Yu Sing: Mengupayakan Arsitektur untuk Semua

Summary

Yu Sing's lecture at Brawijaya University delves into the relevance of Nusantara architecture in contemporary society. Emphasizing identity, social responsibility, and sustainability, he critiques the Eurocentric influence on modern architecture. Yu Sing advocates for a return to a balanced, localized architectural approach that respects traditional values like communal work (gotong royong) while integrating ecological and social considerations. His work exemplifies these ideals, focusing on affordable housing, the modernization of Nusantara architecture, and the sustainable development of kampungs (urban villages) as vital, self-sustaining communities within Indonesian cities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Architecture is deeply connected to a person's identity, locality, and spirit, serving as a clear path in life.
• 😀 The lack of clear architectural direction in Indonesia can lead to cultural uncertainty, necessitating a return to the values of Nusantara architecture.
• 😀 Nusantara architecture is not just about the past; it must be brought into the present to serve both human individuality and the common good.
• 😀 Social architecture, such as Architecture for Humanity and Diabedo Francis Kere, has become a growing field of interest, emphasizing social roles of architects.
• 😀 Yu Sing, a young architect, started his career by questioning the purpose of life, which shaped his architectural philosophy.
• 😀 Yu Sing's book, 'Mimpi Rumah Murah' ('The Dream of Inexpensive House'), emphasized the importance of affordable housing and sparked positive attention.
• 😀 The Jaringan Arsitek Indonesia Merakyat (JAIM) was founded by Yu Sing in 2009 to promote populist architecture and support accessible design.
• 😀 Nusantara architecture should be brought up-to-date through modern morphology, forms, materials, and local traditions, preserving cultural roots while embracing innovation.
• 😀 Sustainable kampung (city village) is a vital element in Indonesian cities, serving as a model for communal living, social interaction, and educational growth.
• 😀 The concept of gotong royong (communal cooperation) is integral to Nusantara architecture, fostering autonomy, equality, and social harmony in cities.

Q & A

What is Yu Sing's primary perspective on architecture in relation to human identity?

Yu Sing believes that architecture should reflect both the identity of the individual and the collective spirit of humanity. He emphasizes that a person’s natural disposition is tied to their identity, and architecture should serve to strengthen this connection, offering a clear path in life.

Why does Yu Sing argue that Nusantara architecture should not be viewed as something from the past?

Yu Sing argues that Eurocentric architecture dominates contemporary discussions, causing Nusantara architecture to be relegated to the past. He advocates for repositioning Nusantara architecture within the present, ensuring it aligns with modern needs while maintaining cultural relevance.

What does Yu Sing mean by 'bringing Nusantara architecture up-to-date'?

Bringing Nusantara architecture up-to-date involves integrating traditional architectural elements with modern design principles. This can include updating forms, materials, and concepts to make them relevant to contemporary society while preserving local traditions and philosophies.

What is the significance of the concept 'gotong royong' in Nusantara architecture according to Yu Sing?

Gotong royong, or communal work, is a core value in Nusantara architecture. Yu Sing emphasizes that this concept underpins the social aspect of architecture, promoting collaboration, mutual cooperation, and a sense of community in architectural projects and societal development.

What are the three main 'viruses' of architectural thinking that Yu Sing introduces?

Yu Sing introduces three main architectural concepts: 1) Pursuing inexpensive housing, 2) Bringing Nusantara architecture up-to-date, and 3) Seeking a sustainable kampung (city village). These principles guide his architectural philosophy and practice.

How does Yu Sing view the role of architects in society?

Yu Sing believes architects should be agents of social change. He views architecture as more than just constructing buildings—architects have a responsibility to address societal needs, such as affordable housing and sustainable urban communities, and contribute to the greater good.

What is Yu Sing's vision for the 'kampung' (city village) in modern Indonesian cities?

Yu Sing sees the kampung as an essential and sustainable part of urban life. He values its communal spirit, social interactions, and ecological principles. He believes the kampung embodies positive values such as tolerance, mutual cooperation, and community, which are crucial in the face of urbanization.

What role does architecture play in shaping social interactions, according to Yu Sing?

Architecture plays a significant role in facilitating social interaction by creating spaces that foster community engagement, cooperation, and mutual respect. In particular, the concept of gotong royong and the design of spaces that encourage communal work and social ties are central to Yu Sing's vision.

Why does Yu Sing emphasize inexpensive housing in his architectural philosophy?

Yu Sing emphasizes the importance of inexpensive housing because he believes that affordable, quality housing is a fundamental right for all people. His book *Mimpi Rumah Murah* (The Dream of Inexpensive House) addresses the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in Indonesia, reflecting his commitment to social equity.

How does Yu Sing's work reflect the integration of traditional and modern elements in architecture?

Yu Sing’s work integrates traditional Nusantara architectural elements, such as local materials, forms, and philosophies, with modern design concepts. This approach respects the past while addressing current challenges, creating architecture that is both culturally relevant and functional in a contemporary context.