Potato Heads Studio Hotel
The Potato Heads Studio Hotel is designed by OMA. While the essence of Bali lies in the interaction between different cultures, the ubiquitous resort typology currently in Bali and other tropical destinations paradoxically emphasises hotel guests? exclusive enjoyment, detached from the life of the local community. Located on one of the last remaining unoccupied beach front sites in Seminyak, the Potato Head Studios challenges the typical resort typology: the notion of ?exclusivity? is abandoned; the resort is reconsidered as a part of the local community.
Photography: Kevin Mak
One of the three buildings of Desa Potato Head?a village (desa being the Indonesian translation of village) that includes a beach club and two hotels?the Potato Head Studios is a resort open to the public: it offers private guestrooms and facilities, and public spaces. A floating ring lifted by pilotis accommodates the guestrooms and other functions, including an exhibition space and a large sunset bar. This configuration has resulted in a cultural ground plane, or an open platform, which leads to the beach. The open platform is the centerpiece of the resort?a flexible stage for a range of programs such as festival celebrations, cultural events, and day-to-day leisure activities that welcomes everyone to experience Balinese culture. Photography: Kevin Mak
The roof top?conceived as a public space and a sculptural park?is accessible through a public route that winds up the fl...