United-in-Diversity Campus: A Visionary Design by Willis Kusuma Architects

The Kura-Kura Bali Unity-in-Diversity (UID) Campus, designed by Willis Kusuma Architects, is a remarkable architectural feat located on Kura-Kura Island, Bali, Indonesia.

Completed in 2022, this 13,100 m² mixed-use facility integrates commercial, educational, office, and event programs under one expansive roof. The campus is strategically oriented towards Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred point, creating a harmonious blend of cultural reverence and contemporary functionality.

Architectural Design and Inspiration

The design of the UID Campus draws heavily on the *Bale* vernacular, a traditional Balinese thatched hip-roof structure often used as a multipurpose hall.

Willis Kusuma Architects scaled up this traditional form to create a superstructure that shelters all the campus’s programs beneath one giant roof. This approach not only respects Balinese heritage but also adapts it to meet the needs of a modern, multifunctional facility.

Orientation and Axes

The building’s orientation towards Mount Agung is more than symbolic; it is a defining feature of its architectural logic.

The design operates on two intersecting axes: a horizontal axis that gives the building its horizontal language, and a skewed axis pointed at Mount Agung. This skewed axis diagonally intersects the building’s longitudinal form, creating a dynamic spatial experience.

Structural Elements

The campus’s structure is a blend of traditional and modern elements. The massive roof, inspired by the *Bale*, is supported by steel columns that project up to the roof, creating open-air communal spaces around the solid brick volumes.

These volumes house various functions, from commercial spaces on the ground floor to co-working spaces and classrooms on the upper floors.

Functional Spaces

The UID Campus is designed to be a versatile environment that supports a range of activities.

Each floor is dedicated to specific functions, ensuring that the building can accommodate a diverse set of needs.

Ground Floor

The ground floor hosts commercial functions and a mini museum, making it a vibrant, public-facing part of the campus.

The open design allows for easy access and interaction, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Upper Floors

The second and third floors are dedicated to co-working spaces and classrooms, providing a collaborative environment for learning and professional development.

The third floor also houses private office spaces, a function hall, and media rooms, catering to more specialized needs.

Amphitheaters and Communal Spaces

Both indoor and outdoor amphitheaters are integrated into the design, offering informal gathering spaces that encourage interaction and community building.

Decks located closest to the massive roof provide seating areas with stunning views of the island’s surroundings, enhancing the overall user experience.

Innovative Use of Space and Materials

The interaction between the closed brick volumes and the open-air internal spaces creates a unique spatial experience. This design choice engages the building’s users dynamically, providing both visual and auditory connections throughout the space.

Permeable Design

The open-air spaces are designed to be permeable to the weather conditions, allowing for natural ventilation and a closer connection to the tropical surroundings.

This approach not only enhances the comfort of the users but also aligns with sustainable design principles.

Material Choices

The use of brick and steel in the construction of the UID Campus reflects a thoughtful blend of traditional and modern materials.

The brick volumes provide a sense of solidity and permanence, while the steel columns offer structural support and flexibility.

Conclusion

The Kura-Kura Bali Unity-in-Diversity Campus is a testament to the innovative and culturally sensitive design approach of Willis Kusuma Architects.

By integrating traditional Balinese architectural elements with modern design principles, the UID Campus creates a unique and functional space that serves a diverse range of needs.

Its orientation towards Mount Agung and the thoughtful use of materials and space make it a standout example of contemporary architecture that respects and enhances its cultural context.

For more detailed information about this remarkable project, visit the source.