Br GERENCENG

The Pictorial story of Banjar Gerenceng renovation and restoration. Design by Yoka Sara.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Architect Yoka Sara
Concept Harmonization


Artistry inherited from his family makes this man, whose complete name is: Anak Agung Yoka Sara, profoundly fall in love with the art domain, particularly architecture. Many of his intellectual works are not only favoured by the local community, but also people from outside Bali. Even, he once achieved the BCI Asia & Schott Design Award for architecture with glass on a glass creation used in his design at The Sungai Villas & Spa at Prerenan, Bali.
Ultimately, one of his thinking, probably the only one in Bali, is visualized at his home hamlet, Gerenceng, Denpasar. "As a matter of fact, in every single work of mine, I depart from a concept, namely harmonization. Harmony in each of those works is based on the tenet of Hinduism namely the Tri Hita Karana (harmonious relationship amongst the God, human and nature)," reveals the man born in 1965.
Though inspired by intense philosophy of the Balinese people, his architectural works more emphasizes on intermix of traditional and modern architectural styles. "I put more significance on the concept of Tri Hita Karana in terms of its building philosophy and not merely on its architecture," he utters.
According to him, the building of the bale banjar he makes is focused on simple architecture, yet it remains to reflect the unity of its community. "In my opinion, the architectural style of buildings at every region is different. In Denpasar, its architectural style is simpler and to the point. It is different from that in Gianyar having more reliefs," he explains.
Each section of the bale banjar has dissimilar meaning and philosophy. Its three-tiered roof conveys the three worlds in accordance with the teaching of Hindu comprising the bhur, bwah and swah loka. The existence of menur on the top represents the Lord Shiva who will bestow his sacred light at all times to devotees. Four main pillars stand sturdily as the buffer reflecting four sections existing at Gerenceng hamlet that made coalesced into an organization called banjar.
"On this work, I put emphasis on the combination of traditional and modern architecture. So, on the leading building of Gerenceng hamlet lies a holy sanctum, northern pavilion and rice granary that almost entering the age of 100 years are not changed deliberately. We just made some restorations on several damaged sections. This reflects that we stay to preserve the works of our predecessors," he affirms.
Also added, in his current work, he would like to combine the works of previous generation with that of the current ones. It’s so important that young generation can not only see the works of modern architecture but also observe the works of their predecessors. (BTN/rai)

Bali Travel News November 2006

Banjar Gerenceng
Traditional and Modern Architecture


The village meeting hall or bale banjar of Gerenceng is a traditional assembly venue of the Gerenceng Hamlet within the densely populated backdrop of an urban area. Situated right on Jalan Sutomo, this hamlet is one of the entrance gates of Denpasar city. On that account, with no vacant space available and passing vehicles round-the-clock, the former agrarian area has now become a crowded and hullabaloo urban space. Even the village members are now progressively evolving rapidly, having diverse professions and origins. Urbanization problems have entered the day-to-day life of its hamlet members.
Such a circumstance requires a movement of revitalization on the function of bale banjar to respond to the current conditions. Another problem is the lifespan of its physical building that is already very old and should be refurbished in order the activity taking place in it can be accommodated properly, safely and conveniently.
That’s the reason why since 11 June 2006 this bale banjar is set to be renovated. An interesting point of this renovation is the preservation of the abode of Goddess Sri (in the form of jineng or rice granary building) representing the agrarian community.
Architect
Beyond the matter of course, the renovation of this bale banjar involves a professional architect to prepare its design. A.A. Yoka Sara, an architect who is entrusted for this task is an inhabitant of Gerenceng Hamlet. He prepares it in the spirit of ngaturang ayah (volunteer work service without payment).
As an inhabitant of Gerenceng he is considered to know competently the spirit and origin of his home hamlet. Therefore, his creative considerations, long experience in architectural design and knowledge in modern works are expected to be able to bring back the spirit of traditional building of bale banjar of Gerenceng as we can observe today.
Working Process
Renovation works are commenced by performing a profound study on its past, present and future condition. Then, this idea is implemented into the main architectural plan on the space of bale banjar and rice granary.
The main hall is made in tiered roof supported by four large size pillars. Its tiered roofs resemble a lotus with midpoint (peak) called menur made from copper.
Materials employed on the roof are those of unfamiliar applied in traditional building, namely a wooden structure in two circular tiers and then on its wall is covered with glass in two tiers.
Such a unique and artistic roof is supported by four beams embellished with ornament with piled pattern and details so they fashion elegant formation with its sturdiness reflecting grandiosity. In the meantime, in the southern part is placed a jineng or rice granary constituting a part of agrarian building of the surrounding space that is immensely urban.
Finishing phase of each section is carried out by well-ordered and modern material selection. On being seen from Jalan Sutomo, this bale banjar will give an alluring impression and settle the bale banjar of Gerenceng as a landmark at the area on entering the city of Denpasar.
Urban Phenomenon
Conversion of village into a city as common phenomenon found in Denpasar city serves as a dynamism that should be responded properly. Gerenceng Hamlet has done it by renovating the building of its bale banjar. Thus, it’s believed that this development is not merely a bale banjar renovation, but also a restoration and reinterpretation of such bale banjar sitting in the heart of the city. Saturday 21 October, the inauguration rite of the bale banjar and jineng was executed by the inhabitants of Gerenceng Hamlet. (BTN/*/rai)

