Jimmy Priatman is one of the founding principals of PT Archimetric; he is also an architecture lecturer in his Indonesian hometown of Surabaya, at the Christian University of Petra.

Bethany

Priatman’s interest in solar energy began when, as a student, he met a guest lecturer from Germany who introduced him to the potential of solar energy. His interest in this sustainable form of energy was heightened when he visited the University of Gadjah, Mada and met solar energy expert, Professor Sastroamidjojo. “I was intrigued with the way he used solar energy to heat water and electricity. He taught me how to do it and I was amazed. This kind of knowledge can be very useful for a building,” says Priatman.

Bethany

His firm, PT Archimetric, has received several awards and recognition over the years for projects based on energy efficient concepts. These include Graha Pangeran, Grha Wonokoyo, and Holy Stadium. All three received the ASEAN Energy Awards in 2002, 2006, and 2009 respectively, for being the best performing buildings in terms of energy efficiency in Indonesia and the ASEAN region.

Graha Pangeran

When asked to describe how he sees the role of his profession today, Priatman says, “Architecture as a profession is for life. An architect is not merely a draftsman; he can do a lot more. Architecture should be able to benefit the people. For me, that is the benchmark of success. Architects can create art, but when an architect neglects the environment, he is not a good architect.”

GKI Manyar

Priatman is now also the chief of Centre for Building Energy Research at the Christian University of Petra. He is currently working on a solar village project with his students, which he feels also has the potential to be replicated on a city scale.

Grha Wonokoyo

“For me, energy is even a form giver to architecture with its own style,” says Priatman. “[The concept of] form follows energy should be applied to city planning and urban design, since building orientation should consider the access of direct sunlight.”

The current issue of Indesign magazine Indonesia has the story.

The Indesign Luminary award, which began in Australia in 2001, is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country’s design culture.