Sunda Kelapa Waterfront City

Binus University, Jakarta

Ar. Religiana Hendarti, PhD.

Project idea

The idea of this project emerges from the current condition of the Sunda Kelapa Harbor area, which has gradually experienced environmental degradation, spatial disorganization, and limited public accessibility. Despite its historical significance as one of Jakarta’s oldest maritime gateways, the area has not been able to adapt to the contemporary needs of urban space. This project therefore proposes a revitalization strategy that transforms the former harbor district into a futuristic waterfront city, reintroducing the relationship between the city, its people, and the water while preserving the maritime identity embedded in the site.

As part of this transformation, the operational port activities are relocated to Tanjung Priok Port with approval from the port management authority. This relocation allows the former harbor area to be reimagined as a new urban waterfront district that prioritizes public space, cultural interaction, and innovative architectural development. The project focuses on the creation of a 3-hectare development area containing the Harbour Office and Exhibition Center, envisioned as the primary architectural landmark and the central hub of activity within the revitalized waterfront environment.

Project description

The project proposes the redevelopment of the Sunda Kelapa coastal area through a comprehensive waterfront city masterplan that integrates urban, cultural, and recreational functions into a cohesive spatial framework. The design introduces a series of interconnected public spaces, waterfront promenades, pedestrian corridors, and mixed-use urban areas that encourage public interaction with the coastal landscape. By reconnecting the city with the water, the project aims to transform the previously underutilized harbor district into a vibrant and accessible urban destination.

At the core of the masterplan is the Harbour Office and Exhibition Center, which functions as the primary architectural and programmatic focus of the project. The building accommodates maritime administrative functions alongside exhibition spaces that present the history, development, and future of Jakarta’s maritime culture. Designed as a symbolic landmark within the waterfront district, the building establishes a strong visual identity while serving as a central node that activates the surrounding urban environment.

Technical information

The project is developed on an approximately 3-hectare site located within the revitalization area of Sunda Kelapa’s coastal district. The urban design strategy emphasizes the creation of a pedestrian-oriented waterfront environment supported by integrated circulation systems, public open spaces, and connections to the surrounding urban fabric. The masterplan organizes the district through a series of spatial layers that gradually transition from dense urban zones to open waterfront spaces, allowing for continuous visual and physical connections with the sea.

The Harbour Office and Exhibition Center is designed using a futuristic architectural approach that combines contemporary construction techniques with sustainable design principles. The structural system allows for large-span exhibition halls and flexible interior configurations, enabling the building to accommodate various public and maritime-related programs. Material selection emphasizes transparency, lightness, and reflective surfaces, reinforcing the building’s relationship with the surrounding water landscape while addressing environmental challenges typical of coastal and tropical climates.

Documentation

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