The Gran Rubina is in many ways a refreshing departure from established notions of a traditional office block. Architect Brian Sheldon speaks to ADR about his work on the project making waves in Jakarta.

Though still somewhat of an anomaly in Indonesia, as with many other countries in the region, there is growing interest in producing environmentally considerate buildings that may aid in counteracting the effects of rapid urbanisation plaguing South East Asian cities.

Situated in one of few remaining green spaces in the bustling heart of Jakarta, the Gran Rubina is in many ways a refreshing departure from established notions of a traditional office block. The design of the complex by Danish architecture firm AG5 and Indonesian Pandega Desain Weharima (PDW) integrates principles of sustainable and culturally sensitive design to develop a built environment that responds directly to its context.

Brian Sheldon, partner at AG5, observed a boom in architectural development in Jakarta during initial site surveys for the Gran Rubina project, while also noting a distinct lack of Indonesian inspiration in any of the new buildings. “As outsiders, our impression was that Jakarta as a city was architecturally very much inspired by the US, and Australia as well,” says Sheldon.....Continue Reading

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