The introduction of Bahasa Indonesia in our GEN Z Series has garnered great confidence among Indonesian younger professionals, who are now grabbing the opportunities to unleash their creativity in showcasing their amazing design creations in front of the whole world. ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’s sincere efforts to promote Indonesian architecture and young talents is bearing fruits of success. How I wish my Indonesian mother was alive to see her son creating a name for her nation’s legacy in the architecture world!
Bebedilan Play Area – Play Activities
As ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ became the “World’s First Multilingual Global Platform” in the “Architectural Design World” – Yes, we have opened multiple doors for the younger generation of professionals from Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Brazil, France, German, Italy, Romania, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland and many others – to come forward to showcase their design creations and give interviews in their native-taught languages – with no inhibitions whatsoever. I also wish to thank global architects, who have shown great enthusiasm for our ‘multilingual approach’ to unite global architecture sector in much more fruitful and bigger endeavours.
Play Facilities Landscape – Alam Santosa
The GEN Z Series travels from Politecnico di Milano in Italy to Indonesia to meet a very creative, bright and humble interior designer named Sherina Putri. In the year 2024, she graduated with a Master in Design degree from Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia. Sherina Putri reveals, “I graduated with Bachelor’s program in Interior Design and the Master’s program in Design from Telkom University, Bandung. Through the Fast Track program, I successfully completed both degrees within five years. This academic journey has shaped a strong foundation of knowledge and a creative mindset that continue to guide my career in interior design.”
Site Plan of Alam Santosa
As the only daughter among the three siblings, Sherina Putri enthuses, “I was born and raised in Jakarta. My father is an entrepreneur in the textile materials business, while my mother is a sweet homemaker. My family’s strong support has been a key factor in motivating me to grow professionally. In February 2025, along with my colleague Rindang Ayomi – we established our own studio in Depok, West Java – Finnese Design. With academic background and professional experience, I have a vision to develop Finnese Design into a company that not only produces aesthetic and functional design works, but also creates a positive impact on the wider community. I am also working as an interior designer at Altius Design, located in PIK2.”
Game Equipment Workshop Area Design
A warm personality and professional to the core, Sherina Putri speaks to Johnny D at great length about her journey and Master’s final year eco-friendly thesis ‘Traditional Children’s Playground, Alam Santosa, Cikadut Village, Bandung, Indonesia’.
What was your childhood ambition? Have you always wanted to become an interior designer?
Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed and been quite skilled in art and creativity. As I grew, I became interested in becoming an architect. However, I felt subjects like Physics and Mathematics were not the right fit for me at school (smiles), I eventually chose interior design as my major. It still falls within the design field and allows me to express my creative interests.
Restroom and Stairs – Play Facilities
How has interior design influenced your life as a student?
Interior design has played an important role in shaping my perspective as a student. I have learned that design is not only about aesthetics, but also focuses on functional aspects – such as users’ safety and comfort. With my academic background and experience, I am confident to contribute by creating designs that are not only visually appealing, but also provide comfort for the users.
Seating Area and Bag Storage
Briefly tell us about your University and the Master’s Course.
I am a Master’s graduate in Design from Telkom University, Bandung. Telkom University is one of the leading private universities in Indonesia. One of its flagship programs is the “Fast Track Program”, which enables students to obtain both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees within five years. I was one of the participants in this program, focusing on the Master’s in Design. My thesis was titled ‘Design Strategy of Traditional Children’s Play Facilities to Enhance the Aspect of Edutainment – Case Study: Alam Santosa, Cikadut Village in Bandung’. The Master’s program emphasizes design management, thereby aiming to produce graduates who are capable of becoming business owners or managers in the design industry.
Alternative Play Facility Layouts
As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from senior architects / interior designers, while designing and being a part of executing a project?
The most important lesson I learned from senior architects and interior designers is the importance of balancing creativity and functionality in every design. I learned to always consider the needs of the users and think about how the design can improve the comfort and efficiency of the space. Additionally, I was taught the importance of effective coordination within the team and with clients, as well as the ability to adapt to various challenges that arise during project execution. I realized that the design process is not just about creating visually appealing designs, but also about ensuring that every design element functions well and supports the overall goals of the project.
Templek Stone Waterfall-Inspired Wall
Briefly describe the elegance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.
Project Title – ‘Design Strategy of Traditional Children’s Play Facilities to Enhance the Aspect of Edutainment
Site Location – Alam Santosa, Cikadut Village, Bandung, Indonesia
Project Type – Master of Design Thesis
The project is designed to present a playground facility that is not only fun, but also educational for children, thereby embracing the concept of edutainment based on local culture. Located at Alam Santosa, an ecotourism and cultural destination rich in Sundanese wisdom and heritage, the facility aims to revive traditional Sundanese children’s games, known as Kaulinan Barudak, within a safe, interactive and educational environment.
