I grew up in the northern part of Bandung, an area that, to me, exemplifies urban development with no clear direction and purpose. Imagine a tall building starkly contrasting with densely populated poor housing? amusement park-like tourist attractions that disregard the narrow existing road access? and commercially oriented facilities that exploit nature under the guise of natural themes. I strongly resonate with the values stated in the Brundtland Report (UN, 1987), which emphasizes that meeting the needs of the present generation should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Although this might sound cliché, this mindset is crucial for sustainable urban development. This concern shaped my passion and enthusiasm for environmentally friendly urban development that pays attention to social aspects.
Originally from Indonesia, I am currently a full-time PhD researcher in the Architecture & Urbanism Research Group at the University of Leeds. I hold a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a master’s degree in architecture from the Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia. My research focuses on temporary interventions in various forms of vacant urban spaces—such as empty sites, residual spaces, and abandoned buildings—especially examining how communities take the initiative to intervene and claim these urban voids. Their active involvement in activating empty spaces is beginning to draw attention and provide alternative methods for producing public space. My research revolves around three key concepts: Vacant Urban Spaces, Community-led Initiatives, and Temporary Urbanism.[IDLE IDEAS] serves as an on-going archiving project for my observation, research, and experimentations regarding that topic.