EKO PRAWOTO

Eko Prawoto is an Indonesian architect and educator based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who combines contemporary design with local knowledge, commenting that he views his buildings as social entities as much as physical objects. Through using locally sourced and often recycled materials, his designs are not only environmentally sensitive but also reduce building costs so that builders pay can be maximized. Prawoto has researched earthquake-resistant buildings made from materials such as bamboo, straw and coconut wood and is working to reintroduce these to the general public. Typical of many spatial agents, Prawoto’s practice expands beyond architecture, including collaborations with artists, exhibiting (including at the Venice Architecture Biennale), teaching and advocacy. He was nominated for the 2010 Aga Khan Award in architecture for his work in the reconstruction efforts after the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake. Eko is known for his efforts to integrate eco-friendly materials with local skills, techniques, values and aesthetics. His method is popularly called Eko-friendly.