08/04/2025
This project has provided us with an opportunity to reflect on current practices, both locally and globally. Why is it necessary to build? What program should be implemented? How large should it be, and why? Each square meter of construction corresponds to environmental extraction somewhere, making these questions crucial. Moreover, who will build and maintain this structure? Where will the energy and labor come from?
We must also consider the impact of the building on the local community, both human and non-human, as well as the ecosystem. Many ambitious projects, especially in Indonesia, have proven to cause significant harm to their local environments. At times, buildings are constructed, yet remain uninhabited, raising the question: what is the purpose of architecture if it results in unbearable damage? It seems that, in some cases, we’ve become worshippers of buildings, focusing on aesthetics and grandeur rather than their true value or necessity.
Why do we even need to build in the first place, especially when the distribution and consumption of natural resources are so unequal? In places like Palestine, where genocide and oppression make construction nearly impossible, or in Papua, where similar challenges exist, the disparity is clear. Meanwhile, those in cities have the luxury of selecting materials and designing homes as if they will live for centuries.
When designing this airport, the questions above are at the forefront of our minds. Rather than focusing on how the design looks or how it may be perceived by people (especially those from large cities), we must study the fundamental needs of the project—especially since it is located on a remote island. Back to the first paragraph, can we design with minimal environmental impact? We aren’t sure. As architects, we are simply trying to cross disciplinary boundaries, but we recognize that collaboration with other professionals is essential.
