What is Home? Celebrating Individuality in the Strong Community Setting of Kampung Kalianyar, West Jakarta | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

Kampung Kalianyar, located in Tambora, West Jakarta, is one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated urban slums. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, the area blends residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, reflecting the diverse traditions of its community. Historically tied to waterways, its name, “Kalianyar,” derives from the Indonesian words for “river” (kali) and “new” (anyar).

The local economy is driven by the textile industry, supported by small businesses and street stalls that sustain this self-sufficient community. Its proximity to Tanah Abang, Jakarta’s largest clothing hub, offers a strategic advantage for economic revitalization. However, challenges such as narrow streets, overcrowded spaces, and limited opportunities hinder growth and restrict development.

Despite these obstacles, Kalianyar’s skilled textile workforce and rich traditions provide a strong foundation for renewal. By leveraging innovative strategies, the project aims to transform Kalianyar into a dynamic community that supports economic growth and enhances the quality of life for its residents.

Design Process

The design process began with an exploration of intimacy in overlooked spaces, inspired by Gaston Bachelard’s ‘The Poetics of Space.’ This phase highlighted the personal significance of small spaces, such as drawers or chests, which often hold cherished memories. To symbolize these connections, a string art installation was created, representing the ties that shape our sense of home.

The second phase focused on Kampung Kalianyar’s logistical challenges, particularly the impact of transportation limitations on the textile industry and local businesses. This analysis inspired the concept of a dual-function zip line system to streamline textile distribution while improving access to goods for local shops (warungs), ultimately strengthening the local economy and enhancing daily life for residents.

In the final phase, ‘What is Home?,’ these concepts were scaled to a community-level adaptable housing project. The design included three housing types tailored to the needs of textile workers, families, and warung owners. Each unit was designed for flexibility and future growth, enabling residents to expand and adapt their homes over time. This approach celebrates the unique identities of Kalianyar’s residents while fostering a strong sense of community.

Final Outcome

The ‘What is Home?’ project builds on themes of intimacy and individuality to create a community-centric housing solution tailored to the diverse residents of Kampung Kalianyar, West Jakarta. It celebrates the area’s cultural diversity and strong communal bonds by empowering residents to define their own sense of “home.” Each adaptable housing unit is designed for flexibility, enabling families to expand, modify, or renovate their spaces as their needs evolve. This fosters a lasting sense of ownership and belonging while reflecting the unique identities of Kalianyar’s residents.

Key Components of the Proposal are vertical zoning, zipline system. adaptable housing units, and future projections.

Vertical Zoning: To maximize limited land, textile factories are transformed into mixed-use spaces, with commercial areas on the ground floor and residences above. This approach creates multifunctional spaces that promote economic growth while optimizing land use.

Zipline System: A sustainable zipline transportation network addresses circulation issues and connects Kalianyar to key textile markets like Tanah Abang and Pasar Baru. This eco-friendly solution streamlines goods delivery, reduces congestion, and supports the local textile industry.

Adaptable Housing Units: Three housing types cater to the community’s specific needs:

Unit 1: Combines workspace for textile workers or factory owners with living quarters and room for future expansion.  

Unit 2: A standard residential unit for families or individuals, designed for flexibility and comfort.  

Unit 3: Integrates business space (e.g., food kiosks) with residential areas, supporting local entrepreneurs.  

All units allow for commercial versatility, such as serving as a warung, clinic, or pharmacy, to meet both economic and social needs.

Phased Development:  The project’s growth is depicted through three stages: Present, Five Years, and Ten Years. Over the five years, it gradually will expand, adding new buildings and connections. By ten years, it continues to evolve into a thriving community.

Conclusion: By integrating adaptable housing, vertical zoning, and innovative transportation, the project transforms Kalianyar into a dynamic neighborhood that not only provides housing but also enriches residents’ lives through connectivity, economic opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]