taman bima microlibrary

by Sarah Mineko Ichioka

2019 On Site Review Report

Taman Bima Microlibrary

Architect SHAU Architects

ClientDompet Dhuafa, City of Bandung

Design2014-2015

Completed2016

Bandung, Indonesia

5386.IDA

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Taman Bima Microlibrary Bandung, Indonesia

I. Introduction

The Microlibrary at Taman Bima was designed as a pilot project for a broader initiative that aims to boost Indonesia’s literacy rates by bringing accessible community reading facilities to urban public spaces across the country. In this case, a well-used but run-down public space, located at the border zone between one of Bandung’s middle-class neighbourhoods and an informal kampung, was upgraded through the addition of an elevated, naturally ventilated 80-square-metre library space. The new steel and concrete structure, with an eye-catching façade that incorporates over 1,800 repurposed plastic buckets, provides shelter for both organised events and informal gatherings on the upgraded stage beneath it. Located in a district characterised by small-scale metalworking, motors and recycled materials businesses, Taman Bima Microlibrary is well-used by its neighbouring community, and has helped to contribute to a reduction of youth criminal activity in the area. This architect-initiated urban project benefitted from active patronage from a coalition of partners, including the City of Bandung, the Islamic charitable organisation Dompet Dhuafa, and the Indonesian Diaspora Foundation; it is staffed by members of the neighbourhood youth association, Karang Taruna. Since Taman Bima Microlibrary’s opening in 2016, several other Microlibraries, designed by the same architects, have been opened or are under active development at other sites in Indonesia.

II. Contextual information

A. Brief historical background

Taman Bima is located within the Cicendo neighbourhood, in the north-west of Bandung, the capital of West Java. Due to the densely built informal settlements occupying the green space that once ran between the river and the north–south Jalan Bima, public space is scarce. Very small living quarters within the informal settlements also mean that demand for public spaces for recreation and community activities is high.

The square was already a gathering point for people from the kampung and neighbourhood. The existing Taman Bima square contained a stage and small storage shed (date of origin unknown). Painted markings delineating a small football field on the hardscape and moveable goals were also present. Pak Dede, a neighbourhood community leader, had previously founded a neighbourhood reading initiative in the form of mobile book trolleys. At the same time, under Ridwan Kamil (Mayor 2013–2018), the City of Bandung initiated a park and public space improvement programme. Therefore, the Microlibrary concept, initiated by the SHAU architectural practice in 2012, came at the right moment.

B. Local architectural character, including prevalent forms and materials

The library’s immediate surroundings are characterised by low-rise, high-density construction. It sits on the border between two types of development. On one side (behind the project) is formal middle-class housing, consisting of two-storey-high plastered walls with terracotta-tiled pitched roofs. On the other side, towards which the project’s gate opens, is informally built, low-income housing, small and very dense. In the informal neighbourhood, materials and colours are diverse, ranging from plastered to wooden extensions, with roofs that are sometimes of terracotta tiles, sometimes of corrugated steel or plastic.

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C. Climatic conditions

Bandung has a tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons. The city is located in a river basin, 768 metres above sea level, with hilly surroundings towards the north rising up to 1,300 metres at Lembang. Due to Bandung’s special geography, temperatures are less hot during the day in comparison with other cities on Java or e.g. Singapore and stay mostly below 30°C (around 28°C). At night the temperature cools down to around 22–24°C.

D. Immediate surroundings of the site, including architectural character, access, landscaping, etc.

The surrounding Cicendo neighbourhood is best known for spare parts and repair shops (steel, engine parts, toilet equipment, plumbing, etc.). The Microlibrary site is surrounded on its north, west and south sides by formally built middle-class housing, which flanks the square in a horseshoe layout. On the western side of the north–south two-lane Jalan Bima lies a kampung neighbourhood (small-scale, dense, narrow pedestrian-only alleys) with small shops at the street front, and a neighbourhood mosque, the Masjid Yayasan Ihya’u Al-Sunnah.

Immediately behind the kampung is one of Bandung’s many “hidden” rivers, which floods during heavy rains. There is an elementary school nearby approximately 250 metres to the south of the site. Approximately 500 metres to the south-west of the site is a 5,000-square-metre public square Alun-alun Cicendo, designed by the same architects and under the auspices of the same mayor as Taman Bima Microlibrary.

Jalan Bima is a busy street with two lanes of traffic and without formal sidewalks, lined with mature trees. The site is bordered by concrete planting beds and surrounded by an approximately 3.5-metre-tall chain-link fence, both of which predate the Microlibrary. Pedestrian access to the site is via a sliding gate on the western side, which is kept unlocked from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

E Topography of the project site

The project site is flat; the 821-square-metre Taman Bima square is elevated some 50 centimetres above ground level. It is accessible via pre-existing stairs on the western side.

III. Programme

A. History of the inception of the project; how the project was initiated

This was a self-initiated project by the Bandung office of the architectural practice SHAU, first presented in 2012 at the Indonesian Diaspora Congress in Los Angeles. At this congress, SHAU met the directors of Dompet Dhuafa, the nationwide Islamic charitable foundation (funded through zakat) that eventually became the client and managing agent for Taman Bima Microlibrary.

