The project is located in the double cross of Semarang City which is in the double cross in Indonesia Central Java province. Semarang river, Kali Baru Canal and the ring expressway are the three boundaries of the land. Trapped in many urban problems and environmental problems, there are two issues need to get improved in emergency in this area: water scarcity and land subsidence. Limited by funding shortages, local government block the canal and raise the road once in 30cm again and again to prevent the harmless by the flood. At the same time, people who live here get used to raise their houses by their own efforts and money. This rebuilt cycle of raising road and house have lasted more than 30 years.

Our team propose a Water Zipper Design as a respond. It’s a bridging system of land and water for protecting the village, driven by the needs and co-experiences of local communities. Based on the interactive design between land and water, there are four specialised zones. To respond to the needs and wishes of the particular communities concerned, each is a particular solution to the big matter it has. Inspired by the rebuilding cycle they have experienced so many years, our team find the chances from this cycle to reshape their public activity and to improve personal living conditions.