The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #3 3rd prize winner - Abraham Chintianto

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial #3" competition – Abraham Chintianto from Indonesia!

Abraham Chintianto

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

My name is Abraham Chintianto, and I am an architectural designer and research assistant at the AD-Lab in Universitas Indonesia. I earned my bachelor's degree in Architecture, with honors, at Universitas Indonesia, and received an award for environmental consciousness for my final project. After graduating, I assisted in multiple courses and studios as a teaching assistant, while also participating in various competitions, exhibitions, and community engagement projects.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I'm grateful to be involved in various community and commercial architectural projects and research across different scales. Several memorable experiences include designing 12 modular disaster relief facilities within 6 months after the 2022 earthquake in Cianjur regency and designing a technology showcase exhibition at Indonesia's new capital city. Moreover, looking back at my university days, I found enjoyment in exploring speculative design, whether in the form of an interior system, building, or even integrated landscape and urban areas.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Personally, I am a long time admirer of the fascinating yet powerful nature of the architecture and design realm, and the responsibility that comes along within design as a medium of innovation for the betterment of our society and environment. I believe architects serve a deeper role than a mere building maker, but also a change maker. Either it is a small or big scale project, these architecture interventions can impact the life of many people, and creatures, for many years ahead.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

As strange as it may sound, I enjoy architecture competitions less for their rivalry and more for the exchange of ideas with fellow architecture enthusiasts around the globe. It serves as a great exercise to demonstrate fascinating (and magical) typology and design methods, away from the traditional approach that oftentimes is full of (boring) constraints. I’m always intrigued whenever I see these competition posters because they always come up with peculiar—sometimes hilarious—challenges that spark instant curiosity, just like love at first sight!

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

I remember my lecturer once said that an architecture competition is nothing but a luxury; it's a privilege, an opportunity to be free and express any of your wildest ideas. There are minimal boundaries and none of those (sometimes boring) building codes to consider, so what’s there to worry about? In addition, participating in competitions with fellow friends is also a fun opportunity to spend time and have a deep yet relaxing talk or sketching session about your big visions that can spread onto various other unique topics. So, don’t forget to be free and have fun!