Cultural Pathway

Rangkasbitung, as the "Banten Gateway," has untapped potential to be a sustainable transit hub linking Greater Jakarta with southern Banten. Despite its rich cultural heritage, including the Multatuli legacy, the city faces challenges in integrating its history with its strategic position due to issues like poor accessibility, fragmented urban fabric, and underutilized infrastructure. How can urban design address these challenges, unlocking the city’s potential by improving connectivity, enhancing cultural identity, and supporting economic activities for sustainable growth?

This project proposes a transformative urban design for Rangkasbitung, capitalizing on its strategic location as the "Banten Gateway" to improve connectivity, enhance cultural identity, and support sustainable economic growth. The design strategy consists of four key moves. First, network connectivity, the key feature is a green rail-and-trail armature that link existing culturally significant sites in Rangkasbitung City Center, including the alun-alun, Multatuli Museum, Douwes Dekker Huis, Watertoren, to the train station as major transit hub. This armature integrates pedestrian and cyclist facilities with open spaces and art installations, aiming to boost Rangkasbitung’s appeal as a city rich in historical significance. New spaces like migration plaza, memory lane, urban village, and outdoor museum are proposed to encourage exploration by foot or bike. Second, zoning: The city is divided into five urban fabric zones: the high-density rail hub, cultural district, Rangkas urban village, civic quarter, and land value capture areas. These zones will foster mixed-use developments, anticipate population growth in transit-oriented areas, preserve cultural assets, and promote local businesses through new, retrofitted, and adaptive built forms or spaces. Third, blue-green infrastructure, such as green streets and storm water planters, will support biodiversity and sustainability, while enhancing pedestrian comfort and the city's visual appeal. Fourth, development phasing: The transformation of a dense city requires careful planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, ensuring a 20-30 year timeline. Each phase will be carefully planned to minimize impacts on the community while advancing the city’s growth.