This project is about turning a number of problems in Semarang into solutions.  Our proposal is to improve the quality of life of the population and prevent the spread of diseases by the clearing of local waterways of waste and pollution.

Providing drinkable water is one of the main project goals.  To begin, the cleaning the Kali Bahru canal by transforming it into a constructed wetland is an immediate visible improvement.   Furthermore, implanting rainwater collection tanks in the neighbourhoods is the next step towards improving public health and reducing soil subsidence at the same time.

The second major goal of this project is innovative waste management.  Currently, waste is disposed of in a fairly random fashion leading to litter and accumulations in the local water ways of Semarang.  Our approach to the situation is to turn waste into a resource.  Initially, with public education about recycling and revaluing, we propose to transform all plastic waste into an inexpensive locally produced building brick.  Semarang has a masonry building culture; therefore, the use of plastic bricks would be relatively easy to integrate into existing skillsets.  The ‘Sink and Rise’ house proposal will also help the community to adapt to soil subsidence whilst our water strategies will reduce subsidence over the long term.

To accomplish this vision, we propose the building of a few new public infrastructures that will help generate the local transition to better resilience.  Our approach throughout has been low tech and community oriented solutions.  Our project is flexible, cost-effective and anchored in the existing Semarang culture.

In conclusion, we hope to provide the Kampung Kali Bahru with the tools to be a more prepared community that will be able to respond to the challenges of their city and climate change whilst reinforcing their local economy and community spirit.

This was garbage. This is the future.