After exploring potential sites in Jakarta, in 2014 the architects initiated a meeting with Ridwan Kamil, then Mayor of Bandung, pitching the idea, receiving permission to use the City-owned site at Taman Bima, and developing the actual design.

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B. How were the architects and specialists chosen?

This was a self-initiated project by the architects, who still remain closely involved in the Microlibrary’s upkeep and promotion.

C. General programme objectives

The Microlibrary initiative aims to contribute to Indonesia’s social and economic development, boosting the nation’s literacy rate through the creation of new community reading spaces in dense urban areas. In the Taman Bima site in particular, community partners and the City government were keen to combat rising youth gang violence, which had become a local concern in the years preceding the Microlibrary’s opening.

D. Functional requirements (i.e., architect’s brief)

Taman Bima Microlibrary sought to retain all existing uses on the site, for example the informal football pitch and benches at the park’s perimeter, whilst introducing a new self-contained area for securely storing books and permitting quiet study and group activities. The low project budget necessitated natural ventilation, and excluded the introduction of costlier modifications such as plumbing or a lift to the site.

IV. Description

A. Building data: volumetry, massing, number of units, surface in square metres, etc.

The Microlibrary was designed as a floating volume above the stage to create added value, and not remove the existing functions which were the reason why people gather there in the first place. The elevated building floats 3.5 metres above the square (1-metre-high stage + 2.5 metres clearance to Microlibrary above); the height of the volume is 3.065 metres. The Microlibrary measures net 71 square metres, gross 84.76 square metres; the stage underneath it 84 square metres. The 104-square-metre façade incorporates 1,872 recycled ice-cream buckets.

B. Evolution of design concepts, including

1. Response to physical constraints – siting, climate, plot ratios, etc.

The Microlibrary was designed to fit the site’s existing stage structure. The stage was retained, clad in concrete and reworked to add stairs. The library was built on top, serving now as shade and rain cover for the stage. The library covers a small part of the square with a coverage of 0.1. The main columns of the library were integrated into the existing stage.

The wider neighbourhood is known for steel, motor and used material vendors. Plastic canisters (“jerry cans”) were often present here; this led to the idea to apply reused materials. Later plastic ice-cream buckets were found as a viable replacement because the canisters were not available in the quantities needed. This also aims to trigger awareness about use of plastics and plastic waste as a problem in Indonesia (and beyond). The used ice-cream buckets were bought via an online vendor.

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The building was conceived as a low-cost construction from the beginning. Air conditioning was therefore not an option, so a passive climatic strategy was pursued. The white translucent bucket façade serves this purpose. Daylight and sunlight are partly reflected and partly transmitted in a diffused way to such a degree that during daytime the building has daylight autonomy and no artificial lighting is required, while preventing the interior from overheating. For that purpose, about 60% of the buckets’ bottoms were cut open to enable cross ventilation. In a way this is an interpretation of tropical vernacular architecture consisting of blinds and light materials to enable shade and airflow, since night-time cooling due to cloudy skies in tropical regions is often limited. The bucket façade is deep enough to fend off light rain. For heavy tropical rain, the inner polycarbonate sliding doors can be closed to keep the interior dry.

2. Response to user requirements; spatial organisation

People from the neighbourhood already gathered at the Taman Bima square before the Microlibrary was built. Adding a small library, a main reading room with shelves for books, which also enhances the usability and the function of the public space overall was the aim of the project.

The stage at its base, which incorporates stairs along its western length, was left as flexible as possible. There is ample room for this sheltered area to accommodate multiple groups of informal users, alongside temporary storage for events materials, or to be reconfigured more formally for public debates and performances, with audience members seated in the square.

3. Purely formal aspects – massing, articulation of façades, decorative features, use of traditional motifs, etc.

The structure of the Microlibrary makes reference to Le Corbusier’s Dom-Ino house. The architects played with this notion especially in the early stages of the design process of façade and interior infill and construction. According to SHAU, other architects visiting Taman Bima Microlibrary often mention a certain resemblance also to Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye gardener’s house. The Maison de Verre by Pierre Chareau and Bernard Bijvoet was another cited design reference in terms of the array of glass blocks and (in the Microlibrary’s case) plastic buckets, but also the black steel structure, honesty of construction and transparency/translucency.

Using white plastic ice-cream buckets makes the volume appear closed, yet structured/patterned due to the alternation of open and closed buckets. With the design decision to use ice-cream buckets instead of plastic canisters and cutting openings into the bottoms, the idea of a “binary code” façade emerged. Open buckets represent 0 while closed ones represent 1. Mayor Ridwan Kamil was asked to give a message for the façade to convey. He came up with “buku adalah jendela dunia”: “Books are the windows to the world”. This sentence was translated into binary code of ones and zeros and the buckets were placed accordingly as the façade, starting from the top left of the building (seen from the square), spiralling around all the way down and repeating itself several times. According to the architects, this might give the visitor an idea that there is a system present (not a random pattern) which they are just not able to decipher, almost like an illiterate person looking at books.

