Architecture is not only about aesthetics and creativity, but also it is about influencing super networking skills and selling one’s creation to grab global attention. 99.9999% of the younger generation of professionals in architecture are facing uphill challenges to not only make-a-mark on the national and global stages, but also are leaving the field because they are clueless how competitive and exigent is the field of architecture. Having a 3 to 5-year degree or Master’s degree is not going to fetch you projects on its own, if one does not have the above-mentioned traits as a professional. Success comes with a price and strategy, apart from hard work and creativity.
Bird’s Eye View
The younger generation of professionals, who do not promote their own creativity and design creations when opportunity knocks at their doors – may and will struggle to make a name for self to end-up on their systems designing for others all their lives. One of the main reasons what renowned architectural firms around the globe can teach the younger generation is to grab every opportunity that comes your way. If there are no opportunities coming your way, create one to be on the global architecture stage and talk about your design creation. As an architect have you ever wondered, why only the selected few architectural firms make news every now and then? Strikingly, the percentage of such renowned names is barely 0.00001% of the total of global professionals. THINK!!!
Entrance Area
The GEN Z Series travels from Milan to my mother’s motherland Indonesia to meet a very professional and creative individual Richard Putra Sunaryo. He hails from Pasuruan. He enthuses, “My father works in the Construction Sector as a Contractor. My brother is an architect. My mother focuses on taking care of the household (smiles). Having completed my Sarjana Arkitekter – B. Arch from Universitas Brawijaya in 2024, I am currently working as an Architect at FNTN Studio in Surabaya, Indonesia.”
Site Plan
Richard Putra Sunaryo has won multiple awards with his design creations during his graduation years. His talent and creativity speaks for itself. A humble young man, who is focused and well-versed with the industry’s nitty-gritty, Richard grabs every opportunity that comes his way. To get internationals exposure, he has put extra effort to master English language and is fluent in it. Johnny D has an interesting interaction with Richard Putra Sunaryo to explore his architectural journey, quest and his final year thesis ‘Buana Bumi – Wellness Resort, Pacet, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia’.
Lobby Area
What was your childhood ambition? Have you always wanted to become an architect?
Since I was a kid, I have been interested in arts – such as painting and making crafts, as well as in the computer field. I had aspired to become a Graphic Designer. However, when I was about to enter college, I became more interested in Architecture because, in addition to creating art, it also combines engineering and social impacts on the surrounding areas.
Cottage’s Mountain View
How has architecture influenced your life as a student?
Pursuing an architecture degree is a challenge in itself, but it makes me a more disciplined person considering the deadlines of quite dense tasks. However, becoming a more rational person still involved a sense of empathy related to the impact on the surroundings of the things that I design, and teamwork to get maximum results from every project I work on is so essential.
Herbal Circulation Plantation Area
Briefly tell us about your University and the Course.
I graduated in 2024 from Universitas Brawijaya, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia. Architecture study program focuses on the architecture of the built environment, based on Nusantara culture for the welfare of society and the improvement of environmental quality in a sustainable manner, which is an interesting thing. During my studies, I gained a good foundation in architectural design and techniques. I channeled my interest in the arts when entering the final semester, which was reflected in my final assignment.
Site Potentials
Briefly describe the significance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.
Project Title: ‘Buana Bumi’ – Wellness Resort
Site Location: Pacet, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia
Building Structures and Materials
My final year thesis was one of the most challenging projects I have ever worked on (smiles with a relief). With the background of post-Covid-19 pandemic conditions, the global tourism sector in Indonesia was starting to experience a revival, one of which is the Mojokerto Regency. However, the development of the tourism sector in Mojokerto Regency is not balanced with the provision of accommodation facilities, which is marked by a decrease in the number of accommodation facilities from year-to-year. In addition, the challenging aspect is the change in tourist preferences that emphasizes the health and safety aspects of tourism and accommodation facilities.
Cottage Interior
In conclusion, the wellness resort was chosen as a design object that can fulfill the function of accommodation and simultaneously improve the health of the tourists – both physically and spiritually. In addition, the development of tourism carried out by the government through the conversion of forest land has caused environmental damage, which has led to a high potential for disasters that are detrimental to the surrounding area. Based on the ground realities, the design uses a thematic ecotourism approach with the basic principles of conservation, interpretation and community-building.
