On the basis of detailed study of geography and the history of Semarang city, our concept for redevelopment plan for Kelurahan Bandarhajo deeply focuses on increasing disaster resiliency through a long term vision of increasing adaptation capacity of community and water ecosystems.

Semarang had been struggling to cope up with climate change since decades. As per the expert’s pre- dictions, the distressed situations experience in the region can soon be reality in the core city areas. As part of the long term vision of the proposed plan, it serves as a prototype that can be replicated and adapted to the other regions of Semarang as flood water penetrates new area of the city.

The project title “Strengthening W.E.(Water Ecosystem), Building with Nature” refers to developing and maintaining healthy coastal and river ecosystems through prolonged interactions between human beings and nature. Hence, W.E. the people, unite together to develop and rejuvenate water ecosystems and adapt to a new kind of resiliency provided by the nature.

The vision for the design concept is to achieve holistic disaster resiliency, by not dealing but living with water through three major actions : Develop, Rejuvenate and Adapt. To create such conditions, the proposed action plan provides spatial adaptation strategies to tackle tidal flood and the flash floods are tamed through reviving natural ecosystems. In the process, ecological interventions will eventually be able to absorb shocks and in return provide diverse economic means around it.

The execution of the concept envisions a Low Impact Development approach. Also, considering the scale at which Semarang city faces disaster problems, it require a strategy where bottom-up shakes hand with top-down. Through our proposal, we have made a conscious attempt to en-corporate it and develop a scenario of friendlier governance.

For reference:

Develop // Grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced or elaborate; Start to exist, experience, or possess.

Rejuvenate // Make (someone or something) look or feel better, younger, or more vital; restore (a river or stream) to a condition characteristic of a younger landscape.

Adapt // Become adjusted to new conditions; Make (something) suitable for a new use or a purpose