PRAKSIS Podcast: The Bricking It! Series
Interviews and conversations recorded during Residency 27: Bricking It (An Urgent Situation 2024)
The following discussions were recorded at Samong Haven, Bali in April 2024. The questions were developed collectively by the residents and PRAKSIS’s team: Ellie Birkhead, Yohanes Arya Duta, Huzefah Haroon, Jon Haga Grov, Elise Hoebeke, Breanne Johnson, Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu, Francisco Susmel, Ba Taonga Julia Kaunda-Kaseka, Don Lawrence, Nicholas John Jones and Charlotte Teyler.
Architecture in Bali – A brief history
— Dr. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra interviewed by Breanne Johnson and Don Lawrence
In tracing the development of architecture and culture in Bali, Dr. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra outlines the mechanisms and impact of colonization on the island, and gives his perspective on how the island should move forwards.
About Dr. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra
Nyoman Gede Maha Putra lives in Bali and lectures in the Architecture Department of Universitas Warmadewa, where he is Senior Researcher at Warmadewa Research Centre. He focuses on architecture and urban design, with particular focus on issues of space formation and identity, and the traditional versus the modern within the history of architecture. His research has probed global tourism’s transformation of traditional settlements in Bali and identifies the need for public policy with a long-term vision to manage such transformations.
Dr. I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra interviewed by Breanne Johnson and Don Lawrence
Innovating brick
— Andy Rahman interviewed by Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu
Indonesian architect Andy Rahman discusses how his research into Indonesia's vernacular building technologies helped him develop innovative new ways of working with brick in the 21st century.
About Andy Rahman
Andy Rahman is an award-winning architect living in East Java, Indonesia. Working in accordance with the culture and values of the archipelago, he seeks to integrate the concepts and values of Indonesia's vernacular building technologies into an architecture of the 21st century. For more information visit www.andyrahmanarchitect.com
Andy Rahman interviewed by Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu
Solid earth blocks – a sustainable, low cost building material
— Professor Totok Noerwasito interviewed by Yohannes Arya Duta
Professor Totok Noerwasito discusses the problems with traditional brick and presents solid earth blocks as a sustainable and accessible alternative.
About Professor Dr. Totok Noerwasito
Ir Vincentius Totok Noerwasito MT is professor at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, where he heads the Architectural Design Laboratory. His primary area of research relates to architectural design for low-income buildings and techniques for embodying energy within built structures, including the use of bamboo and compressed earth-block walling.
Professor Totok Noerwasito interviewed by Yohannes Arya Duta
Temple building
— Artisan Builder Nyoman Ardana interviewed by Ketut Karya
Balinese artisan builder Nyoman Ardana talks about the benefit of working with brick and his experience working with the residents of Bricking It to build a temple on site at Samong Haven.
About Nyoman Ardana
Nyoman Ardana lives in Sumberkima village in North West Bali. He has been working as a builder in the village for most of his life.
Temple Building—Artisan Builder Nyoman Ardana interviewed by Ketut Karya
Resident conversations
— The residents of R26: Bricking It reflect on the process of designing and building communally at Samong Haven, Bali.
In this series of five conversations, the residents reflect on experiences and insights gained through projects developed on-site during the residency.
Three of the episodes focus on the design and construction of key structures: a kitchen and grill area, a toilet facility, and a house temple. These discussions delve into both the practicalities of building with brick and the collaborative spirit that guided each project’s development.
Complementing these are two audio episodes for which residents respond to the prompt: “What comes to mind when you think about brick?” Through this introduction exercise, they explore their associations with the material—ranging from its texture and history to its symbolic and cultural significance—setting the tone for the communal dialogue that followed.
About Samong Haven
Bricking It aimed to contribute to the creation of an ethical, sustainable model for tourism by supporting the establishment of Samong Haven – a new centre for culture and learning in Sumberkima, Bali. Designed with the participation of residents of An Urgent Situation 2023, Samong Haven’s forward plan includes the provision of residencies, courses and workshops that support local culture and values and address important issues faced by the Sumberkima region. The centre will offer medium- to long-term guest accommodation for international visitors, short-term stays for national guests, and “drop-in” learning opportunities for people living nearby. Its accommodation and facilities will showcase a variety of approaches to sustainable tropical architecture. While staying consistent across the site, its sensitively-located buildings will explore different combinations of materials and designs, and draw on vernacular knowledge to create sustainably comfortable living spaces.
Resident conversation: Jon Haga Grov, Ba Taonga Julia Kaunda-Kaseka, Breanne Johnson, Ellie Birkhead
Resident conversation: Huzefah Haroon, Francisco Susmel and Elise Hoebeke
Resident conversation: Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu, Rahman Akbar Sayekti and Don Lawrence
Resident conversation: Yohannes Arya Duta, Elise Hoebeke, Ellie Birkhead
Resident conversation: Francisco Susmel, Huzefah Haroon, Breanne Johnson
