Fifteen years of research have pointed out that human aesthetics can be derived from multiple intelligences as well as cultural perceptions. Human aesthetics weighs greatly on our identity, according to WOW Bali. Our aesthetics dictates the how we receive and transmit information and influences not only our actions and creations but also the way we make sense of the world around us.
While human aesthetics may differ in terms of cultural or social conditioning, there seems to be a universal human appreciation for the beauty of our natural environment, allowing us all to reconnect and work synergystically with nature.
WOW Bali looks into the natural connections humans innately possess and examines why
"natural aesthetics" designs are fundamental to our symbiosis with life and harmonious relationship with nature- the backbone of sustainability.
Natural Aesthetics
SUBAK SYSTEM as NATURAL AESTHETICS
Based on case studies of WOW, the Balinese culture is still largely dependent on the people's high regard for their relationship with nature, with other people and with the divine. The Tri Hita Karana philosophy guides the Balinese way of life.
Subak irrigation system in Bali is based on Tri Hita Karana. According to Dean Ir Gede Sedana of the Department of Agriculture in Dwijendra University, "subak is not only an institution in agriculture, but also as a part of Bali’s local wisdom about human society and its relationship with the environment."
For WOW Bali, the subak system is one manifestation of natural aesthetics practiced on a cultural scale that has endured many generation. However, given the recent developments in Bali, the subak system and the whole agricultural landscape have seen several transformations. Looking at the issue through the the lens of natural aesthetics, WOW sees the need to preserve the traditional irrigation system of subak as this has vital implications to sustainability; more so because the subak as a Balinese customary law has the properties of socio-
religious-agriculture which represents farmers’ associations that manage an irrigation system in paddy fields. This dynamics enables a deep connection between the Balinese way of life and the natural ecological system.
Download Prof. Ir Gede Sedana Presentation on the Subak System
THE WOW HOUSE: NATURAL AESTHETICS DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
The WOW House,based on Balinese architecture, is one of the WOW Bali's offerings that follows natural aesthetics design. Made of coconut wood and designed to have zero ecological footprint over the land, this multi-function house exemplifies the principles of sustainability.
Click play to learn more about the WOW House.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURAL AESTHETICS
Understanding the framework of WOW Sustainable Dynamics requires looking into the different aspects as well as elements.
Click play to deepen your knowledge of the framework and see if the concepts resonate with you.