Looking out from inside the building, the buckets frame diverse views of the surrounding trees and neighbouring buildings. According to the architects, the colour scheme was kept abstract and simple in order to set the building in juxtaposition to the unplanned and colourful kampung. At night, when the lighting is turned on inside, the library glows through its translucent buckets.

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4. Landscaping

The existing square with its pavement, lampposts, benches, surrounding planter beds and chain-link fence was kept as found. At the time of the on-site review, a few potted plants were displayed on the stage steps and the paving in front of the Microlibrary was in disrepair. The landscape intervention was minimal, due to budget constraints and the desire to maintain a maximum surface area for existing public space uses.

C. Structure, materials, technology

1. Structural systems; in restoration projects, structural interventions

The original stage, finished with natural stone, was reworked with a brick sub-construction, adding the stairs, and was finished with polished concrete. Steel columns were integrated into the original stage podium.

2. Materials

The project employs the following materials:

• Structural members: Wide-flange steel H-beams for columns; steel I-beams for beams; concrete on corrugated steel formwork for floor and roof; flat steel blades for mounting ice-cream buckets.

• Infill materials: Reused plastic ice-cream buckets, 22 by 22 by 30 centimetres, with added UV-protective coating.

• Renderings and finishes: Plasterboard for ceiling finishing; polished raw concrete for flooring.

3. Construction technology

The building is constructed with a post-and-beam structure with rigid corners.

4. Building services, site utilities

The building employs a passive climatic strategy, with no air-conditioning. Electric lights and wi-fi for public use are provided. Electricity points are wired into columns at stage level, for use during events; members of the public also use these for charging their mobile phones. There is no plumbing or lift access.

D. Origin of

1. Technology

Indonesia

2. Materials

Indonesia

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3. Labour force

Indonesia

4. Professionals

Architects: Indonesia and Germany (1) Graphic design: Indonesia Contractors: Indonesia Consultants: Indonesia Community engagement and programming: Indonesia

V. Construction schedule and costs

A. History of project design and implementation, with dates

For Taman Bima Microlibrary:

• 2012 August: SHAU principals meet directors of Dompet Dhuafa in Los Angeles at the Indonesian Diaspora Congress, and propose the idea of Microlibraries.

• 2013 February: SHAU conduct research and site analysis for locations in kampungs in Jakarta, and create the first design prototypes.

• 2014 June: SHAU initiate a meeting with Ridwan Kamil, the then Mayor of Bandung, pitching the idea, at which they receive permission to use the site at Taman Bima and work out the actual design.

• 2015 June: Construction works for Taman Bima Microlibrary begin.• 2015 August: Indonesian Diaspora Foundation (IDF) donates a maintenance budget for the project.• 2015 September: Inauguration of Taman Bima Microlibrary by Mayor Ridwan Kamil.• 2016 January: Taman Bima Microlibrary formally opens to the public.

For other Microlibraries:

• 2015 May: SHAU designs and proposes the Fibonacci Microlibrary to the City of Bandung; talks with Bank BJB for CSR sponsorship.

• 2016 February: Commissioned by the City of Bandung, construction for Taman Lansia Microlibrary finished.

• 2016 November: Design for Helicoid Microlibrary starts; CSR funding by Manila Water. Design changed later into Hanging Gardens Microlibrary.

• 2017 December: Request from the City of Bojonegoro for a Microlibrary at their Alun-alun (main square), CSR by Exxon Mobil. Design for the Selasar Microlibrary.

• 2018 June: Kayu Lapis commissions SHAU for “Warak Kayu” Microlibrary in Semarang.• 2018 September: Selasar Microlibrary in Bojonegoro construction finished.• 2018 December: Hanging Gardens Microlibrary in Bandung construction finished.• 2019 April: Inauguration of Hanging Gardens Microlibrary by Governor (former Mayor) Ridwan Kamil.

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B. Totalcostsandmainsourcesoffinancing

• Construction cost including contractor fee: 520 million IDR, paid partly by Dompet Dhuafa and partly by the City of Bandung.

• Design fee for design of Taman Bima Microlibrary by SHAU: 80 million IDR, paid by Dompet Dhuafa.• Initiating project, urban studies, first design prototypes, communication, etc.: unpaid voluntary work by

architects SHAU.

C. Comparative costs (if relevant)

Not applicable.

D. Qualitative analysis of costs (per square metre, per unit, etc.)

Construction including refurbishment of stage: 3 million IDR/m2.

E. Maintenance costs (heating, cooling, etc.)

Not applicable. The only cost is for minimal electric lighting and wi-fi.

F. Ongoing costs and “life performance” of building, in terms of materials, maintenance, etc.

• 2016: In the first year of operation, the Indonesian Diaspora Foundation (IDF) provided 60 million IDR for maintenance. Of this, 40 million IDR had been spent after six months on fixing the roof and closing the book racks at the separation wall beside the stairs with translucent polycarbonate, due to the original contractor not finishing the work and lack of quality. Also, to prevent water penetration during heavy rain, polycarbonate sliding doors were installed behind the ice-cream bucket façade. The renovation was done by contractors Pramesti Sudjati.

• 2016–2018: SHAU organised the repair of the plasterboard ceiling due to further leakage and vandalism. A general clean-up of the building was also organised several times.

