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Bali is not just a tourism hot spot for visitors worldwide. Bali is also our Architecture students’ pick for a mandatory study visit recently.
Last March, a group of Year 1 and Year 2 Diploma in Architecture students spent 4 days in the breathtaking Bali to understand the UNESCO World Heritage site in the field of art, architecture and design. They visited several architecture wonders and immersed themselves in the Balinese culture for architecture design studies, urban studies and research purposes. Other than the lecturers, the students also had a tour guide, Pak Kadek, to ensure they have an enriching experience.
Among the places that the students visited are Tanah Lot, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Celuk, Kintamani, Tirta Empul Temple and The Green School. They also witnessed a cultural dance called Kecak and tried their hands in Balinese Batik production.
Tanah Lot Temple on the rock formation of Tanah Rata.
Tanah Lot is home to a pilgrimage temple, called Pura Tanah Lot (literally Tanah Lot Temple). Its structure is of interest in the architectural field because it’s built on irregular reef plain as a result of its environmental condition. The harsh environment has also called for a restoration project in the past. Tanah Lot is a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism.
Students in front of one of the unfinished statue pieces of Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a massive, unfinished statue that aims to be the world’s largest statue. At the moment, the incomplete statue is scattered in pieces around the site. The statue would depict the Hindu god Vishnu, upon completion.
Sightseeing at Kintamani, overseeing Gunung Batur.
Kintamani is one of the favourite tourist destinations in Bali because of the active volcano mount, called Gunung Batur, and its beautiful lake. The area is surrounded by the captivating nature and six ancient villages, commonly known as Bali Age Village. The culture, architecture and lifestyle are unique to the villagers there. Pura Tirtha Empul Tampak Siring is a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village. The pool water is sanctified by the Balinese Hindu society and is believed to be able to heal various diseases. Hindu devotees frequent the temple to perform rituals and to sanctify themselves. Tourists flock the place for the same reason.
ALFA College engraved on a bamboo pillar of The Green School
The Green School is one of the most amazing schools on earth — enchanting bamboo classrooms, amazing international teachers and devoted international students. The school has been getting worldwide attention because of its sustainable building design and its focus on sustainability education through practical approaches.
Learning the culture and tradition of Bali in Balinese Batik production.
One of the best experience during this Bali trip is the first-hand experience producing Batik, the Bali style. Students were not only able to touch, see and buy the famous fabrics but were also fascinated that they are about the Balinese people through textile production — their culture and traditions are woven on the fabrics. Best of all, they were gaining appreciation for the craftsmanship of the textile artists with the companion of warm and gracious villagers.
Study trip like this one is common to the School of Architecture because it is an integral part of program requirement to learn through relevant and practical approaches. Students need to be exposed to the global culture and environment and to get to know the new innovations and approaches in the architectural field. Besides that, students would also be exposed to the art and design of Bali through this cultural experience.
The knowledge we gained is much greater than we could imagine. Borderless world creates borderless mind; experience creates maturity; knowledge creates wisdom; imagination creates creativity. All these will evolve with time and the Bali trip is only the beginning of everything. That’s how, Mr. Azrin, the Head of School of Architecture would like to summarize the study trip.