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Resort Design: Anantara Ubud

This project is the culmination of my Studio V Class with Professor Adityavarman. This resort is located in Bali and is inspired by the Balinese philosophy of Rwa Bhineda. The belief that two opposite energies can create a whole. My resort focuses on the cultural traditions of the Balinese and the travelers who would visit the resort. 

Water

Anantara Ubud  Concept:
The Art of Storytelling

Storytelling embodies Rwa Bhineda, which may be why there are such rich traditions as Topeng Dance and Wayang Kulit - visual performances of the culture’s stories. Storytelling is an art of filtering and revealing information to the audience in measured ways. Stories seem simple at first, but are adorned with details that immerse you, relax you, and become authentic to you. Of course, the best stories are a perfect harmony of good and bad balancing, becoming a rhythmic pattern until the finale. The Anantarra: Ubud extension, will tell the story of Bali and it’s many travelers. 

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Concept Parti 

The parti is organized on the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal axis reflecting Rwa Bhineda order - the amalgamation of these axis’ creates an intertwined balance showing two halves become one in a radial rhythmic dance. The diagram will be translated to cluster organization of the structures around a primary centralized structure. Which in turn will guide the surrounding pathing. It will also dictate the landscaping to ensure a balance with the built environment.

Urban

Client Profile

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Mates in the Machine

Balance Restored

The client is an ambitious young (Gen Y) American couple - they are both in high-demand jobs, and they feel like they are losing balance.

 

The constant, fast-paced machine-like lifestyle of the ‘promise land’ was taking its toll. They wanted a reset, a chance to reconnect with each other and nature. Bali, with its mystical allure and promise of cultural immersion, emerged as the perfect destination.

 

The couple craves an authentic experience, one that goes beyond the curated luxury of resort life. They seek to delve into the heart of Balinese culture, understand the rhythm of everyday life, and connect with the local people. They desire to learn through immersive experiences, pick up basic Bahasa Indonesian phrases, navigate local markets, and maybe even work on the rice paddies of Ubud, fostering a sense of self-reliance and deeper cultural understanding.

 

Ultimately falling back into love with each other and life.

Light and Shadow

Site

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Site Plan

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Site Schedule

  1. Main Entry

  2. Lobby Lounge

  3. Lobby Reception

  4. Lobby Bathrooms

  5. Administrative Office

  6. Spa

  7. Pool

  8. Pool/Yoga Changing Rooms and Bathrooms

  9. Yoga Lawn

  10. Koi Pond

  11. Yoga Instruction Area

  12. Contemplative Garden

  13. Restaurant Kitchen and Indoor Dining

  14. Semi-Outdoor Dining

  15. Outdoor Dining

  16. View Deck Dining

  17. Presidential Villa

  18. Presidential Contemplative Garden

  19. Contemplative View Deck

Site Selection

Ubud was selected as the site of the Anantara extension to create a deep connection with wild Bali. From the canopy of banana leaves to the cascading rice paddies, the landscape becomes a mask. Telling the viewer the story of the island and its people if you look closely enough at its details.

 

The site has a focus on healing through water, recognizing the irrigation channels in Ubud’s rice paddies that provide life to the island.

 

Changes in elevation represent the undulating mountains of Ubud, and contemplative gardens represent the lush mountain side.

 

A healing place for adults only - meant as a place to connect to your partner and nature.

Lobby

Inspired by the energy of Bali street markets and the mountain side - a bright variety of color and mixture of natural textures transports you to authentic Bali.

 

Transition from your day-to-day, into the exciting and humble energy of Bali.

 

Stay and find yourself, your partner, and wild Bali.

 

Begin your journey here and discover a forest of mystery and delight.

Restaurant

Inspired by Balinese traditions like Wayang Kulit, Topeng, and Gamelan Music. These traditions help us celebrate, encourage us to reflect on our environment, cultures, and histories, and allows us to be grateful for each of our stories.

 

Celebrate together

 

Reflect on your history, culture & environment

 

Gratitude for the life we have and the planet we inhabit

Wellness

SPA:

Inspired by the caves of Bali - mysterious and deep in nature. Natural light penetrates the entrance of the cave drawing you in, and the dark corners beckon you to explore.​

POOL:

Inspired by the infinity pools of the main Anantara Resort, extending off of the site’s cliff, providing an element of risk & peril the deeper you go into the pool.

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YOGA:

Inspired by the hills of Ubud - strong and stacked rice paddies are imitated with flowing irrigation from the koi pond and outdoor yoga space.

 

Gratitute - Being grateful for the body and abilities we posess.

Connection - Connecting to nature, people, and the mind to the body.

Health - Practice healthy habits

Rejuvinate your mind, body, and soul

Center yourself and your relationship

Connect to wild bali and your partner

Chy Swann: Interior Design Portfolio 

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