• 2019: Façade renovation and touch-ups. The original buckets had become brittle after three years of UV impact from sun exposure. UV-resistant coating was applied to the replacement buckets. At the time of replacement, the lids of the closed (uncut) buckets were kept on, to avoid dust collecting inside them. The old buckets were disposed of properly, working with the city government. Total costs for this façade renovation were 77 million IDR (comprising 19 million IDR for new buckets; 21 million IDR for UV-resistant coating paint; 5 million IDR for smaller touch-ups; and 45 million IDR for labour costs, scaffolding and transportation). The work was done by Dicky Lesmana contractor.

VI. Technical assessment

A. Functional assessment (use)

The scale and arrangement of the building is well suited to its designated purpose: the elevated library room is quieter and calmer (conducive to individual reading and study), whilst the stage/platform space beneath it is better suited to louder and more sociable activities.

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B. Climatic performance, lighting, natural and/or mechanical ventilation, sun control, insect control, acoustics, orientation, etc.; description of systems developed and utilised

The natural ventilation and diffuse daylight facilitated by the façade are effective, maximising thermal comfort within the building, whilst minimising its electricity costs. The electric lights are only necessary for evening activities.

C. Response to treatment of water and rainfall; discharge of water, and retention and release system(s), if any

Rainwater is discharged via a down pipe at the rear of the building.

D. Environmentalresponse;adaptationtothenaturalenvironment;adaptationtonativefloraandfauna

The building responds to its tropical climate by employing natural ventilation throughout and creates shaded and weather-protected public spaces. None of the surrounding trees were damaged or removed during its construction.

E. Choice of materials, level of technology

Simple and low-technology materials were employed for the building’s structure, appropriate to the low budget available and skills of local contractors.

F. Response to, and planning for, emergency situations, i.e. natural disasters, floods, winds, fires,earthquakes, etc.

The Cicendo neighbourhood is subject to periodic flooding during the heavy rains. The Microlibrary’s elevated site protects it from floodwater.

G. Ageing and maintenance problems

The choice to include repurposed ice-cream buckets for the façade has generated some learning points and required some adjustments over the life of the building, such as adding polycarbonate sliding doors to keep the interior dry during heavy rains, replacing the buckets with new, anti-UV-coated ones, and retaining the bucket lids to exclude dust, but these costs have not been prohibitive. (Please see also Section V F (above) on the “life performance” of the building.)

H. Design features: massing and volume, articulation of spaces, integration into the site (topography and neighbouring buildings)

The scale of the building echoes the two-storey height of its neighbours, whilst the slight elevation of the overall square, combined with its strikingly pattered façade and the open space surrounding it clearly sets the library apart from its surroundings. Its massing is simple and easy to read as three constituent parts: 1) The free space of the elevated stage, with clear sight lines passing through it and access from the integrated steps that span its entire length; 2) the staircase connecting from ground plane to stage and penetrating into the library envelope and 3) the enclosed volume of the reading room floating above. The interior of the library is one continuous space, punctuated only by its low, moveable furniture.

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I. Impact of the project on the site, in terms of increased circulation or vehicular movement, changes required for infrastructure (particularly for projects in high-density areas), etc.

The Microlibrary simply intensified the use of an already well-frequented urban site. Most local visitors travel to the site by foot or public transport (in the form of shared vans which run along several nearby streets, within easy walking distance).

J. Durability and long-term viability of the project

The construction of the project structure is robust. The longer-term viability of the façade and the ceiling will depend upon regular maintenance, taking into account past experiences with UV degradation and vandalism.

K. Ease and appropriateness of furnishings; interior design and furnishing

The interior is minimally and flexibly furnished, with four simple wooden bookshelves, a long window-side reading desk, a small reception desk and stools. A laminate gridded shelving system is integrated into the interior staircase wall. Several large carpets can be stored vertically within the columns or unrolled to accommodate seated groups, e.g. for activities with small children. A portable cooler provides potable water for visitors, since there is no plumbing on site.

The books inside the Microlibrary, estimated at 2,000 volumes, are obtained through donation. They are provided for reading on site; it is a reference, not a lending library. They are classified and displayed in accordance with the City of Bandung’s central library system. Dompet Dhuafa exercise control over which titles are displayed to ensure that it aligns with their definitions of socially acceptable content. Several stakeholders have identified room for future improvement in the quantity, quality and variety of reading material on offer.

VII. Users

A. Descriptionofthosewhouseorbenefitfromtheproject(e.g.,incomelevel,socio-culturalprofile,etc.)

The project seems to be particularly well used by young people from the working-class kampung neighbourhood. As local elementary school hours run from 6.30 a.m. to noon, local children often gather on the sheltered stage in the afternoon hours to meet friends and use the free wi-fi to play games on their phones, or to play football. When members of the local voluntary committee conduct their regular clean-ups of the neighbourhood, their children can play safely at Taman Bima. The Microlibrary is also used by the local youth group Karang Taruna (comprising approximately 20 people aged 17–45 years) for their activities. Formally organised activities target other specific demographic groups, from the young mothers who bring their babies to the site for weekly health check-ups, to the active elderly who come for group fitness classes. The actual library reading room is estimated by one if its supervising librarians to receive 150–200 visitors per month.

