 16' 25" – 109° 23' 04" E. There are some local festivals that always be held on 21-23 March and 21-23 September when the equinox happens in maximum position. The monument is designed by Frederich Silaban, the same architect who designed Monument National in Jakarta.

Keraton Kadariah

This is the biggest palace in Pontianak. Designed and constructed with Melayu traditional architecture in the main building and mosque but combined with some kind of Java traditional architecture in its plaza. Near the location of this palace there are high density residential, tradional market, and again... Kapuas River! This palace has became "the old city plaza" where the new one is located in the opposite site of the river, Alun-Alun Kapuas.

Souvenir Shops in Jalan Pattimura

Everybody loves shopping. This area consists of some shops that display unique goods from traditional culture of every tribe in West Kalimantan. Mandau (Dayak sword), stone necklace, root bangle, and so many beautiful things that could remind you to always back to Pontianak.

So what is your list?

Kampung Kreatif Braga

The Sight of Kampoeng Kreatif Braga from Jalan Braga

A few days ago, I went to my most favorite city in the world: Bandung. I accompanied my bf to fix up his car in Banceuy area (I'm going to write about this unique area someday) where not so far from the famous Jalan Braga located. So when we had to wait for the car repair works, without coercion of course, we decided to go to De Braga Weg.. ;)

Love is in the air, mijn vrienden.. We were enjoying the sunday afternoon sight of Jalan Braga while realized that there is an alley with eye catching tagline; "Kampoeng Kreatif Braga" (Braga Creative Village). It was so magnetic for us to come inside. Both of us wondering is it similar village like Dipowinatan or Cokroningratan in Yogyakarta? Or maybe as cool as Banjarsari Village in Cilandak, Jakarta? Well at the first time I was so impressed with I-so-called the "foyer of the alley" where a food street vendor who was busy to set and fix his presentation while the customers enjoyed their meal with decorated mural wall as their background.

"Alley Cafe"

But this lovely urban sight stopped when I reached the 15 meters length of the alley. There was a pile of rubbish welcoming us.

Going Down the Alley :S

Feeling Down for The Alley :(

So Sorry for The Plant :'(

It was a heart breaking moment. At the same time we have got information that this "creative urban village" was created for the Annually Braga Festival purposed. Yet I ain't happy, my heart is more broken than before. What the hell is going on? Do people these days really love to make something fake? Something that can be enjoyed in some festive or happening occasions only? Did people really write down the creative village name for festival purposed only? I send my regards to real life.

Braga Festival 2012 Signage Left

But then again, as an Indonesian citizen *slash* third world nationality, I experienced to never ever stop asking, hoping, thinking, and trying for the better condition. This is the fusion of best and weakest strength. I still believe Bandung is full of creative people who have willingness and dream about this city. Let's take a minute to wondering this Kampoeng Kreatif Braga would give a hit just like Xin Tian Di in Shanghai did, where old conservation area well blended with the local modern daily REAL life; kids, youngster, oldster, even the kungfu master.

Cubism Door

The Down Alley

"The Unify"; Iwan Fals, Indonesian Singer (what if he became the mayor of Bandung? Wouldn't it be cool?! I'll vote for him! hehe)

The children of Kampung Kreatif Braga

Those pictures from some corners of this Kampoeng Kreatif Braga strengthened evidence that no one can resist the ultimate power of Bandung creativity such as mural, sculpture, urban installation, and city festival - no matter how terrible rubbish existed like I described before. No one can't more agree when someone said Bandung is the vibrant creative city in Indonesia. And no one will be sad someday because of the beauty of Bandung is not temporary, it sustains! This city's beauty should not only shown during some festivals. I hope.

Rujak Jakarta

Sapa suru datang Jakarte
Sapa suru datang Jakarte
Sandiri suka, sandiri rasa..

Hehe this song lyric from Melky Goeslaw (yes that Melly Goeslaw's father) has always been the genuine cynical phrase to everyone who lives in Jakarta. Freaking traffic jam, floods, lack of public space, snobbish consumerism lifestyle, and other terrible things that happened these recently days makes us think that complaint is the best topic in everyday conversation. But despite it all, we are like having an endless love and hate relationship with Jakarta that makes rest of us all survive in this city.

The greatest survival power of living creature is shown when they try to adapt. There are many things we can do to simplify the process of adaptation in Jakarta, one of them with developing environmentally conscious in accordance with local regulations. Some people might say that the regulatory governance of urban planning is too exclusive, only practitioners such as urban planner, architect, environmentalist, and government officials who understand. Well, let's give thanks, a non-profit community called RUJAK has made a marvelous video that has much spatial information about urban planning regulation which packaged simply and easy to understand. So.. Let's start to plan our own environment for every moment that we had and will get from this city. ;)

"What is the city, but the people?" - William Shakespeare

Yes, I am obsessed. I WANT TO LIVE IN LONDON.

"London is a roost for every bird". - Benjamin Disraeli

"...And I'm just a bird, Sir". - Andina Shintawaty 

 

British Museum!
The world oldest subway system: London Underground
It's royalty and classiness.
I want to date my paperback in Hyde Park.
Can fate brings me to Damon Albarn?
Not too far to reach Anfield, I guess.. :p #YNWA
Themes River!!! (Berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke Themes kemudian..)
I love to see what Frank Sinatra ever sang: A nightingale in Berkeley Square
B  r  i  t  i  s  h     a  c  c  e  n  t

Harrods (just take a photograph is okay).
Make sure my watch works as same as big ben does.
Calling someone from one red box
Westminster Abbey.
Share my day with Peter Pan statue.
Becoming the member of mob in upcoming royal wedding. It's okay, Harry.. I let you go.. :p
Enjoy the gloomy sky and the rainy days..
Sip some coffee shops in the downtown, such as Prufrock Coffee.. :3
Not really interest with the double decker thingy, but yes I love to capture it.
Watch my first snow in my flat while cuddling with.... My room heater. :))
Just want to confirm, is there really THAT many birds in Europe?
What if I met Lord Norman Foster? Fabulous portfolios is a must.
Mesmerized with Bartlett Library

Happily ever after in Bartlett School of Architecture UCL

“It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.”

― Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories, Volume I