parametr architecture weaves rainbow around jakartan bridge

parametr architecture weaves rainbow around jakartan bridge
(above) people touching the strings with attached bells, generating sounds
all images courtesy of parametr architecture

the jakarta architecture triennale (JAT) is an event held every three years that aims to elevate and make visible architectural matters in jakarta. the 2015 edition was titled ‘playful urban interventions’ and its keywords were local, playfulness, and innovation. two public spaces were selected for the event (garden and train station) and seven main contributors were chosen from the most prominent local architects: airmas asri, andra matin, arcadia, budi pradono, cosmas gozali, TWS, and parameter architecture.

sudirman station’s monotonous pedestrian bridge

parameter architecture developed an installation that wasn’t presented only as an exhibition, but as one where the public could interact with, aiming to generate an attachment between them, the city, and the piece. surdinam station was chosen due to its various potential spaces, and the bridge was the specific location because of its high people transit and visibility. the concept development dealt with two important aspects: 20-meter long bridge, and the location’s rush hour for execution, installation, and dismantling.

installation process
video courtesy of pandu pewe

the intervention was called ‘aling pelangi’ and it consists of a braided rope shaped like a rainbow around the bridge. in order to achieve the result, they coiled the yarn to a hook attached to the framework. nine modules were necessary to fill the whole extension of the bridge, and it took them 40 persons and two nights, from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am, to complete it. little bells were added to the wool strips, so that when people walk, they can create sounds just by touching them. as one of the citizen’s says, ‘entering the colorful tunnel and listening to the sound of the bells makes me smile. the walk is short but the feeling is profound, making me feel like a child again.’

materials used to color the bridge

40 people helped in the installation of the colorful yarns

it took the team two nights to get everything ready

they aimed to surprise the community

knitting detail

the team worked during the night so that the high traffic of people didn’t intervene during their work

the team

opening of ‘aling pelang’ at the jakarta architecture triennale 2015

people enjoying

‘aling pelangi’ concept board

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.