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B. Response to the project by clients, users, community, etc.

1. What do architectural professionals and the cultural “intelligentsia” think about the project?

The project has been well received by the architectural community; it has won multiple design awards and been widely published. One senior leader of a local cultural institution praised its spatial design, but queried its success as a library per se, saying that their students had conducted site observations which indicated that many more people used the stage portion of the project than the reading room.

2. What is the popular reaction to the project?

The project has become an important visual icon for the neighbourhood, a destination attracting visitors from across Bandung and further afield. Its photogenic façade (both external and internal) has become a popular backdrop for Instagram photos, including wedding photos.

3. What do neighbours and those in the immediate vicinity think about the project?

Representatives of local neighbourhood groups speak highly of the project. It seems to provide services that are more valued by the kampung inhabitants than by the residents of the middle-class housing, who enjoy more private space, and presumably wi-fi access, within their own houses.

VIII. Persons involved

A. Identificationofprojectpersonnelandtheirrolesintheproject(e.g.,client,architect,planner,consultant,craftsmen, etc.)

Architects: SHAU Indonesia: Florian Heinzelmann, Daliana Suryawinata, Yogi Ferdinand, Rizki Supratman, Roland

Tejo Prayitno, Aditya Kusuma, Octavia Tunggal, Timmy Haryanto, Telesilla Bristogianni, Margaret Jo.

Client:• City of Bandung, providing land and some construction costs.• Dompet Dhuafa, paying majority of construction costs and design fees; organising books, educating

youth organisation (Karang Taruna), financial help for maintenance and Karang Taruna.

Contractor: • Yogi Pribadi, original construction. • Pramesti Sudjati, fixing roof, etc.• Dicky Lesmana, façade renovation.

Signage graphic design: • Nusae, responsible for signage outside, prints on stairs, prints on doors and information board.

Photos homepage and publications:• Sanrok Studio.

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Supporting partners: • Indonesian Diaspora Foundation: maintenance budget, donations of books.• Urban Community: helping with facilitating the Bima project.• Karang Taruna (youth organisation): paid staffing of the library.

IX. Bibliography

A. List of publications

Online

• Architizer https://architizer.com/projects/microlibrary-bima/?_ga=2.71607952.2044527618.1549162785-

864491762.1549162785• ArchDaily https://www.archdaily.com/790591/bima-microlibrary-shau-bandung?ad_medium=gallery• Dezeen https://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/16/microlibrary-shau-facade-recycle-ice-cream-tubs-bandung-

indonesia-architecture/• Atlas of the Future https://atlasofthefuture.org/project/shau-microlibraries/• INDE Awards https://www.indesignlive.sg/people/design-industrys-greatest-influencer-im-glad-asked• Archello https://archello.com/project/the-microlibrary-bima• Detail https://www.detail.de/artikel/buecher-als-fenster-zur-welt-microlibrary-bandung-28598/• Beazley Designs of the Year 2018 https://thespaces.com/beazley-designs-of-the-year-2018-nominees-revealed-from-a-plastic-free-

shopping-aisle-to-trash-isles/• Baunetz Wissen https://www.baunetzwissen.de/fassade/objekte/kultur-bildung/stadtteilbibliothek-bima-microlibrary-in-

bandung-5398601• MLDSpot Net TV https://www.mldspot.com/scoop/jenis-perpustakaan-semakin-unik-dengan-adanya-microlibrary• Architectural Review https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/binary-mode-shaus-microlibrary-in-

bandung/10012067.article• World Architecture https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-projects/hhzpf/microlibrary-bima-project-pages.html• World Architects https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/works/microlibrary-bima• Kompas https://properti.kompas.com/read/2017/04/14/151953621/perpustakaan.kelurahan.di.bandung.terbaik.

sedunia

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• Dompet Dhuafa https://www.dompetdhuafa.org/post/detail/1316/micro-library--perpustakaan-pertama-berkonsep-

ramah-lingkungan• Celebes https://celebesonline.com/2017/04/17/61430/terbuat-dari-ember-es-krim-desain-perpustakaan-ini-

terbaik-se-dunia/• Good News from Indonesia https://www.goodnewsfromindonesia.id/2017/04/13/wow-microlibrary-di-bandung-karya-shau-

architect-jadi-juara-dunia• Casa Indonesia https://www.casaindonesia.com/article/read/12/2016/94/PERPUSTAKAAN-

TRANSPARAN?fbclid=IwAR1pioqmJnO6-fm4UX3qNG1kyHLXIh6hVfK8av0N3SUtY6mjZ_LYn4bvXhc

Printed

• 2019/03 Publication in World Architecture (China)• 2019 Bandung Bahagai• 2019 100+ Indonesian Architecture Firms• 2018 Beazley Designs of the Year 2018 catalogue• 2017 Kosmo! newspaper• 2017 ArchiNesia #10• 2016 Architectural Review Emerging Architects 2016• 2015 SIAP – Strategies for Integrated Architecture & Planning

Exhibited

• 2018 Beazley Designs of the Year: London Design Museum

Sarah Mineko IchiokaMay 2019

Site plan

First Floor Plan

Section

Axonometry

The idea of this community project was to refurbish and shelter an existing, well-used stage, for multiple functions such as organizing events and informal gatherings, while the library is elevated at the second floor.

