Universitas Pembangunan Jaya Presents 'Tula' Installation at BDD 2024: Reviving the Concept of Analog Reality

Bintaro, South Tangerang, 23/10/2024 – Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ), through its Department of Architecture, is once again participating in the Bintaro Design District (BDD) 2024, which carries the theme "Analog Reality." This theme reminds us of a time when nothing was instant, unlike today’s digital era, which simplifies many activities. UPJ's Department of Architecture introduces a unique installation concept called "Tula," representing the principle of Tensegrity—structures that are interconnected and balanced. Tula integrates UPJ's core values: balance, stability, collaboration, innovation, and creativity, which form the philosophical foundation for their design development. 

The event was attended by UPJ Rector Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., and UPJ President Ir. Frans Satyaki Sunito. In his opening remarks, the Rector expressed gratitude for the achievements of the UPJ’s Department of Architecture, which successfully passed a rigorous selection process, making UPJ the only university to participate in this year’s BDD event. “I hope this activity will be beneficial and can merge art and technology into a beautiful work of art,” he concluded. The opening of Bintaro Design District (BDD) 2024 was symbolically inaugurated with the playing of the angklung musical instrument. The series of events began with a seminar by Dr.-Ing. Andry Widyowijatnoko, MT, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, followed by a "100 Mini Tula Workshop" on October 26, 2024, and the "Pecha Kucha" seminar on November 8, 2024. 

During the seminar, Dr.-Ing. Andry shared his experience in studying tensegrity using bamboo as a medium, from his time in Germany to Brazil, where he developed tensegrity projects. He explained that precision is the key aspect in building tensegrity, emphasizing that it is a design concept that highlights balance between interconnected elements that are still free to move. “The process starts with exploration and experimentation, figuring out how this structure can stand, from small models to testing joints without digital simulations,” he explained. According to him, this aligns with the BDD 2024 theme, Analog Reality, which underscores the importance of direct exploration outside of digital technology. 

After the seminar, the event continued with a hands-on practice session involving around 100 UPJ students. Led by Dr.-Ing. Andry, the students collaborated in constructing a full-scale tensegrity structure using bamboo as the main material and ropes as connectors. The installation, standing 4 meters tall, was successfully built after a long and detailed process. 

The creation of this installation became a valuable learning experience for the students, as they were able to directly apply tensegrity theory on a large scale. “This is not just a design project but also a tangible form of collaboration and idea exploration, bringing us back to the analog era when everything was created through manual labor, not just digital simulations,” said Dr.-Ing. Andry. 

UPJ’s participation in BDD 2024 with the "Tula" installation serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing the world of design and architecture, especially amidst the challenges of the digital era. This project also demonstrates how UPJ's values of balance, collaboration, innovation, and creativity can be realized in an inspiring architectural work. 

UPJ's involvement in this event not only showcases the technical abilities of its students and faculty in creating unique and aesthetic works but also inspires the younger generation to continue innovating in the face of changing times. "Tula" symbolizes the integration of tradition and innovation, while also demonstrating how design principles that prioritize balance can be directly applied. 

Through its collaboration at Bintaro Design District 2024, UPJ reaffirms its position as an educational institution that not only focuses on academic aspects but also encourages creativity, technical skills, and real-world contributions to the field of architecture and design in Indonesia. 

With this iconic tensegrity installation, UPJ sets an example of how traditional design principles remain relevant and can become innovative solutions in the midst of modern technological advancements. 

Author:  Kharisma Fajar Umbara (2022101025) | Editor: Muhammad Amas Dzulyana