Building design contest opens<\/p>\n
Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The building is in rough shape, many of its windows, doors,
\nrailings and tiles are gone. Located in Mentang, it stands in
\nstark contrast to many fine buildings in this posh area in
\nCentral Jakarta.<\/p>\n
But Adolf Heuken SJ, a historian who lives in the
\nneighborhood, understands how valuable it is. Not because it used
\nto be the Central Jakarta Immigration Office, but because it is
\none of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city, and
\nshould therefore be protected.<\/p>\n
\"To me, it was always the stunning gateway to Menteng, where I
\ndiscovered the beauty of the nation's first garden neighborhood,\"
\nsaid Heuken.<\/p>\n
Efforts are being made to conserve the building, located on
\nJl. Teuku Umar.<\/p>\n
The Citizens Concern for Old Buildings (Walibatu), a non
\nprofit organization, is working with the city administration to
\nhold a contest welcoming the public to come up with a design and
\nplan for the future use of the building.<\/p>\n
The design plan must detail what the building is best used for
\nand the type of management that will run the building. The
\nbuilding management must be able to earn its own revenue to
\nensure it is self sufficient.<\/p>\n
\"This is important, because we want all old and especially
\nhistoric buildings to survive. Therefore, the proper building
\nmanagement is crucial,\" Danang Priatmodjo from Walibatu said.<\/p>\n
The contest is open from May 27 to June 27. The winner will be
\nannounced on July 8.<\/p>\n
The former immigration office building was designed in 1913 by
\nDutch architect, P.A.J Moojen, from the Batavische Kunstkring.
\nThe building was then known as the Kunstkring building and was
\nused as a cultural center for upper and middle class society in
\nMenteng.<\/p>\n
In 1936, the Kunstkring hosted a world class exhibition where
\noriginal works from Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo
\nPicasso were showcased.<\/p>\n
\"It was a glorious time for the building, the Menteng area and
\nthe country,\" said Heuken.<\/p>\n
After Indonesia gained its independence in 1945, the Justice
\nMinistry used the Kunstkring building as an immigration office.<\/p>\n
In 1993, the ministry made a controversial building swap that
\nsaw ownership of the immigration building handed over to PT
\nMandala Griya Cipta (MGC) to be used as an office building.<\/p>\n
In May 1998, when rioting occurred in Jakarta the immigration
\nbuilding suffered and many of its windows, doors, railings and
\ntiles were being taken by looters, leaving the building bearing
\nlittle resemblances to its former glory.<\/p>\n
In August 2000, with the building in poor condition, the city
\nadministration decided to buy back the building, without any plan
\nfor what it would be used for.<\/p>\n
Now, the public has been invited to present their ideas by
\nentering a contest organized by Walibatu and the city
\nadministration.<\/p>\n
\"There are some criteria that must be followed to win the
\ncontest. Number one, the building structure must stay as it is.
\nThe only changes allowed will be those done for cosmetic
\npurpose,\" said Danang.<\/p>\n
The other criteria are that people of all backgrounds must be
\nable to use the building and interact, the building must serve as
\none of the city's cultural points and the management must be an
\nindependent institution.<\/p>\n
\"Contestants must write their concepts on A4 paper, in a
\nmaximum of six pages. Any sketches enclosed will not be counted
\nagainst the total number of pages,\" said Danang.<\/p>\n
The winner of the contest will receive Rp 7.5 million
\n(US$842,696), while the second will receive Rp 5 million and the
\nthird place will settle with Rp 2.5 million.<\/p>\n
The registration fee is Rp 20,000 and the contestant will
\nreceive blueprints of the former Immigration office along with
\nthe registration forms.<\/p>\n
For more information call the Walibatu Writing Contest Office
\nat (021) 75818002.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/building-design-contest-opens-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}