Young Indonesian Designer Emerges as Champion at the 13th Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) Summit

Kapanlagi.com - This year's Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) Summit competition has entered its 13th period. This time, the theme is 'Forward: A Sustainable Future', where 26 Architecture and Interior Design students from 15 countries compete to present their best works.

Not to be left behind, Indonesia also sent its 2 representatives, namely Febri Aji Prasetyo from the National Development University for the Architecture category and Greta Elsa Nurthahja from Pelita Harapan University for the Interior Design category.

An impressive achievement was made by Indonesia, where Greta was successfully crowned as the main winner for the Interior Design category. Meanwhile, the Architecture category was won by Lin Honghan from China.

Both main winners will receive a scholarship worth US$10,000 or equivalent to IDR 148 million at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

1. Greta's Masterpiece Design

Greta's successful work that made the judges fall in love is titled 'Rumah Kopi - A Communal House of Coffee'. Greta's design showcases the perspective of humans who have a natural instinct to be close to nature. Rumah Kopi embraces the role of vernacular architecture that requires a continuous process by adapting to local behaviors, habits, and culture.

"Rumah Kopi is inspired by the local houses in Kampung Buni Kasih, West Java. The coffee house is designed by adapting local elements to improve the quality of life for the residents while still respecting beliefs, culture, history, nature, and how to preserve its essence," Greta explains about her work.

The concept of Rumah Kopi is designed as the purest expression of the relationship between architecture and the earth and topography through layered roof structures, with the aim of creating an interior atmosphere of natural environment. The design aims to preserve as much of the original landscape as possible.

"The existence of Rumah Kopi is expected to become a new form of living space as a contemplative space for humans with nature, a cultural center for the community, and also an economic icon of Kampung Buni Kasih," she adds.

2. Praise from the Jury for Greta's Work

Greta Elsa / Credit: Personal Documentation

One of the jury members in the Interior Design category, Lea Aziz, who is also the Founder of PT Elenbee Cipta Desain, acknowledged that the participants in this year's competition showed great innovation and strong concepts. Not only are they skilled in technical aspects, but the participants also have the ability to understand the importance of environmental sustainability in shaping the future of design. Greta Elsa Nurtjahja's work truly exceeded expectations in this competition with its level of detail and vision," praised Lea.

Not wanting to be left behind, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Decorative Paints Nippon Paint Indonesia, Jon Tan, also praised Greta. He hopes that this year's competition theme can serve as motivation for young designers to create sustainable design concepts that can address various challenges in improving the quality of life for society and the surrounding environment.

"We are proud of Greta Elsa Nurtjahja's achievements as the first Indonesian citizen to win the Asia Young Designer of The Year at the International AYDA Summit 2020, and to receive a scholarship at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Greta has shown the extraordinary strength of Indonesian character and culture," said Jon Tan.

3. For the First Time Held Virtually

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the AYDA Summit was held virtually for the first time, both the presentation process and the judging. The award ceremony for the winners was also broadcasted live on YouTube AYDA on July 10, 2020.

"For over 12 years, the Asia Young Designer Awards has been committed to innovation and sustainability. By instilling responsibility in these young designers, we believe that they can contribute to the social and environmental progress of society through their profession. We are proud to have built a network connecting professional industries and talented designers from all regions," said Wee Siew Kim, Group CEO of NIPSEA Management Company Pte, Ltd (subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings Co.).

(kpl/pur/gtr)