Produce 100 Mini TULA Works: UPJ Presents Tensegrity Exploration at BDD 2024

Bintaro, South Tangerang 31/10/2024 - In the digital era, authentic hands-on learning experiences are becoming increasingly valuable. Responding to this, Bintaro Design District (BDD) 2024 raised the theme “Analog Reality” to emphasize the value of manual processes in architectural design. One of the activities carried out by UPJ Architecture Study Program in this event was a workshop to make 100 Mini TULA which was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024. This workshop aimed to encourage high school students and UPJ students to manually develop 100 TULA (small tensegrity unit) structures.  

The creation of 100 Mini TULAs was the focus of this workshop, where participants were invited to create models of structure with the concept of Tensegrity, a system of balance between tensile and thrust forces without the support of digital simulation. The workshop was not just about achieving numbers, but also presenting the rigorous process of building a stable structure manually.  

“Our target is to make 100 mini TULA. The results of today's work will be exhibited on the 1st floor of Building A. High school students will be accompanied by mentors in the manufacturing process,” explained the Head of UPJ Architecture Study Program, Rahma Purisari, S.T.Ars., M.Ars., who officially opened this activity.  

The participants began with an understanding of the basic principles of Tensegrity delivered by UPJ Architecture lecturer, Ar. Melania Lidwina Pandiangan, S.T., M.T. After that, each group of participants began assembling the miniature TULA with the guidance of the mentors, creating a sturdy structure through analog and computer-assisted techniques.  

This UPJ initiative was not only to train the participants' skills in analog architecture, but also a historic step in setting a record of 100 mini Tulas. This record symbolizes the collaboration and innovation of the younger generation in the field of architecture, who managed to create 100 mini TULAs to be exhibited in the lobby of UPJ Building A during BDD 2024.  

A workshop participant expressed his enthusiasm, “This activity added many new things for us. The challenge of making this structure is very useful in preparing us to explore the world of architecture.”  

With the 100 Mini TULA Workshop, Universitas Pembangunan Jaya and BDD 2024 not only highlighted the value of analog processes, but also proved that collective achievements can be realized through collaboration and creativity of the younger generation. 

Author:  Kharisma Fajar Umbara (2022101025),  Gisela Rara Wening Pinasthi (2022041101) | Editor: Muhammad Amas Dzulyana