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The Presidential Palace Complex in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) is conceived as the future center of governance, reflecting the nation"s values, leadership, and adaptation to the tropical nature of East Kalimantan. NuArt Consultant was instrumental in developing the *basic design* for this 55.8 Ha complex, uniting 11 main building masses into a systemic whole that is both authoritative and sustainable.
Our design philosophy is centered on responding to the hilly topography, where every structure—from the Presidential Office at the highest elevation to the Ceremonial Field leveled via *cut and fill*—is engineered to blend adaptively and respect the natural contours (Form Follows Flow).
The continuity of function and symbolism is evident: the Garuda Palace stands under the philosophical patronage of the Presidential Office (the Garuda figure), while the Presidential Mosque and Education Building serve as contrasting points that radiate spirituality and insight. Overall, the Complex embodies Mr. Nyoman Nuarta"s vision of a governmental space that is characterized, functionally efficient, and visually harmonious with the Nusantara ecosystem.
<p> <strong>Concept & Contour Challenge:</strong> The Ceremonial Field is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 people for formal state activities. The primary challenge was the hilly terrain. The <strong>architectural solution</strong> was developed through a precise **cut and fill** strategy, creating the required flat area of at least 30,000 m² while minimizing land intervention by situating it between two natural ridges. </p> <p> <strong>Space Concept:</strong> The Field is located at the forefront of the Complex, aligned with the <strong>National Axis</strong>. Although formal, the design is dynamic, featuring curved circulation elements and water features as accents, creating an *environmentally friendly* green open space. </p>
Idea of Protection & Noble Values: The Presidential Palace mass is located after the Ceremonial Field, serving as the Official building for the President’s activities, including inaugurations and receiving state guests. The Palace"s position directly in front of the Garuda figure (Presidential Office) signifies that the Palace is under the **philosophical protection and patronage** of the Garuda, the symbol of national unity and sovereignty.
Context and Function: The Palace mass is situated between the Ceremonial Field and the Presidential Office to ensure close connectivity and alignment with the **National Axis**. The Palace is designed to host a wide range of official state events, from the swearing-in of officials to formal banquets, upholding the spirit of unity and fraternity.
Building Mass and Topographical Adaptation: The Palace features a geometric mass to maintain a formal impression. The design adapts to the hilly contour, aiming for a flat base while incorporating lower floor levels (*semi-basement*) to **avoid excessive soil infill** (maximum 2 meters).
Appearance and Symbolism: The building"s appearance is designed to convey formality and authority, dominated by **34 tall columns** lined up across the front facade—representing Indonesia"s provinces. The roof shape replicates the Garuda silhouette behind it, creating **continuity in form and philosophy**. Column accents and specialized lighting systems (*LED Tunable White*) are implemented to give a strong impression and allow the lobby ambiance to shift from warm to white, emphasizing the Palace"s official character.
Strategic Location and National Vision: The Presidential Office is placed at the highest elevation in the complex, at 88 masl. This position ensures the Office is central to the Tripradja Axis and National Axis, reflecting its pivotal role in national leadership.
Located at the highest point, the building also serves as a Point of Orientation that overlooks the entire Presidential Palace Complex.
Building Mass and Expression of Authority: The building form is carefully composed to represent the dignity of the institution and the nation"s authority. The interior layout is designed to support presidential functions, expressed through proportional dimensions, such as the ceiling height (9 meters) and column spacing (8 meters) in the main lobby. The building design is adaptively tiered to conform to the natural topography of the site.
Idea of Harmony and Privacy: Given the challenging hilly topography, the design of the Presidential Pavilion required strategic solutions. The core concept is **Building Meets Nature**, informed by Biophilic Design, to create optimal harmony with the surrounding environment. The Pavilion is enveloped by green areas to ensure the President"s privacy during activities.
Adaptive Building Mass: The architectural composition consists of three fundamental geometric forms (squares and circles) unified into a linear structure. Through additive and subtractive volumetric play, the building mass appears functional yet dynamic, with curved elements in certain areas. The Pavilion is strategically placed on a crest to capture the best views.
Appearance and Climate Response: The Pavilion"s facade is designed to be simple, unobtrusive, and *respectful* of nature. The dominant white facade, accented by natural colors (wood) and contrasting tones (grey/black), displays an **elegant and minimalist** character integrated with the surroundings. The response to the tropical climate is achieved through:
Concept of Contrast and Spiritual Serenity: The architectural concept of the Presidential Mosque is based on the site context: situated in a contoured valley, surrounded by dense trees. The building is designed with a **simple character** (domed mass and bright/white hue) to create a calming **visual contrast** against the surrounding green landscape.
