Biography
Who is Antonius Richard?
Antonius Richard is a Chinese-Indonesian architect, designer, thinker, and the founder of RAD+ar (Research Artistic Design + architecture). Born in a developing archipelagic country, he is widely recognized as a strong proponent of decentralizing sustainable architecture.
The Journey
Growing up in an environment devoid of what architecture is often perceived to be—a symbol of prosperity—shaped his approach to focus on crafting inclusive and evocative spaces for the majority. His work emphasizes prototyping sustainable solutions into small- to medium-scale applications that are easily adaptable. This approach encourages non-clients and ordinary people to comprehend and implement simple sustainability techniques in their everyday spaces.
A graduate of Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Richard has directed much of his work toward tropical and sub-tropical architectural approaches. He believes that in the distant future, most megacities housing billions of people will be located in these regions. By focusing his research on developing architecture that is applicable within these parameters, he aims to create iterations of design that bring meaningful change to the world through his work.
aruma split garden - pasar minggu
Beyond numerous iterations in research and development across institutional, cultural, and commercial projects, Antonius Richard and RAD+ar are deeply invested in various unconventional projects and discourses. These include community-led slum upgrades, the revitalization of traditional architecture, the integration of urban farming strategies, decentralized eco-villages, disaster-resilient housing, and advocating for the importance of open-source design consultation within government bodies. While firmly rooted in Indonesian and Chinese cultures, Richard work resonates with global issues such as resilience, adaptation, and sustainable urbanism. He continually refines and promotes his philosophy of decentralized sustainability, demonstrating how it addresses pressing global challenges like climate change, social equity, and community empowerment.
sanctuary tunnel garden - cigombong
Through prototyping projects such as Aruma Split Garden, Sanctuary Tunnel Garden, Chicken Hero Pavilion, and others, RAD+ar seizes every opportunity to educate the broader public—designing not exclusively for clients but for the masses. Initiatives like the Tanatap Coffee Garden exemplify this commitment, showcasing a proactive approach to creating sustainable and inclusive commercial spaces. These projects serve as tangible examples for developers and governments in developing countries, inspiring more thoughtful and equitable urban development.
chicken hero pavilion - cilandak
In his ongoing collaborations with artists and designers worldwide, Richard redefines architecture as a medium for translating artistic values into functional spaces. For him, the act of building transcends mere construction; it becomes a poetic expression of functionality, far removed from the mundane expectation of crafting mere containers.