Angklung Storage and Decorative Touch
The elegance of the project is reflected through the theme “Taman Rakyat Jawa Barat” (The People’s Park of West Java), which harmonizes nature, culture and spatial functionality. Aesthetic values are embodied in the selection of shapes, patterns and design elements inspired by Sundanese cultural richness – such as traditional ornaments, eco-friendly natural materials and calming earthy tones.
Each design element considers comfort, safety and ease of interaction, especially for children. More than just a playground, the project offers a meaningful spatial experience that evokes a sense of pride in local culture. By designing the facility in context with the natural and cultural landscape of West Java, the project not only enriches educational values for the younger generation, but also strengthens the local identity, contributes to cultural sustainability and economic development of the surrounding community.
Boarding and Game Storage Area
Which National or International interior designer has inspired or influenced you? Please specify as to why?
Two interior designers who have greatly inspired me are Hadiprana and Zaha Hadid. Hadiprana, as one of the prominent national interior designers, has greatly influenced me with his design approach that prioritizes the beauty of Indonesian tradition, while remaining modern and elegant. I deeply admire his ability to blend local elements with highly functional and artistic designs.
On the other hand, Zaha Hadid, an iconic international designer has inspired me with her futuristic and bold design style. Her courage in using organic shapes and dynamic lines demonstrates how design can transform spatial perspectives and significantly impact the user experience. Zaha Hadid’s works have taught me not to be afraid to innovate and always seek new ways to express design ideas.
Play Facilities Design Layout
What role do you perform as an Interior Designer at Altius Design, Indonesia?
As an interior designer at Altius Design, my responsibilities include designing residential spaces, preparing budget plans, and monitoring the project progress to ensure its smooth execution.
Coffee Shop, Alam Santosa
How would you describe the current trends of interior design in West Java, Indonesia? What innovative changes would you like to see in the ongoing trend(s) in West Java?
Interior design trends in West Java are currently leaning towards modern and contemporary styles. However, the innovative change I would like to see is the application of modern design that still respects and incorporates local or traditional values, ensuring that Indonesian culture, particularly that of West Java, remains preserved and not forgotten. This can be achieved by integrating local cultural elements, such as traditional ornaments, local materials and regional patterns, into modern designs, thus creating spaces that are not only aesthetic, but also carry strong cultural and meaningful identity.
Sundanese Floral – Inspired Column Design
What are the current prospects and challenges for your new firm Finnese Design? Elucidate briefly.
My prospect moving forward is to develop my own interior design company, Finnese Design. However, the challenge I face is the presence of many interior design companies that have been operating for a long time and have established strong reputations. In addition, the very competitive pricing, with many companies offering low prices, poses another challenge. Nonetheless, I believe that by offering innovative design quality and personalized services, I can differentiate myself and attract a market that values uniqueness and quality in every project.
Rounded Corners for Child Safety
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
I like the GEN Z Series of ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ which showcases works of architects and interior designers from various countries, including Indonesia. The platform provides an opportunity for the younger generation to showcase their creativity in a global context, as well as serves as a space to explore fresh ideas that combine technology, aesthetics and sustainability in design. It has greatly inspired me to continue developing myself and sharing ideas within the international design community.
Target Shooting Board
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ has become an inconvenience, eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspectives about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
I see that ‘Hostile Architecture’ has become a growing trend in major cities around the world and has the potential to damage the aesthetics and comfort of public spaces. Hostile architecture, often seen in elements such as sharp fences, uncomfortable seating or facilities designed to block certain uses, focuses on controlling human behavior in an exclusive manner. This goes against the values of design that should be inclusive and oriented towards the well-being of the community.
I believe that design should provide spaces that welcome and support various human activities, creating safety and comfortable environments for all without any discrimination. Therefore, I am more supportive of designs that emphasize diversity, comfort and sustainability, which can improve the overall quality of life for society.
Hostile Architecture Icons – Bus Stand Shelter, Surabaya
Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic architectural / interior changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.
Looking at the past and present, I would like to see futuristic architectural and interior changes in West Java that integrate technology with sustainable design. One example is the use of environment-friendly materials and smart technology in design, such as automated lighting systems or energy-efficient management. I would also like to see more public spaces that combine modern design with local values, such as the use of traditional elements combined with futuristic styles, which are not only aesthetic, but also functional and support sustainability. This change is important, because West Java has great potential to develop modern designs while still preserving local identity, enhancing quality of life and considering environmental impact.
Moment to make Parents Proud
Image Courtesy: Sherina Putri