Transforming industrial production landscapes into healthy live-work environments (Bandung, Indonesia)
In 2015 I joined Mo Smit (Cococan) to collaborate in this practise-based design research. The objective of this research is to improve the homes and neighborhoods of industrial worker communities using a circular and cooperative development approach. The context of this research in Bandung, the number 1 textile region of Indonesia, is from a landscape-ecological perspective very interesting. The textile and garment industry has a disruptive impact on the local (aquatic) ecosystem and public health but also creates economic opportunities and employment for the poor. Interestingly the textile arts and crafts are historically interwoven with the local Sunda culture and eco-system as it provided all the necessary resources like fresh water and natural dyes in abundance. The challenge nowadays is to create green and liveable neighbourhoods, elaborating on existing structures realized by local communities. Reconnecting ecology and economy.
Bleu & Green strategy
In this research we will develop design solutions of Home at Work encompass the efficient use of space, renewable energy, water, food supply and waste. Local communities and companies, global brands, governments, knowledge institutes and designers join forces, and prove that responsible design and development can add value on many levels of society. Our strategy re-connects ecology and economy. Fashion innovation and urban development go hand in hand.
The textile industry has changed the cultural landscape of rice paddies an villages in less than 20 twenty years in so-called industrial kampungs. One of the major challenges in the industral kampung is the over exploitation of groundwater and water pollution caused by the water intensive textile. Water extraction increases risks of land subsidence and flood. The Bleu and Green strategy
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