The façade is made by upcycling used ice-cream buckets.

The initiative aims to contribute to Indonesia’s social and economic development, boosting the nation’s literacy rate through the creation of new community reading spaces in dense urban areas.

The Microlibrary at Taman Biman is the first pilot project of a series for bringing accessible low-cost environmental community reading facilities on various Kampung and park locations in Indonesia.

The building envelope is a simple steel and concrete structure, made of 1,872 recycled ice-cream buckets.

The interior is minimally furnished with four simple wooden bookshelves, a long window-side reading desk and a small reception.

The upcycled ice-cream buckets allow cross-ventilation and daylight inside the building.

The pattern on the facade is a coding of a message by a former Bandung mayor that translates as “Books are the windows to the world”.

The project had a positive impact on the community and is used regularly by a range of local residents.

Microlibrary Taman Lansia

Microlibrary Selasar

Since the opening in 2016, the same architect designed several other Microlibraries which have been opened or are under active development at other sites in Indonesia.

Architect SHAU Architects

Client Dompet Dhuafa, City of Bandung

Design 2014-2015

Completed 2016

A pilot project for a series of low-cost, eco-conscious reading facilities in urban and rural villages, the Microlibrary aims to help combat Indonesia’s low literacy rates. An elevated library and book storage space was added above a pre-existing stage used for community events. The upper structure is steel and concrete, with façades made of 2,000 upcycled ice-cream buckets, which help with day light and cross-ventilation. The pattern, in zeros (open) and ones (closed), presents a binary coding of a message from a former Bandung mayor that translates as “Books are the windows to the world”. The stage below remains as a semi-open public space, and the stairs also serve as seating. Various social-oriented events that take place every week have proved highly popular among locals.


Bandung, Indonesia

5386.IDA

2019 Award Cycle

5386.IDA | Page 1

MICROLIBRARY TAMAN BIMAThe microlibraries is a series of strategy and development for beautifully-designed, low-cost and environmentally-friendly reading facilities to be built on various Kampung (urban village) and park locations in Indonesia and the Global South. Each has a unique approach towards the notion of public education, reading, storage of media and facilitates a public place of identity and community.

The microlibrary at Taman Bima, Bandung is the first pilot. It consists of 80 m2 reading and book storage space + semi-open community space. The architectural concept is to free the ground for multiple functions, while the library is elevated on the second floor. The existing stage is not removed, but preserved

and improved. This stage has been used for community and religious events, thus an important community asset. Continuous stairs allow additional seating area. The facade material is made by upcycling 2000 used ice cream buckets which is a performative material for daylighting and cross-ventilation. The pattern on the facade is a binary coding of a message by former Bandung mayor Ridwan Kamil, ‘Buku adalah Jendela Dunia’, which means ‘Books are the windows to the world’.

Every Tuesday morning the microlibrary hosts mobile baby clinic activity. An elementary school visits the library twice a week. Various events from storytelling to drawing activities take place on a regular basis.


Bandung, Indonesia

Architects SHAU ArchitectsBandung, Indonesia

Client Dompet Dhuafa, City of Bandung

Commission 2014Design 2014 – 2015Construction 2015 – 2016Occupancy 2016

Site 570 m2

Ground Floor 160 m2

Total Floor 160 m2

Costs USD 36,500

Programme This is the pilot project for a series of low-cost, eco-conscious reading facilities in urban village and park locations that aim to help combat Indonesia’s low literacy rates. An elevated library and book storage space was added above a pre-existing stage used for community events. The upper structure is steel and concrete, with façades made of 2,000 upcycled ice-cream buckets - a performative material for daylighting and cross-ventilation. Their pattern, in zeros (open) and ones (closed), presents a binary coding of a message from a former Bandung mayor that translates as ‘Books are the windows to the world’. The stage below remains as a semi-open public space, the stairs serving also as seating. The project has proved highly popular among locals.

Building Type Cultural Facilities2019 Award Cycle 5386.IDA

5386.IDA | Page 2

N

Jalan Pajajaran

Jalan

Arju

na

SITE PLAN

Jalan Bima

0 20 40 m

N

0 1 2 m

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

0 1 2 m

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

N

0 1 2 m

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

0 1 2 m

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 0 1 2 m

SECTION-1

0 1 2 m

SECTION-1

Ice cream bucket as energy-efficient facade material

Baby clinic is held on Tuesday mornings Ridwan Kamil, former mayor of Bandung, Governor of West Java, reading a story for the children

A space for social activities by the communitiesKids exploring their creativity

Reading area: sliding doors & porous facade Interior view: light & transparency Microlibrary at night, youth community holding a presentation meeting

middle-up housing

urban village

microlibrary

reading/ activity area

book racks

reading/ study area

librarian

library

multi-purpose community space

5386.IDA | Page 3

Government

SHAUCommunity

FundingPartner

$designprogram

land

publicity

content

NGOMedia

ABOUT MICROLIBRARY

Microlibrary is ‘architecture design with a mission’: to make learning attractive and reachable for Indonesia and beyond. Although the 2030 economic forecast for Indonesia is optimistic, the current infrastructure does not support to improve its Human Development Index. Eager- learning students are hindered by the lack of facilities; libraries are far from being popular. The role of beautiful design can make libraries interactive again. Instead of positioning libraries only in the city centers, why don’t we bring libraries into dense urban situations and parks? Since 2016, two microlibraries have been built in Bandung. Four more are in planning in West Java, East Java; and there was even a request from Ecuador. We aim to design and realize 100 Microlibraries for the Global South by 2030.

