PUBLIC SPACE Archives

Area : 84 m²

Category : Public space

Appointment date : February 2024

Location : East Java, Indonesia

Tucked among forest trees, a monastery approached us to explore the possibility of relocating an old toilet facility. Originally built as a temporary structure for construction workers during the monastery’s development, the toilet had been placed near a sacred site—an arrangement never intended to be permanent. Today, the facility serves the gardeners who maintain the surrounding landscape.

After a series of discussions, a new location was agreed upon—within a denser part of the monastery’s greenery, where the structure would remain discreet and blend into the natural setting.

The new facility is defined by a low stone boundary and features an open plan. In addition to the toilet, it includes a storage room for gardening tools and a dedicated space for a rocket stove. Some portions of the structure use ventilation blocks to allow airflow, while others are built with stone to provide solidity and a natural character.

The design also accommodates a small resting area where gardeners can pause and recharge during their workday.

Though modest in scale, the project reflects a quiet sensitivity to function, context, and the people who tend to the land.

Keywords: Architecture, Public Space Design, Public Facility Design, Architect Indonesia, Architect Surabaya, Arsitek Indonesia, Arsitek Surabaya

Area : 78.000 m²

Category : Public space

Appointment date : 2021

Location : Kediri, East Java, Indonesia

More than just a park, this place serves as a natural “charging station”—where both body and mind can pause for a moment and recover from the rhythm of urban life.

Green open spaces play a vital role in city life—not only ecologically, as the city’s lungs and environmental stabilizers, but also as places for recreation, reflection, and social interaction. Located on Jl. Ahmad Yani in Kediri, Tirtayasa Park stands as one of the city’s green oases, offering a variety of public amenities—from a swimming pool and jogging tracks to a golf driving range.

During the pandemic, when access to public spaces was limited, the park became a subject of reflection regarding its role and condition. The management team conducted a series of evaluations and ultimately proposed a revitalization program to refresh both the function and appearance of the park. ETAN Studio was invited as a design partner to help shape this new direction.

Conversations with the management led to a design approach grounded in respect for existing natural elements—preserving the mature trees and long-established vegetation. Priorities included restructuring the circulation routes to be more integrated and accessible, introducing new amenities that reflect the needs of the surrounding community, and repurposing the swimming pool area into a more relevant function. A notable feature of the park is a small lake continuously fed by a natural spring—an ecological and visual asset the design sought to preserve.

With these considerations in mind, the park was organized into three primary zones: front, middle, and rear. The front zone is the most active, hosting recreational and sports facilities, a gallery, and commercial areas for food and beverage tenants. The middle zone is a flexible community space designed to accommodate events such as weddings, concerts, bazaars, and internal football matches. The rear zone offers a quieter experience, with a driving range and flower garden. A jogging track encircles the park, connecting all three zones and blending harmoniously with the landscape. Ample parking is also available within the park to support visitor convenience.

The revitalization of Tirtayasa Park represents a modest yet meaningful step toward creating a healthier, more inclusive, and restorative urban environment. Ultimately, a truly successful public space is not just about aesthetics—it’s about how effectively it adapts to the evolving needs of the people it serves.

Keywords: Architecture, Landscape Design, Public Space Design, Architect Indonesia, Architect Surabaya, Arsitek Indonesia, Arsitek Surabaya