Simpang Temu Community Center in Mangga Besar

Project idea

The proposed project aims to develop a community center in Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, designed to enhance social interaction, cultural exchange, and public engagement. The project follows a placemaking theory approach to address the area's challenges, including safety concerns, limited public space, and negative stigma. By integrating landscape design, accessible pedestrian networks, and multifunctional community spaces, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for local residents while preserving the historical and cultural identity of Mangga Besar. The design emphasizes inclusivity, security, and urban vibrancy, ensuring that diverse groups can coexist harmoniously.

Project description

The project encompasses the development of an inclusive, safe, and dynamic community center that serves as a public gathering space while supporting various activities such as street vending, sports, and cultural events. The design includes secure bicycle parking, green areas for shade and relaxation, and a promenade to enhance accessibility and mobility. A transparent facade made of glass fosters visual connectivity, ensuring passive surveillance and a sense of openness. The building mass is elevated using pilotis, allowing free movement and integrating the space with the surrounding environment.

Preserving the existing shophouses is a key aspect, as they represent the strong trading culture of Mangga Besar. Additionally, the rear facades of these structures will be redesigned with windows to establish a visual connection to the river. A pedestrian tunnel will connect both sides of the site, ensuring safe access for people with disabilities, vendors, and pedestrians. Vehicle lanes will be constructed with cobblestone to slow down traffic, and their elevation by 20 cm will create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. The design incorporates elements of traditional Chinese architecture, such as sloped roofs and facade treatments, paying homage to the historical influence of Macau immigrants during the Dutch colonial period.

The community center will feature various public spaces, including a sunken seating area, a basketball court that doubles as a multifunctional gathering space, an amphitheater, and a secondary road extension for additional public activities. Accessibility considerations for the elderly and children ensure comfort and ease of movement. By reinforcing social interaction and creating safer public spaces, the project aims to strengthen Mangga Besar's identity as a vibrant, inclusive, and evolving urban space.

Technical information

The community center will be elevated on pilotis, ensuring an open ground level that promotes free pedestrian movement and seamless environmental integration. Its transparent glass facade will enhance visibility and social surveillance, fostering a secure and inviting atmosphere. The design prioritizes the preservation and renovation of existing shophouses, incorporating windows to establish a visual connection to the river.

A pedestrian tunnel will be introduced to facilitate safe crossings for vendors, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities, promoting enhanced public connectivity. The roads will be paved with cobblestones and elevated by 20 cm to encourage a pedestrian-friendly setting. Green infrastructure will be implemented throughout the site, offering shaded areas for relaxation and social interaction.

To accommodate diverse activities, the project will include a promenade, an amphitheater, a basketball court, and seating areas to stimulate community engagement. Architectural elements inspired by traditional Chinese design will be incorporated into the roof and facade, preserving the cultural influence of the area. Security measures will be established through clear demarcations between different activity zones, ensuring safe and organized movement between fishing areas and pedestrian paths.

The project is also committed to sustainability, integrating green spaces and open-air environments to improve urban aesthetics and environmental well-being. By addressing Mangga Besar’s urban challenges, the project will contribute to the area's revitalization, fostering a well-connected, safe, and inclusive community that reflects its rich cultural and social diversity.