Architects can be initiators, but can never work alone. Our generous funding partners are key, so are the local governments providing the land and permit. But most importantly are the neighbourhood users whom we listen to in the design process. Literary communities help run the microlibraries with local youth organizations. This is the power of collaboration, and we would like to invite you in.

Each microlibrary is uniquely designed to fit programmatic demands of each community and site potentials. We realize that when paired with other activities, the reading space becomes more attractive. Due to different partners and funding models of specific Microlibraries, the design and implementation approaches vary. However, the constants are not only the mission statement but its urbanistic approach. Firstly, SHAU seeks to implement a Microlibrary at places which are already in use by a local community. There is no illusion from SHAU’s side that a library will draw enough attention alone to gather enough of a crowd to make it a lively and well-used place. Instead plugging in on top of existing activities and enhancing rather than changing the nature of a place is a well-proven approach. Secondly, the enhancement of a place and its usability via a Microlibrary and adding value is important. For instance, adding roofs to give shade and rain protection in a tropical climate environment will automatically draw people in. Thirdly, the activation of the Microlibrary and adjacent public spaces via activities and events is important. Here SHAU works together with different partners to take up this role.

1 per city

1 per district

1 per subdistrict

Microlibrary

Mobile Library

City Library Microlibrary socialization at the 4th Congress of Indonesia Diaspora, Jakarta

AUG 12Initial concept at the 1st Congress of Indonesian Diaspora, Los Angeles, USA - Vision for 100 Microlibraries

JUL 16Cloud library meeting with sponsor

DEC 12First concept presented to Dompet Dhuafa, Jakarta - Indonesia

mid 13Site search in Jakarta & Bogor with Dompet Dhuafa

Request from Galapagos, Ecuador for a microlibrary

OCT 17Site revision for Microlibrary Fibonacci

from Kolam Park to CitaripRequest from the City of

Bojonegoro for a microlibrary

Exxonmobile agreed to sponsor Microlibrary in Bojonegoro

DEC 17

Publication of Microlibrary Fibonacci in FuturArc magazine

JUN 17

JUL 15Microlibrary Fibonacci has been

assigned to Taman Tegalega, Bandung

AUG 15IDF donates for the maintenance of Microlibrary Bima in 2016

Start of construction of Microlibrary Lansia

OCT 15NUSAE designed the logo for Microlibraries

early 15Microlibrary Bima design completed

JUN 16Concept design for Cloud Library

OCT 16Microlibrary Bima finalist for the

Architectural Review Emerging Award 2016

First meeting with Pustakalana, the library community for Microlibrary Lansia

The library department of the City of Bandung requested 10 Microlibraries to be planned in 2018

APR 17Microlibrary socialization event at SHAU party

Start of design of the Microlibrary Hanging Gardens and site visit

NOV 16Channel NewsAsia reported

from Microlibrary Bima

JAN 17Microlibrary Hanging Gardens meeting

with Mayor of Bandung

DEC 18Microlibrary Hanging Gardens and Microlibrary Selasar construction to completeMAY 18

Microlibrary Hanging Gardens ground breaking

Microlibrary Selasar - Bojonegoro ground breaking

MAR 18

Fundraising for Microlibrary Bima operational cost and Microlibrary

Lansia construction stage 2

JAN 18Contractor selected for Microlibrary

Hanging Gardens

Microlibraries as a collective initiative website online

FEB 18Manila Water and SHAU LoA for Microlibrary Hanging Gardens

SEP 16 AUG 16Indonesialand exhibition

installation for Cloud Library

Manila Water agreed to sponsor Microlibrary Hanging Gardens

A possibility of Microlibrary Lansia hosting toy library as suggested by the Mayor’s wife

FEB 13The first Microlibrary prototypes

JAN 16The first microlibrary in Bandung was open for public.

Microlibrary Bima articles in publication.

FEB 17Microlibrary Hanging Gardens presentation to the community

NOV 17

MoU signing Manilawater - City of Bandung for CSR of Microlibrary Hanging Gardens

LafargeHolcim Silver Award for the Asia Pacific region won for Microlibrary Fibonacci

JUN 18Winner of 2018 INDE.Awards in ‘The Influencer’ category for Microlibraries

Concept design for Microlibrary Lansia is completed

MAY 15Sketch design completed for

Microlibrary Fibonacci

Construction drawing for Microlibrary Lansia has been completed

JUN 15Construction start for

Microlibrary Bima

First prototype of B-Panel lightweight concrete for Microlibrary Fibonacci

FEB 16Microlibrary Lansia exterior building has been constructed

Microlibrary Bima winner of Architizer A+ Award 2017 in Community+Architecture category

BJB agreed to sponsor Microlibrary Fibonacci

MAY 17

JUN 14Ridwan Kamil, Mayor of Bandung

welcomed the idea and directed the site for the first Microlibrary.

