Designing Beyond Borders: Unearthing Bali’s Timeless Architecture and Sustainable Inspiration
Don’t Call It by Its Name – BALI
In a world dominated by Instagram reels and YouTube vlogs, some destinations are often reduced to trending hashtags. One such place is Bali, often portrayed as a honeymoon haven. But this island is so much more – a rich tapestry of history, culture, and artistry.
At Happymiles, we take pride in sharing the authentic stories behind popular destinations. Here’s how we revealed the real Bali to a group of design and architecture students, taking them beyond the tourist stereotypes and into a world of cultural depth and design inspiration.
The Real Story Behind the Island
This island, historically known as Bali Dwipa – the “Island of the Gods” or “Island of a Thousand Temples” – is rooted in a rich blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous spirituality. Over a thousand years ago, Indian traders and Brahmins introduced Hinduism and Buddhism, and Bali absorbed these philosophies in a unique way. This fusion led to Agama Hindu Dharma, a practice where Hinduism harmonizes with Bali’s ancient animistic beliefs. The Balinese language and script still carry traces of Sanskrit, while epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata remain cultural pillars, represented through local dances, art, and storytelling.
But where did this essence disappear under Bali’s new status as a honeymoon haven? We knew we had to reveal to our students the layers beneath the tourist veneer, beyond the curated posts and edited reels.
Fig 1) Balinese guardian figure, both protective & destructive, commonly known as Dvarapala or Butha Kala, at temple entrances, symbolizing the balance of good and evil.
Fig 2) & 3) Traditional Balinese Kamasan painting, a narrative style depicting scenes from the Ramayana & Mahabharata.
Bali’s Design Treasures for Architecture Students
- Bali offers a unique blend of artistry and ecology, perfect for design students.
- Iconic features include centuries-old temples, intricate stone carvings, and remarkable bamboo structures.
- Students explored how native materials like bamboo and volcanic stone are transformed into sustainable, symbol-rich designs.
For design students, this island reveals a world where artistry and ecology meet in breathtaking harmony. It’s a place where centuries-old temples, intricate stone carvings, and remarkable bamboo structures form a living portfolio of sustainable and symbol-rich design. Here, students have the opportunity to work with native materials like bamboo and volcanic stone, discovering how these resources are shaped into resilient, eco-conscious spaces that honor both heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Beyond the typical tourist lens, the island invites students to dive into a design language deeply rooted in cultural significance, offering lessons in creating beauty that respects nature and resonates with timeless history.
Introducing the Real Bali: A Learning Journey with Stories and Connections
On our recent trip, we invited architecture and design students to discover the true essence of Bali – not the “REEL BALI” seen on social media, but a Bali rich in culture, hidden from the typical tourist lens. Our journey began with the captivating Kecak dance, a mesmerizing performance that brings the Ramayana to life, immersing students in Bali’s age-old storytelling traditions. Through this experience, they witnessed how deeply art and spirituality are woven into the fabric of Balinese culture.
We then led students through magnificent palaces, temples, and ancient structures, each a testament to Bali’s heritage architecture. With guidance from local historians, we explored temples (Puras) and uncovered the intricate relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality. Students observed how Balinese architecture seamlessly harmonizes with the natural landscape, embodying a profound reverence for the island’s flora and fauna. This journey was more than a lesson in architecture; it was an immersion into Bali’s spiritual and cultural soul.
Fig 4: Exploring contemporary bamboo techniques in modern architecture. Fig 5: Community workshop venue for hands-on bamboo construction. Fig 6 : Bamboo forest shelter, an exemplary long-span bamboo structure.
Reconnecting with Bamboo: The Soul of Bali’s Heritage
Among the island’s most remarkable natural gifts is bamboo, a versatile building material valued for centuries. Locally known as Bambusa vulgaris, or yellow bamboo, it plays an essential role in Balinese culture and lifestyle. According to Balinese folklore, bamboo serves as a bridge between humans and the spirit realm – a sacred connection tied to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Dewi Sri is believed to dwell within bamboo groves near rice fields, protecting crops and preventing erosion, a practice that has fulfilled both spiritual and ecological roles for generations.
In Balinese mythology, bamboo is also revered as “The Tree of Souls,” reminiscent of the sacred connection depicted in the movie Avatar. The island’s ancient communities, as well as modern architects, use bamboo to construct flexible, resilient structures that harmonize with the landscape. We wanted our students to connect with this depth of material and design philosophy – a tradition that serves a function while honoring spirituality and ecological balance.
Fig 7: Water Temple in Ubud Bali
Fig 8 & 9: Kecak dance, a mesmerizing performance that brings the Ramayana to life.
Travel with Purpose: Building Knowledge, Giving Back
A core aspect of our journeys is creating meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to the communities we visit. This time, we found a way to merge learning with community support, turning the spotlight on bamboo – a resilient and sustainable material that grows abundantly in Bali. Known for its strength and eco-friendliness, bamboo became the centerpiece of a hands-on workshop we organized in collaboration with local bamboo experts and community members, offering students real-world experience in sustainable building.
The Bamboo Project: Creating for the Community, Learning for the Future:In collaboration with local bamboo experts, we explored bamboo as a construction material suited for Bali’s climate and culture. Our students visited lush bamboo forests, learning about cultivation and the folklore surrounding this “Tree of Souls.” Divided into groups, they delved into every aspect of bamboo construction – from identifying bamboo species and seasoning techniques to understanding flexibility and resilience.
The Experience Culminated in a Meaningful live Project: building a compost toilet for a local community in need. Guided by sustainable construction principles, students learned about compost toilet design and its benefits in reducing waste impact. Through hands-on sessions, they developed skills in bamboo joints, moulding bamboo, and structural integrity. Over three days, our students created a fully functional compost toilet – a lasting contribution to the community and a testament to bamboo’s potential.
Fig 10 & 11 – the Community Project – Compost Toilet
Why Learning through Community-Centric Experiences Matters
- Cultural Insights: Students gained a deeper appreciation for Bali’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
- Sustainability: Hands-on projects highlighted the importance of eco-friendly materials in modern design.
- Community Impact: By building for the community, students left a meaningful and lasting contribution.
The real beauty of our trip was in the understanding it instilled in our students – of Bali’s cultural depth, the essence of sustainable construction, and the value of giving back. Projects like this allow students not only to learn techniques but to develop a lifelong appreciation for sustainable practices, inspiring them to use their skills for the betterment of communities everywhere.
As we wrap up this incredible journey, we’re leaving more than footprints; we’ve woven our learning into the landscape, creating something meaningful for the community and ourselves. Each moment, from brainstorming sessions to hands-on construction, was a testament to the power of learning through purpose.
A Takeaway for the Future
Every journey is more than just an adventure. It’s about building connections that honour the past, uplift the present, and inspire a sustainable future.
Next time you think of Bali, go beyond the reels and hashtags – discover a world of cultural wisdom, one project, and one story at a time.
“In every journey of discovery, we build more than structures; we build connections that honor the past, uplift the present, and inspire a sustainable future.”
Team Happymiles