The prominence of Bali as a popular island resort with cultural significance has stimulated demand for modern Balinese architecture applied to tourism-related buildings. Hotels, villas, cottages, restaurants, shops, museums and airports have incorporated Balinese themes, style and design in their architecture.
Architects in Bali have been influenced by international aesthetic principles into which they have sought to integrate their traditional techniques. The result is contemporary buildings throughout Bali that incorporate both the traditional and the modern into a harmonious whole.
GREEN SCHOOL
Architect: John Hardy
Voted the Greenest School on Earth, Green School lies just outside Ubud and is one of the most fascinating schools you will ever stumble upon.
Green School Bali is a private and international pre-kindergarten to high school located along the Ayung River near Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The school was founded by John and Cynthia Hardy.
The Green School strives holistic education experience taking place in a natural and sustainable setting. The Heart of School, which serves as the Central Administration Building, has three towers made of bamboo supporting the roof in the shape of three nautili.
Bamboo is significant in the construction of all school buildings, reflecting both respects for traditional Balinese architecture and a desire to inspire innovative green leadership in its students.
POTATO HEAD
Architect: OMA
The Potato Head Beach Club, designed by OMA is one of the most unique buildings in Bali in its design and concept.
The Potato Head Studios was designed with the Indonesian context in mind. It incorporates Balinese architecture and, with its mismatched appearance, serves as a reminder of the country’s past.
It consists of three major parts. The open platform at the ground level and a private garden on the second-floor reminisce of raised courtyards.
The complex of Potato Head holds two hotels. A floating ring lifted by pilots accommodates the guestrooms and other functions, including an exhibition space and a large sunset bar. Like the Colosseum, the restaurant area breathes of an edgy, contemporary design.
ALPHA HOUSE
Architect: Alexis Dornier
With fluidity and a sense of movement, it twists away from the traditional toward an emergent expression shaped by its geographic and cultural context.
Alexis Dornier is a german trained, now Bali-based architect, that has been influenced by the fluid forms of the aviation industry.
Alpha House is a private villa in Bali’s cultural and artistic capitol, Ubud. The two-storey structure is composed of two distinct stacks, each being representative of a particular architectural theme but taken together act in conversation with the landscape.
Water is an immensely important symbol in Balinese culture and is often seen as the primary medium for connecting people, land, and the Gods. The incorporation of water is manifested through the outdoor pool that is aligned with the building.The building deals in mainly local materials; the main structural element is Kerobokan stone – a local hard sandstone that offers a cool, grounded feeling.
Most of the modern Balinese architecture are tourist-oriented facilities. This is largely by design and makes it easy for you as a visitor to appreciate at least one of them when you come to Bali this November, where we will share with you even more amazing Bali architectural examples.
