REKSOPUSTOKO MANGKUNEGARAN PALACE: VICARA

Project idea

The design concept, named Vicara, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "deep understanding," focuses on addressing the challenges faced by Rekso Pustoko. This concept involves thorough observation and critical analysis to gain profound insight into the institution's life and purpose. It guides designers in creating an environment that fosters the growth of Rekso Pustoko and enhances user productivity.

The Vicara concept is translated into spatial circulation, emphasizing the movement and flow within the physical environment. It encourages users to perceive space as dynamic and alive, fostering sustainable harmony and balance within Rekso Pustoko. The design proposes a layout where the 1st floor caters to both administrators and visitors, providing a spacious, organized area for interaction. Meanwhile, the 2nd floor is dedicated solely to storage, accessible only to administrators. Clear classification of areas, particularly the collection storage, ensures clarity on accessibility for visitors.

Furthermore, the concept introduces the use of "Green Salted Egg" as a new color scheme inspired by Dawuh Kanjeng Gusti, offering a welcoming and light atmosphere for visitors while maintaining a comfortable environment for management. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also aligns with the institution's cultural heritage and functional needs.

By implementing the Vicara concept, Rekso Pustoko aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance user experience, and uphold its role in safeguarding and promoting Javanese cultural heritage for generations to come.

Project description

Rekso Pustoko is vital in preserving and maintaining old manuscripts as part of Javanese cultural heritage. Their commitment to protecting and maintaining the authenticity and readability of these historical documents is paramount. Additionally, Rekso Pustoko offers library services to ensure that the information and knowledge contained within these manuscripts are accessible to a wide audience.

Achieving the vision and mission of Rekso Pustoko requires careful consideration of the interior design and circulation within the building. Key issues to address include optimal collection storage, even distribution of floor loading, efficient circulation arrangements, and space capacity adjustments. Moreover, compliance with regulations related to cultural heritage buildings and adherence to the restoration standards set by Mangkunegaran Palace is essential.

The project solution must encompass these aspects to create an environment that supports Rekso Pustoko’s primary role of guarding, securing, and maintaining historical manuscripts. Furthermore, the needs of two categories of users—Abdi Dalem as administrators and library visitors—must be met to ensure the ongoing relevance and functionality of Rekso Pustoko. By addressing these challenges, the project aims to enhance the comfort, efficiency, and preservation capabilities of the institution.

Technical information

Some of the technical challenges that need to be addressed in this project include excessive humidity, limited storage space, the risk of damage to collections, poor air circulation, and changes in layout due to alterations in space functions. Additionally, issues such as uncomfortable human circulation access, ineffective placement of space functions for circulation flow, difficulties in moving furniture on the second floor, and the impact of area arrangement on hot air circulation must be resolved.

Therefore, a comprehensive design solution is required to tackle these problems, enhancing the space's comfort and functionality.