Apartment Design with an Inclusive Design Approach in East Jakarta

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Inclusive Apartment Design in East Jakarta Offers Accessible Housing for All Urban Residents. A 2026 study by Lucas Ferdinatal Taroofao, Ulinata, and Yophie Septiady from Indonesian Christian University introduces a new model for inclusive apartment design in East Jakarta. Published in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, the research presents a housing concept that accommodates diverse urban populations, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. The findings are significant as Jakarta faces mounting pressure to provide affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing amid rapid population growth. Jakarta continues to struggle with housing shortages driven by urban density and limited land availability. East Jakarta, identified as one of the most densely populated areas in the capital, reflects this challenge. With more than 11 million residents recorded in Jakarta by 2024, access to decent housing remains uneven. Vertical housing, particularly apartments or flats, has become a key solution but many developments still fail to address accessibility and inclusivity.

A Practical Design Approach for Inclusive Urban Housing
The study focuses on a proposed apartment development in Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta, covering approximately 2 hectares of land. The researchers applied a qualitative design method that combined literature review, site surveys, comparative case studies, and regulatory analysis. They examined local zoning rules, infrastructure conditions, and community characteristics to ensure the design aligns with real urban needs.
The design framework follows widely recognized inclusive design principles:

• Universal accessibility for all users.
• Flexible and adaptable living spaces.
• Simple and intuitive layouts.
• Safety-oriented design that minimizes user error.

This approach ensures that the apartment environment removes physical and social barriers, creating a shared space that supports diverse populations.

Key Findings: Accessibility, Efficiency, and Social Integration
The inclusive apartment model developed by the Universitas Kristen Indonesia team demonstrates how architectural design can directly improve quality of life. The key features include:

Barrier-Free Accessibility

• Ramps and elevators are integrated throughout the building.
• Corridors are at least 110 cm wide to allow two-way movement.
• Ground-floor units are prioritized for residents with disabilities.
• Spaces allow wheelchair maneuvering with a minimum turning radius of 150 cm.

These features ensure equal access for all residents without segregation.

Mobility-Based Vertical Zoning

• Lower floors are designated for residents with limited mobility, such as elderly individuals and people with disabilities.
• Upper floors are intended for residents with higher mobility.

This arrangement reduces reliance on elevators and improves evacuation safety, while still maintaining social integration through shared spaces.

Strong Social Infrastructure

• Green open spaces covering at least 20% of the site.
• Children’s play areas and communal spaces every three floors.
• Designated areas for small-scale economic activities.

These elements encourage interaction and community building within a vertical housing environment.

Environmentally Sustainable Design

• Cross-ventilation systems improve indoor air circulation.
• Natural lighting reduces energy consumption.
• Rainwater management systems support water conservation.
• Integrated waste management improves sanitation.

The design balances environmental responsibility with residential comfort.

Implications for Urban Policy and Housing Development
The study provides a compelling case for rethinking how urban housing is planned in Indonesia and other rapidly growing cities. By integrating inclusive design principles into apartment development, policymakers and developers can create housing that is not only efficient but also socially equitable. This Research emphasizes that inclusive design should not be treated as an optional feature. Instead, it should become a fundamental standard in housing development. The research suggests that inclusive housing can reduce social inequality, improve accessibility, and enhance overall well-being for residents. The model also offers practical guidance for government agencies. Incorporating inclusive design into housing regulations could ensure that future developments meet broader social needs. Additionally, the concept is scalable and can be replicated in other high-density urban areas facing similar challenges.

Author Profile
Lucas Ferdinatal Taroofao is an architecture researcher affiliated with Indonesian Christian University, specializing in inclusive and sustainable housing design. 
Ulinata and Yophie Septiady, who are also affiliated with Indonesian Christian University and focus on urban architecture and residential design. 

Source
Taroofao, Lucas Ferdinatal; Ulinata; Septiady, Yophie. (2026). Apartment Design with an Inclusive Design Approach in East Jakarta. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 979–988.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i4.28
URL:  https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas