IDLaksmi Pamuntjak Spoke on Her Late Architect Father Mustafa Pamuntjak
Bintaro, South Tangerang, 22/05/2024 - Museum Arsitektur Indonesia held an event with Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) titled, “Kurator Bicara/Curator Talks”. This highly anticipated event was the first installment of the series called “Dari Rumah ke Rumah: Keseharian dalam Karya Mustafa Pamuntjak/From One House to Another: Everyday Life in The Works of Mustafa Pamuntjak”. It featured Laksmi Pamuntjak as the main speaker, providing in-depth insights into Mustafa Pamuntjak's architectural works from a unique and personal perspective. Alongside Laksmi was Sharmi Ranti, an architect of 30 years who worked with Mustafa Pamuntjak and wrote a book titled Rumah Tropis/Tropical Houses (1985) which featured his most iconic house designs.
Laksmi Pamuntjak, a renowned author whose book "Aruna and Her Palate" was adapted into a film, and also a family member of Mustafa Pamuntjak, discussed the concept of home not just as a physical structure but as a space filled with meaning and memories. During the event, Laksmi shared her deep insights on how the homes designed by Mustafa serve as spaces full of stories and emotional connections between the space and its inhabitants.
“Warm lighting is the most important key element in every one of his works that stays in my memory,” said Laksmi Pamuntjak. She emphasized that every corner of the house designed by Mustafa has deep stories and meanings, reflecting a strong bond between architecture and the life of its inhabitants.
Laksmi also explained how Mustafa Pamuntjak always ensured that his home designs met the needs and comfort of their inhabitants. She highlighted the importance of the perspective of family members who also use the space in understanding the beauty and function of the house.
“My father always ensured that every element in the house reflects the character and needs of its inhabitants. This is a testament to the dedication and love he poured into each of his projects,” said Laksmi. She added that Mustafa often incorporated tropical elements in his designs, creating harmony between nature and the building.
In addition to discussing Mustafa's works, Laksmi Pamuntjak also read a paragraph from her book, "Blue Membrane," one of which was inspired by Mustafa's memories of Paris, explaining how Mustafa saw light as an important element in every one of his works.
The event was attended by students, lecturers, as well as architecture and art enthusiasts. The interactive Q&A session concluded the event, where participants had the opportunity to directly discuss with Laksmi Pamuntjak, gaining valuable insights into home design that is not only aesthetic but also functional and comfortable to live in.
With Laksmi Pamuntjak's presence, this event is expected to provide inspiration and a deeper understanding of the importance of home design that takes into account both functional and aesthetic aspects, and how a home can become an important part of the identity and life of its inhabitants.
This event was organized by Museum Arsitektur Indonesia (Instagram: @indonesiaarsitektur, website: arsitekturindonesia.org) in collaboration with Architecture Program at UPJ.
By: Kharisma Fajar Umbara (2022101025) | Architecture Student
