Kampung Mrican Phase 1 and Microlibrary Pringwulung by SHAU

Kampungs (villages) represent a distinct urban form in Indonesian cities, characterized by high-density, low-rise buildings. Kampung Mrican, in Yogyakarta, has a proximity to two large universities and therefore provides residential rentals too. Improving kampungs demands context-sensitive, acupunctural design, rather than top-down planning, ensuring the preservation of original fabric and identity. Commissioned by the Directorate of PKP (Ministry of Public Works), SHAU designed a library, playground, public space, flood-control post, urban farming facilities, bridge, and sidewalk system.

The aim is to enhance living conditions by upgrading infrastructure, improving pedestrian networks, rebranding the village, and incorporating educational and play elements. Microlibrary Pringwulung was designed with terracotta clay shells, locally sourced. It forms a batik pattern motif from Yogyakarta, filtering sunlight and heat while allowing cross-ventilation. A single custom terracotta shingle is used and placed in five different positions on a steel mesh for easy construction. The microlibrary, a renovated Joglo community space, and urban farm, forms an activity hub in the village.