Living Bridge, Collaborative Learning Center at Green School Bali

In the middle of Bali's tropical forest, right on the banks of the Ayung River, stands a unique building called the Living Bridge. This structure was designed by architect Jonathan Mizzi together with teenage students from the Green School, a private international school known for its philosophy of open learning spaces in harmony with nature.

The building serves as the school's activity center, used for events, discussions, and learning programs. Its location occupies an area previously used as a recycling center, now marked by curved walls coated with soft pink lime plaster.

The main material used is local bamboo, with more than 300 poles arranged and shaped using a hot bending technique. This structure gives rise to a curved roof that juts out as if to welcome anyone who enters. The roof is supported by eight bamboo poles and covered with thatch to add a traditional feel.

The Interior Living Bridge is flexibly designed to maximize space utilization for various activities. In addition, the placement of interior furniture is adjusted to the circular layout, while private rooms offer comfort for more focused learning activities.

In addition to bamboo, a number of materials were also used in the construction of the Living Bridge, such as recycled glass terrazzo, mycelium panels, waste ash bricks, and floors made from a mixture of lime, clay, recycled glass, and crack-resistant plant fibers.

The construction of the Living Bridge is the result of Jonathan Mizzi's two-year collaborative journey. The entire school community was involved in the process of brainstorming ideas and developing designs, from teachers to students aged 15 to 18 years old. This project is part of the Jalan-Jalan program, a Green School initiative that gives students the opportunity to learn through real-world experiences in the field. Student involvement did not stop at the design stage, but also included the creation of furniture from recycled materials found around the site. This approach encourages creativity while emphasizing the importance of sustainability.