Bali 2015, a Vertical Studio Elective, initiated by the Diploma in Architecture (DARCH), involved students across all three years of the diploma. This 7-day 6-night study trip to Bali, Indonesia for DARCH students was scheduled from 8th June to 14th June 2015. This trip was planned to facilitate staff and 16 students to explore and experience new trends in overseas architecture, using the platform to observe, document, discuss and critique on the current trends in dwelling architecture evolving in South East Asian.
Also known as “Paradise Island” or “Land of a Thousand Temples”, Bali is famous for its vast landscape and peaceful atmosphere. The Balinese people hold great respect to nature in tandem with their belief of the living spirits.
The main highlight of the trip is the 4-day 3-night workshop participation in the Bali Green Camp. The activities of the camp were centered on green and sustainable living. The purpose of the Green Camp participation was to learn and understand the unique properties of bamboo and its construction and structural capabilities. Workshops about bamboo construction were held to further the students’ understanding and knowledge.
For the days outside of the Green School, visits included several UNESCO landmarks such as the Mother Temple of Besakih and the Taman Ayun Temple. Other significant landmarks such as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pura Ulun Danu Temple and Tampak Siring Temple were also in the trip itinerary. Students had the chance to visit a contemporary Balinese resort, Alilas Ubud Resort, by local architectural firm Kerry Hill.
The use of bamboo is diverse and extensive in providing sustainable alternatives to building material in architectural. Being fast-growing vegetation with high compressive strength compared to concrete and high tensile strength rivalling with steel, bamboo may well become the choice answer to champion sustainability in the future.
