Budi Kurniawan has vision and evinces a unique character, solid thinking and decisiveness. Started in design in 2001, Budi speaks eloquently with Indonesia Design about his creative ethos and works, which are known for their distinctive forms and strong concepts.
Photo by Budi Kurniawan Doc.
What brought you into design?
My background in architecture at university opened the gates to design. After graduating, the job opportunities that I received were linked to the world of design, projects and products. Then I was involved in work that concerned materials, technical specifications and the liability of a design and product in a project. It was a job that indirectly made the design world more appealing for me to explore.
What was your first professional project?
A house in West Surabaya. I was very lucky. I collaborated with a very respectfulclient who gave me the freedom to explore the design quite freely.
What one project in your career offers you the most profound memory?
Every project has its own story, each as interesting as the next. Every story provides the theme for the next corresponding project. We keep [projects] close to our hearts, as we want to treat them like literary pieces, like a novel, a film or a song, making sure that each project has an unforgettable and unique story.
How do you find balance in a composition when implementing designs?
All designers are concerned about balance and composition. However, each designer has their own perspective and a language that becomes their identity or personal interpretation when executing their own design. Design is a solution to design itself, where the questions of why, what, who, when, where and how are always present. Each designer will bring their own interpretation or solution to a design, beginning from the shape, space and sequence. The continuation of these makes for a comprehensive and solid design. An example can be seen in one of our recent projects, The Rosebay. The composition began with the need for space in one of the apartment’s model units and the property developer’s marketing lounge, which is expected to become a sort of a lifestyle centre. We created a balance of composition between the massive and transparent masses there, regarding form and function and between the [client] brief and what we wanted to achieve.
What’s the connection between technology and creative interior design?
Technology and architecture form a package that represents the solutions and answers to the needs and challenges of design. Technology is the incarnation of architecture in a different dimension, regardless of the technology. The duet of architecture and technology is an absolute. Technology might come in the form of an artificial aeration system such as AC, fresh air, an exhaust fan, humidifier and ionizer, or a vertical and horizontal transportation circulation system, like an elevator, a diagonal elevator or a horizontal escalator at the airport. There is also advanced nano technology that is used to make water-repellent coatings and fire-resistant coatings.
What do you think about design in Surabaya?
The development of design in Surabaya, especially over the last five years, has been progressive and rapid. The new designs, both from senior designers and younger designers, have been staggering. Progress in internet technology as well as social media has played a very prominent role in every aspect of our lives. One of these is the rise of demand, and an appreciation, from the market and from project owners for an “epic” creation, which prompts all designers to do more with their works.
How can local designers compete in a global world?
There are four aspects that are essential in facing global competition. The first is general know how, [going from] from the ordinary to extraordinary. To be extraordinary, we have to understand what is ordinary. The second: If you want to go fast, go alone–but if you want to go far, go together. Grow together, create a group and unite. Third, gain support from the government, society and media. Our progress will never come from a single effort. And finally, create a strong local identity, where the design has a strong character.