Timeline of microlibrary

The power of small, attractive, and many Stakeholders

Individually designed + always paired with other activities

5386.IDA | Page 4

Microlibrary Selasar, Bojonegoro - Indonesia (under construction, 90%)

Microlibrary Fibonacci, Bandung - Indonesia (in planning, to be constructed soon) Microlibrary Warak Kayu, Semarang - Indonesia (in planning, design development stage)

Microlibrary Hanging Gardens, Bandung - Indonesia (under construction, 95%)Located in a park in the city center of Bojonegoro, East Jawa. The design is based on the existing typology of the Selasar, a covered walkway protecting from rain and sun. The Selasar as buffer and seating zone is wrapped around a tree enclosing the actual library. The facade sliding doors are made from metal frames with folded “spandoek” textile strips filtering the sunlight.

With the concept of modern urban ruin in a lush park, parametrically-designed, spirally-arrayed curved concrete ribs are used to hold a lightweight roof with a moss texture finish. The structure shall coexist with nature and trees, providing unique semi-outdoor but shaded reading spaces in between the musholla, kiosk, and toilets which are accommodated in the spiral rooms.

Microlibrary Hanging Gardens is located at a small square, flanked by a school, district office and clinic. This design is a further development of the Helicoid Microlibrary. The stepping up planted stairs offer apart from being a neighborhood library several facilities for the local community, ranging from gardens & urban farming, to playground and finally an elevated lookout over the small square.

Microlibrary Warak Kayu is to be built in the middle of a popular public space in Semarang. The interior layout is a playscape: a sculpted hill made of leftover wood pieces, integrating book racks, seating area and a slide. The facade is a hybrid of local pattern and German ‘Zollinger’ construction method made of FSC-certified plywood.

UPCOMING MICROLIBRARIES

5386.IDA | Page 5

Microlibrary Taman Bima Microlibrary Taman LansiaStatusLocation

StatusLocation

: Built 2015, in use 2016 - now: Bandung, West Java

: Built 2016, not yet in use: Bandung, West Java

Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/D3ADauUqquC2 Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/TMLrPuCAMfE2

MICROLIBRARIES

Microlibrary SelasarStatusLocation

: Built - Dec 2018, not yet in use: Bojonegoro, East Java

Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/3sMVzxCh66L2

Microlibrary Hanging GardensStatusLocation

: Built - Jan 2019, not yet in use: Bandung, West Java

Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/XVDBs15kZTR2

1


Bandung, Indonesia

Client

City of Bandung, Indonesia:

Ridwan Kamil, former mayor

Dompet Dhuafa, Jakarta, Indonesia

Supporting Partners

Indonesian Diaspora Foundation, Washington, United States

Urbane Community, Bandung, Indonesia

Karang Taruna RW02 Bima, Bandung, Indonesia

Architect

SHAU (Indonesian office), Bandung, Indonesia

Daliana Suryawinata, Florian Heinzelmann, founders and partners

Yogi Ferdinand, Rizki Supratman, Roland Tejo Prayitno, Angga Rosiawan, Aistyara Charmita, Aditya Kusuma, Octavia Tunggal, Timmy Haryanto, Telesilla Bristogianni, Margaret Jo, architects

Diah Paramita Samudda, office manager

Contractor

Yogi Pribadi, Pramesti Sudjati, Dicky Lesmana, Bandung, Indonesia

Signage Graphic Designer

NUSAE, Bandung, Indonesia

Project Data

Site area: 821 m2

Ground floor area: 85 m2

Cost: 42,000 USD

2

Commission: June 2014

Design: 2014–2015

Construction: June 2015 – September 2015

Occupancy: January 2016

SHAU SHAU was established in 2009 by Florian Heinzelmann, Daliana Suryawinata and Tobias Hofmann with offices in Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Bandung (Indonesia) run by Florian and Daliana and Passau (Germany) run by Tobias. The practice offers a comprehensive approach to projects from architecture design to urban planning and regional strategy. Together with clients and collaborators SHAU aims to create socially and environmentally responsible and innovative projects with outstanding design. The partners’ multicultural background and architectural upbringing in various countries, at architectural schools like the Berlage Institute and TU Delft and in offices like UNStudio, OMA, MVRDV and West8, adds to a unique architectural blend. Key projects by SHAU include Muara Angke Fishing Village housing and masterplan in Jakarta, Jakarta Jaya masterplan for a 58km2 island city extension in the bay of Jakarta, and Film Park, Alun-alun Cicendo square and Microlibraries in Bandung. SHAU is also actively involved in various cultural and creative events worldwide. Either as curator or contributor, the practice has participated in international exhibitions, most notably the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, masterclasses, lectures and workshops. Among the events initiated and led by SHAU have been the Kota Tua Creative Festival in Jakarta, and the Jakarta Vertical Kampung masterclass. Websites www.shau.nl www.miclib.com

http://www.shau.nl/

http://www.miclib.com/


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taman bima microlibrary

Documents