The opening of Arch:ID 2025 at ICE BSD was filled with excitement and a strong spirit of collaboration. This year’s theme, “Placemaking: Making Places, Making People”, emphasized the essential role of architecture in shaping spaces that impact human life not only physically, but also socially, culturally, and psychologically.
One of the proudest moments for us at YPA Architecture Studio was when the Kampung Gembira Gembrong project, designed by our team, was presented during the opening seminar, delivered directly by Anies Baswedan.
The Transformation of Kampung Gembira Gembrong: Rebuilding Community Hope
Kampung Gembira Gembrong is a redevelopment initiative in a dense urban area of East Jakarta, which was severely affected by a major fire in 2022. YPA Architecture Studio was entrusted with designing a new environment that is not only livable but also capable of restoring the spirit and quality of life for its residents.
Through a participatory design approach, we directly involved the community in the planning process to ensure that every spatial element truly responded to the residents’ needs and cultural context.
Placemaking That Lives and Gives Life
Today, Kampung Gembira Gembrong has taken on a new face: more organized, safer, and healthier. Pathways are now more open, the houses receive natural lighting and ventilation, and communal spaces have been created to support social interaction among residents.
The concept of placemaking, as highlighted by Arch:ID 2025, is clearly embodied in this project — turning space into a tool for strengthening social bonds and local identity.
Empowering Collaboration: YPA, Barakaja Construction, and BAZNAS
The construction phase was carried out by Barakaja Construction, while collaboration with BAZNAS helped integrate social and financial support into the project. This multi-sector collaboration is a real-life example of how meaningful architecture is born from collective efforts.
Anies Baswedan’s Recognition at the Arch:ID 2025 Stage
During the Arch:ID 2025 opening seminar, Anies Baswedan presented and praised the project as a true representation of people-centered architecture.
“Kampung Gembira Gembrong is not just about building places, but rebuilding lives. It represents a restoration of hope through thoughtful design,” he said.
YPA’s Commitment: Architecture for the People
Our involvement in this project reflects YPA Architecture Studio’s commitment to creating architecture that is not only visually appealing, but also functional, socially responsive, and deeply human. We believe good design grows from the community and returns to empower it.