Zoning and Accessibility: The Mosque is strategically located, accessible by foot or *buggy car*, positioned between the Presidential Office (East) and the Presidential Pavilion (West). The main building mass is divided into two volumes: the domed section (Prayer Hall and Ablution) and a rectangular volume (Presidential/Vice-Presidential Holding Room) backed by the rising contour on the North side. Vehicle drop-off areas are set back to manage visitor flow toward the Prayer Hall level.
Envelope of Light (The Lantern Concept): The Mosque"s outer layer is enveloped by a **patterned perforated metal panel** (laser cut) in bright white, which serves as a screen regulating light, heat, and security. Inside, patterned *sandblast stickers* filter visibility. The porosity of this envelope allows the building to glow at night, adopting the **"Lantern" Concept**—symbolizing enlightenment (from QS. An-Nur Verse 35)—which provides "light" and guidance, while also expressing a "Nusantara" identity during the day.
This brightly colored building prioritizes **natural ventilation** through numerous openings, corridors, and arcades, maintaining the comfort and cleanliness of the sacred space.
Site Concept and Contrast: The Presidential Secretariat Office building is designed to respond to the contoured land, extending lengthwise across the site and divided into multiple building masses. To create an elegant contrast against the green vegetation of IKN, the building combines two main materials: glass and solid ash-colored walls.
Stepped Mass and Topographical Integration: Although the mass appears simple from the front (only one story), the rear facade reveals an accumulation of building masses that are stepped and integrated with the topographical conditions. This stepped form is necessitated by the varying mass sizes and building heights, demonstrating an adaptive response to the site"s dynamics.
Appearance, Material, and Philosophy: The building"s appearance adopts a simple **minimalist modern** style. The solid walls are punctuated by triangular elements, a simplified artistic expression of the Kalimantan batik pattern. Beyond aesthetics, these elements provide necessary openings for optimal ventilation and natural light. The building is designed to blend adaptively and unify with nature through minimal cut and fill engineering.
Core Concept: The Special Staff Office is based on the concept of Form Follows Flow. This approach is implemented due to the downward and curving flow of the site"s contour lines. The building mass emerges from the contour lines, providing a sense of **dynamism and unity** with the natural conditions.
This building reflects the principle that architecture does not fight the existing nature, but adapts to create a functional and dynamic form.
Appearance and Unique Marker: The Special Staff Office building features a facade distinct from other buildings in the complex. This appearance is characterized by rhythmic line elements and the use of a wood brown color as a special marker, making the building easily recognizable within the complex.
Idea of Respect and Tropical Context: The State Guesthouse is designed as temporary residential accommodation for visiting state guests. Its strategic placement, located in front of and parallel to the Presidential Pavilion, is intended to honor and respect the visiting dignitaries.
Sustainable Architectural Concept: The design approach emphasizes a homely modern tropical concept while simultaneously implementing sustainability design principles. This is achieved through passive design building strategies that are responsive to the climate and site conditions, ensuring more effective and efficient energy usage in the building.
Zoning and Building Mass: The building mass arrangement is tailored to the hierarchy of space and site contours, ranging from semi-public areas at the front to more private areas on lower levels. The Guesthouse is positioned at an elevation nearly level with the Presidential Pavilion, a consideration made for both respect and security.
Appearance and Materials:strong> The architectural appearance is reinforced through the use of local materials and the implementation of green terraces to integrate landscape elements into the building, strengthening the character of Indonesian architecture. Glass material is utilized in VVIP and VIP rooms to foster a comfortable (homely) atmosphere and maximize surrounding views. p> Organic Idea and Connection: The Education Building adopts an organic Form Language and Spatial Arrangement Pattern, serving as an architectural thread connecting the buildings within the Presidential Palace complex. It is designed as a public education center, museum, and theater.
Topographical Adaptation and Technical Solution: The building mass is situated on the furthest part of the complex, on a hill crest (+63 m). Given the significant elevation difference, the design is **terraced** and oriented down towards the valley, meticulously responding to the contour. Construction solutions, including the use of retaining walls, are crucial for managing the building"s position on the slope.
Mass Concept and Identity: The mass composition is organic. The upper floor is dominated by the theater space, which serves as the primary **form identity** to define the building. This dynamic design separates functions per floor and attracts public visitors, including state guests and general visitors.
Appearance, Climate, and Insight: The building is designed with a tropical architecture approach that emphasizes **cross-ventilation** and unobstructed views of the valley"s vegetation. The facade utilizes **patterned and porous metal panels**, expressing a lightweight material envelope. Presidential Security Barracks
Education Center
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