Enhancing Private Open Spaces in Indonesian Cities: Preparing Children as Future Change Agents

House expansion in many Indonesian housing has triggered lack of private open
space and thus lack of rainwater absorption space. This causes inundation and
flood during rainy season. Earlier research showed that housing expansion was
driven by increasing of family member which supported by increasing of family
income. House owners’ awareness of private OS was sufficient, but their
knowledge was limited. Awareness alone is not enough to fix the problem. In
addition, directly repair OS deficiency that has happened today is not practical.
Thus, assigning the younger generation to become an agent in fixing this
problem is an ideal concept. A program using fun-learning methods, such as
creating mockups is planned. Approximately 770 students participated in this
program and this study concluded that children absorb the knowledge well and
expected to be excellent future change agents in improving the quality of their
places and cities. This is demonstrated by the very alive discussion and the
mockups that fulfilled what has been taught. Seventy percent was designed in
well condition (ie. OS availability, vegetation, and windows for air circulation and
natural lighting) and 20% was designed in excellence with creative and unique
OS and building's facade.