OMA opens up Potato Head Studio to the local community with the implementation of an open ground floor for cultural events and a public sculpture park on the roof. The architects designed the resort with the Indonesian context in mind. The open ground floor and a raised private gardens on the first floor reference traditional Balinese courtyards.
The façade design was inspired by the Balinese Tika calendar, with its typical cross and round shaped symbols on a grid that mark the correct time for festivals and rituals. Local craftsmen created the textures on the concrete walls.
OMA’s Managing Partner David Gianotten explains: “The essence of Bali lies in interaction between different cultures. Our design for the Potato Head Studios offers both private guest rooms and facilities, and public spaces to encourage exchange between different kinds of users. It challenges the typical Balinese resort typology that highlights exclusivity.”
The open ground plane sets the stage for curated cultural events and daily leisure activities welcome to all visitors. A floating ring lifted by Corbusian pilotis houses the private guest rooms and facilities including an exhibition space and sunset bar. The roof is accessible through a public route that leads along restaurants, pools and spas to a sculptural park.
OMA opens up the Balinese resort for public engagement rather than private consumption. It is a new kind of space where hotel guests mix with the local community in an experiential exchange.