Restaurant
The ultimate results of the design appear in the form of a design concept for a wellness resort that also focuses on aspects of environmental conservation, interpretation and empowerment of local communities – which are expected to provide solutions to the need for accommodation facilities by minimizing the impact on the surrounding areas, while encouraging growth of a sustainable tourism sector in Mojokerto Regency.
Herbal Bar Interior
Which National or International architect has inspired / influenced you? Please specify as to why?
One of the architects who inspired me especially when working on my final assignment was Andra Matin, especially in the revitalization building of ‘Taman Ismail Marzuki’. His work shows how to transform another form of art, such as poetry, into a building that is not only visible, but also can be felt through the spatial experience. In addition, I was also inspired by Bill Bensley‘s work on how to create ethnic buildings with modern elements in accommodation buildings, thus creating a luxurious and unique spatial experience.
Concept
What are the current prospects and challenges of jobs’ opportunities for fresh young architects in Surabaya, Indonesia? Elucidate briefly.
As the second largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya certainly has many opportunities to learn and grow, especially in the architecture field. However, this is also a challenge due to the very competitive job market and preferences that prioritize professionalism. As new graduates, of course, they must be able to equip themselves with qualified abilities such as special skills and the application of knowledge that has been obtained during college.
Herbal Plantation Area
As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from senior architects, while being a part of a project?
I started to understand how to actualize a design. Innovative ideas not only have real impacts, but also prioritize architectural aesthetics. In addition, each design needs to have uniqueness as a selling point, in order to compete with other architects.
Wellness Center Interior
What role do you perform as a Junior Architect at FNTN Studio, Surabaya?
Collaborating with the design team, I interpret the client’s preferences and problems through architectural solutions. Our tasks include creating initial block plans, 3D models and schematic presentation files, while making revisions based on client’s input. Once the schematic is complete, we coordinate with the structural team and drafters to prepare tender documents as the initial stage of construction preparation.
Wellness Center Exterior
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ has become an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspectives about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
In my opinion, ‘Hostile Architecture’ is like two sides of a coin. On one hand, it can solve security issues in a defensive manner. On the other hand, it weakens the inclusivity of architecture and public life itself to discriminate against the marginalized groups. I believe that public space, as an architectural product, does not belong to a particular group but must be focused on equality and friendly social interaction – so that it can be accessed by all the groups without exception.
Bus Stand Shelter, Surabaya – Hostile Architecture
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
I admire ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ because it is a platform that encourages collaboration between designers and showcases innovative global architecture. The GEN Z Series provides a platform for young architects from all over the world to showcase their experiences and works, so that they can provide new inspiration and perspectives to established professionals.
Facilities
The “Global Urban Failure” has seen all the major cities being flooded 365 days of each year. Elucidate your perspectives and solutions as to how can the future of urban planning of cities / villages can be tackled to overcome this existential crisis in respect to Surabaya, Indonesia?
The flood problem is quite complex, because it involves various factors, especially the high rainfall in Indonesia and the lack of green areas in Surabaya city. However, the government has tried to reduce this risk by improving and modernizing the drainage system. From an architectural perspective, on a micro scale, the presence of green spaces in building areas can help reduce the risk of flooding. In addition, on a macro scale, urban design also needs to be designed more carefully by including facilities that increase public awareness of flood-prevention efforts.
Swimming Pool
Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic architectural changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.
In Pasuruan and Indonesia in general, I would like to see the implementation of high-tech architecture integrated with public facilities inclusively to make everyday life easier for everyone, wherever they are.
Issues – I
Honours and awards related to architecture, if any.
– 4th Place in the Sayembara Nasional Desa Wisata Bertema Terakota 2022 by the Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung;
– 2nd Place in National Architectural Design Competition Retoriture 2022 by the Duta Wacana Catholic University;
Spa Interior
– 2nd Place in National Architectural Design Competition Archproject Morph 2023 by the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology, Surabaya;
– 2nd Place in Sayembara Rendering Challenge Archivolks 2024 Veterans National Development University Jawa Timur;
Issues – II
– Top 13 Thesis of the Year Award (TOY) ARCASIA 2024 by (APTARI) and the IAI – Association of Indonesian Architects;
– 2nd Place in the 2024 Kompetisi Tugas Akhir Architectural Contribution Category by the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology, Surabaya.
Moment of making Parents Proud
Image Courtesy: Richard Putra Suranyo