Photograph courtesy of Roca Gallery Barcelona
Originally published in Indonesia Design
“Crossing Horizons: Cities in Dialogue” was not just a meeting of architectural minds, but also a cultural exchange aimed at exploring the distinct yet interconnected architectural landscapes of Jakarta and Barcelona. Curated and moderated by Miriam Giordano, founder of Labóh, the event brought together renowned Indonesian architects Mohammad Archica Danisworo (known by his nickname Chico) of PDW Architects, Hardyanthony Wiratama (Hardy) of AlienDC, and Piter Gan of Piter Gan Architect, alongside two of Barcelona’s most influential studios, b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos and GCA Architects.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Alberto Gonzalez, managing director of Roca Indonesia, who emphasised the significance of the event in fostering global architectural dialogue. Alberto then asserted, “Roca, as a leading in the bathroom industry across Europe, recognises the diverse influences of culture, climate and lifestyle on architecture worldwide. The goal of ‘Crossing Horizons’ was to bring together top architects from different regions to inspire and engage with professional attendees, showcasing how these factors shape architectural practice.”
A Tale of Two Cities
Both Jakarta and Barcelona are vibrant cities with rich architectural histories and unique urban challenges. Barcelona is renowned for its transformative urban planning, particularly during the 1992 Olympics, which left a legacy of architectural innovation. In contrast, Jakarta grapples with pressing environmental, social and geological challenges, requiring creative solutions to enhance liveability and sustainability.
Miriam explained the motivation behind selecting these two cities for dialogue. “Both cities are very effervescent architecturally. Jakarta faces challenges to save the city from environmental, social and geological issues. The invited studios excel at creating multifunctional spaces that integrate sustainability and liveability, thus addressing the adversities of contemporary urbanisation.”
The event explored these themes through a pop-up exhibition and a series of presentations. Models, detailed drawings and plans were on display, highlighting architecture’s potential to reshape urban environments in different cultural and geographical contexts.
Architectural Insights
The discussions at “Crossing Horizons” were enriched with insights into how architects from diverse backgrounds could learn from one another. One of the key topics was the integration of sustainability into urban design. Piter noted that “whilst sustainability is a universal consideration, its application varies significantly due to different regulatory environments and market interests in Jakarta and Barcelona.” Another compelling moment was the exploration of how cultural and climatic conditions shape architectural choices. Hardy highlighted that “architecture is a universal language, thus allowing for the comparison of geographically distant projects whilst also emphasising how local conditions such as climate and transport networks influence design decisions.”
Meanwhile, Chico emphasised the importance of such dialogues, stating, “Being confronted with different points of view and contexts allows us to understand better how certain decisions and solutions are more or less appropriate concerning the unique characteristics of each territory.”
A Fitting Venue
The choice of Roca Barcelona Gallery as the event venue was no coincidence. Roca, a fourth- generation family business headquartered in Barcelona, boasts a commercial network spanning over 170 countries. The gallery, designed by the OAB Carlos Ferrater, serves as a testament to Roca’s commitment to design and architecture.
Alberto asserted that the gallery was an ideal setting for this cross-cultural architectural exchange. “It is the first of Roca’s exhibition spaces worldwide dedicated to the culture of design. It was the perfect stage to connect Barcelona with Roca Experience Centre Indonesia, our new hub for innovative bathroom concepts in Jakarta.”
Pop-Up Exhibition
The pop-up exhibition at “Crossing Horizons” contributed significantly to the overall theme of Setmanes d’Arquitectura 2024 by enhancing the festival’s international scope. Miriam noted that the exhibition attracted architects from around the world, providing them with a platform to exchange ideas and explore solutions applicable across different regions.
The exhibition included models and detailed drawings that underscored the ability of architecture to influence urban environments positively. As Barcelona looks forward to becoming the World Architecture Capital in 2026, events like “Crossing Horizons” play a crucial role in positioning the city as a hub for architectural innovation and dialogue.
A Vision for the Future
As “Crossing Horizons: Cities in Dialogue” concluded, it left attendees with a profound understanding of the power of architecture to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The event underscored the importance of dialogue in enriching the field of architecture, fostering collaboration, and inspiring innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our cities.
Through the lens of Jakarta and Barcelona, “Crossing Horizons” provided a glimpse into the future of urban design, where sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration pave the way for more vibrant cities. As Setmanes d’Arquitectura 2024 drew to a close, it became clear that the event had successfully bridged horizons, setting the stage for continued architectural exchange and innovation on a global scale.
