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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta Timur - Disability-Friendly Apartment Design in East Jakarta Promotes Healthier, Inclusive Urban Living. A 2025 study by Gabriela Natasya, M. Maria Sudarwani, and Ulinata from Universitas Kristen Indonesia introduces a new apartment design model for East Jakarta that integrates accessibility and health-focused architecture. Published in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, the research proposes a “healing inclusive living” concept that combines disability-friendly features with environmental design to improve residents’ physical and mental well-being. The findings are significant as Jakarta faces rising population density and increasing demand for inclusive urban housing.
Urban Pressure and the Need for Inclusive Housing
Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic and administrative hub, attracting continuous migration from across the country. East Jakarta, in particular, has become the most densely populated administrative region, with more than 3 million residents. Limited land availability has accelerated the shift toward vertical housing such as apartments. However, most existing apartment developments do not adequately accommodate people with disabilities. Barriers such as narrow corridors, inaccessible bathrooms, and the absence of ramps or proper elevators restrict mobility and independence. This gap contradicts Indonesia’s Law No. 8 of 2016, which guarantees equal rights for persons with disabilities, including access to proper housing. At the same time, urban living conditions marked by overcrowding, limited green space, and environmental stress are affecting residents’ mental and physical health. These combined challenges highlight the urgency of designing housing that is both inclusive and health-oriented.
Research Approach: Design Meets Real-World Needs
The research conducted by Gabriela Natasya and her colleagues at Universitas Kristen Indonesia uses a qualitative descriptive method with an architectural design approach. The team analyzed both primary and secondary data, including literature on apartment design, universal accessibility standards, and healing environment theory.
The study focused on several key factors:
- Site conditions in East Jakarta.
- User needs, especially for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Spatial planning and functional relationships.
- Environmental quality, including lighting and ventilation.
The researchers also reviewed existing building precedents to identify best practices. Their approach integrates universal design principles with environmental features that support psychological and emotional well-being.
Key Findings: “Healing Inclusive Living” Concept
Key Findings: “Healing Inclusive Living” Concept
The study introduces a central design framework called Healing Inclusive Living, which merges accessibility and environmental wellness into a single housing concept. This approach ensures that apartment spaces are usable by everyone while also promoting a calming and healthy living environment.
Key design features include:
Key design features include:
Barrier-Free Accessibility
- Step-free circulation paths throughout the building.
- Ramps with standard slopes for wheelchair users.
- Elevators designed for accessibility.
- Wide corridors and doorways.
Flexible Residential Units
- Layouts that allow easy wheelchair movement.
- Accessible bathrooms with adequate maneuvering space.
- Adaptable room configurations.
Natural Environmental Integration
- Maximized natural lighting to support circadian rhythms.
- Cross-ventilation systems for improved air quality.
- Open views and green spaces integrated into the building.
Healing-Oriented Shared Spaces
- Central courtyard for ventilation and social interaction.
- Healing terraces on each floor for relaxation, yoga, and greenery.
- Gardens and natural elements such as water features.
Social and Functional Zoning
- Podium areas for public and community facilities.
- Residential towers with private and semi-private zones.
- Spaces designed to encourage social interaction and reduce isolation.
One of the most distinctive elements is the integration of nature into daily living spaces. The design includes vertical gardens, open-air terraces, and green courtyards that create a restorative environment within a high-density urban setting.
Real-World Impact: From Housing to Holistic Living
The implications of this research extend beyond architecture. By combining accessibility with environmental wellness, the proposed design supports independence, dignity, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Researcher emphasizes that inclusive housing must go beyond compliance with accessibility standards. It should actively improve the well-being of residents. In her academic perspective, integrating healing environment principles into residential design can reduce stress, enhance mood, and support overall health. This approach benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also the broader urban population. Healthier living environments can improve productivity, reduce healthcare burdens, and foster stronger community connections. For property developers, the concept offers a competitive advantage by addressing growing demand for inclusive and sustainable housing. For policymakers, it provides a practical framework for implementing inclusive urban development aligned with national regulations.
Author Profile
Gabriela Natasya is an architecture researcher at Indonesian Christian University, specializing in inclusive housing design and sustainable built environments.
M. Maria Sudarwani is a senior academic and lecturer in architecture at Indonesian Christian University, with expertise in spatial planning and environmental design.
Ulinata is an architecture at Indonesian Christian University, researcher focusing on inclusive design and improving residential environmental quality.
Source
Natasya, G., Sudarwani, M. M., & Ulinata. (2025). Designing Disability-Friendly Apartments with a Healing Environment Approach in East Jakarta. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 3, halaman 851–858.
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