Initiated by NGX Ambassadors Andi Subagio, Namjoo Kim and Stefan Novakovic, the workshop marked the culmination of a two-year planning, research and design process. In 2022, the Clinic of Care project kicked off with exploration of adaptive reuse possibilities for the Joglo form, a traditional Indonesian housing vernacular distinguished by its uniquely complex roof. Although long considered a Javanese status symbol — and a mainstay of traditional aristocratic life — the typology has increasingly been threatened by erasures, with Joglo structures demolished en masse in favour of modern buildings. Conversely, the Clinic of Care program is devoted to preserving embedded cultural history in their structures while advancing the environmental impetus of preservation over demolition.

As construction of the Joglo progressed, the expert team of builders and heritage specialists was joined by the NGX ambassadors and their students. Selected via a highly competitive international open call, the group of 10 students comprised: Ferdinandus Yudha (Universitas Pelita Harapan), Sabilla Shinta (Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta), William Ferdinand (Universitas Pelita Harapan), Andhini Yudhani Putri (Gadjah Mada University), Yang Da (National University of Singapore), Wan Theng Tan (National University of Singapore), Carlos David Arcos Jácome (Politecnico di Milano), Choi Seokwon (University of Seoul), Angelica Franzoni (Aalborg University), and Andrea Raos (Politecnico di Milano).

The workshop kicked off with construction of the new Joglo underway. While the steel structure was already erected and the terrazzo floor poured, the NGX team was on site to witness — and assist with — the installation of the relocated Joglo roof by the Sawong Joglo heritage restoration team. Led by Suprihan, the heritage specialists carefully explained every step of the process, including the careful replacement of damaged wood pieces, as well as the traditional cuts — used to connect two pieces of wood to form a longer span — and joinery techniques utilized throughout. “Every piece of wood in a Joglo has a specific name, corresponding with its placement and function within the building,” Suprihan explained. “Traditionally, the degree of ornamentation and complexity corresponded with social and economic status.”

“Being able to physically participate meant seeing the philosophy of this design culture come to life,” said Wan Theng Tan. “At first, I didn’t really know what my hands were doing, but over time, it became a way of understanding. And even though many of us don’t speak the same language as the craftsmen teaching us, you eventually realize that physicality is a sort of language of its own.”

As the NGX team took notes and carefully assisted with the process, the cultural and educational immersion set the stage for the project’s next milestone. The introduction of a steel structure meant that much of the wood from the relocated Sirman III Joglo (purchased by the NGX ambassadors months prior to construction) was not needed in the reconstruction, opening another opportunity for adaptive reuse. As construction continued on the main Joglo, the students set out to design and build a small office and meeting space for Sekar Jegad Foundation founder — and acclaimed dancer — Hajar Wisnu Sartoto. 

The students were presented with a simple brief: Create a flexible indoor-outdoor space that accommodates both administrative and social uses, while respecting the spiritual and architectural heritage of the Joglo form. Rong Studio architect — and Clinic of Care project manager — Janu Dananjoyo provided mentorship and technical supervision, giving the team a hands-on perspective of Joglo design.

After two days of meticulous and immersive design studies, the students and NGX ambassadors initiated a deeply collaborative construction process. The final design is a simple yet carefully considered miniaturization of the Joglo form, combining reclaimed and locally salvaged wood pieces — from the Sirman III Joglo as well as nearby vendors — to create an elegant complement to the larger performance venue next door. While the aesthetic is a streamlined evocation of local heritage, the design accounts for rainwater and wind patterns, thermal comfort, and ease of circulation through the site.

“We’re reusing the materials and keeping everything really local,” said Angelica Franzoni. “When we needed a new beam, for example, it was delivered by a community member from a nearby village the next day — not from around the world a month later.” As Franzoni puts it, learning about sustainability extends to everyday life. “Every day on the site, we were eating from plates made from banana leaves, entirely avoiding the use of plastic.”

In addition, the NGX team enjoyed a lecture on informal urbanism by University of Gadjah Mada professor Alexander Suryandono, as well as a panel discussion on the evolution of Joglo Heritage at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta.

For Indonesian architecture student William Ferdinand — who also joined Subagio and Kim on a 2023 research trip to the region — the experience offered a chance to see design come to life, becoming part of the cultural fabric. “After seeing all the documentation and participating in the research process, it was really exciting to see it become real,” says Ferdinand. “It totally changes how you see it. It all feels so much more real.”

The week culminated with a moving opening ceremony to officially open the Sekar Jegad Foundation’s new Joglo. A series of dance performances inaugurated the new space during a ceremony attended by several hundred local residents and community members, including representatives from both the municipal government and the Indonesian Ministry of Culture. As the sun set, the stage lights brightened and the music intensified, revealing a shining beacon on the landscape.