Thursday, October 12, 2006

DENPASAR MAP

Br. GERENCENG HISTORICAL PICTURE

OBJECTIVE

EXISTING SITE


DESIGN PROCCESS





3-D VISUALIZATION




WORK IN PROGRESS




DETAIL WORK





CARVERS - PEOPLE BEHIND

BANJAR

Banjar is the smallest unit of village as place of villagers to gather together, to socialize and to interact with each other. Though banjar is the smallest part of area in Bali, however the structure is not clear, which one is formed firstly, village or banjar (sub-village). But the obvious thing is that banjar is a place for people to discuss their mutual interest called sangkep or parum (meeting).

For most villagers in Bali, banjar is a place for value transformation of Hindu Bali society. Most of social activities are conducted at banjar.


It is not surprising anymore if we see the villagers learn playing gamelan, ngigel (dancing) and even metajen ( gambling or cock fighting) as well as masliahan ( relaxing).
Some people said that the term of banjar is derived from banjah meaning open and spread out called bebanjaran or parallel. The articulation of the word provides meaning that banjar respects its community by placing them on the same right and obligation for krama (all members) of the banjar itself.

The members of banjar can be divided into krama desa tua or brahmacari (unmarried members), krama pengarep or grehasta (main members), krama penyada, the members who are freed from duties as members and krama penglingsir (old members).

The other thing that is necessary to be paid attention is the establishment of bale kulkul (wooden bell tower) in every banjar building. Kulkul is a big bell made of wood to give information to the members of banjar.

Banjar as if a center of activity for Balinese people in ngambel (running their customs). Even, is the indicator of self image for Balinese in expressing their social attitude and friendship they have. Therefore it is not surprising if there are members of banjar being kasepekang (isolated). www.balitourismauthority.net

THE ARCHITECT

YOKA SARA

SELECTED PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT

1988-1989
- Balisani Hotel, Legian, Bali

1990-1991
- Balisani Suite Hotel, Batubelig, Bali

1991-1993
- Sekilak Island Resort (designed), Batam.
- Sumba Reef Lodge (designed), Tambulaka, Sumba.
- Wardani's house, Padanggalak, Bali

1994-1997
- Waka Maya, The Villa, Sanur-Bali.
- House of Mr. Guiseeppe Villa, Seminyak.
- Wisma Sakura, Denpasar, Bali.
- MILO'S House, (collaborated with Milo), Seminyak, Bali.
- ARTEKA GRAHA, Head office (designed), Denpasar, Bali.
- Villa Tanjung, Tanjung Benoa, Bali.
- House of Mr. Thomas Hall, Tangtu, Bali.
- Jezz Gallery, Denpasar Bali.
- Villa Lagoon, Annex to Nikko Hotel (designed), Sawangan Nusa Dua.
- Villa at Kelabang Moding, Ubud, Bali.
- House of Mr. Mateo, Petitenget, Bali.
- The 8 Villas (Conceptual design), Tangtu, Bali

1998-2002
- House of Mr. Felix Tee, Damansara Height, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Private resort of Mr. Felix Tee, Bentong-Pahang, Malaysia.

1998
- Maya Resort Ubud (collaborated with Made Wijaya) a project concept
(suspended) Tukad Petanu, Ubud, Bali

1999
- Waka Gangga Resort (Collaborated with Ketut Siandana), Tabanan, Bali

2002
- The Kamasutra Club & Lounge, Kuta, Bali

2003-2004
- The Sungai Villas & Spa (designed), Pererenan, Bali.
- Matahari Villas for Mr. Eric Lorin (under construction), Canggu, Bali.
- Ayulia Boutique & Spa (under construction), Denpasar, Bali.

2005
- The'TRA' (on going project) a villa for Mr. & Mrs. Traversa, Canggu, Bali
- CASABRINA, Resort Villa Annex (9 diverse villa) in Bentong, Pahang,
Malaysia

PUBLICATION


AWARD

2006 - BCI Asia & Schott Design Award for Architecture with glass