Urbahn Architects Expands Global Presence with Urbahn International Launch in Jakarta, Indonesia

Urbahn Architects, a distinguished planning and design firm headquartered in New York City, has inaugurated Urbahn International, an affiliated entity dedicated to catering to a global clientele. Specializing in a diverse array of sectors including public, commercial, hospitality, multi-family, healthcare, educational, and institutional projects, Urbahn International is poised to deliver innovative design solutions worldwide. Operating from both New York City and Jakarta, Indonesia, Urbahn International aims to leverage its strategic presence in key international hubs to provide comprehensive architectural services tailored to the unique needs of clients across the globe.

Urbahn Architects Expands with Launch of Urbahn International to Serve Global Markets

Urbahn Architects, a distinguished full-service planning and design firm headquartered in New York City, proudly announces the establishment of Urbahn International, a new affiliate poised to spearhead projects in various sectors including public, commercial, hospitality, multi-family, healthcare, educational, and institutional domains on a global scale. Operating from both New York City and Jakarta, Indonesia, Urbahn International aims to deliver cutting-edge design solutions tailored to diverse international markets.

The unveiling of Urbahn International took place at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York during a business forum spotlighting real estate development opportunities in Nusantara, Indonesia’s upcoming new capital city. The Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, welcomed Urbahn International as a vital partner in the development of Nusantara, expressing enthusiasm for the firm’s involvement in this transformative urban project spanning 633,000 acres.

Donald E. Henry, Jr., AIA, LEED, CPHC, Managing Principal of Urbahn Architects, highlighted the firm’s expansion into the ASEAN region, emphasizing Urbahn International’s focus on capitalizing on emerging commercial real estate and public construction markets. With a strategic emphasis on projects in Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city, Urbahn International is poised to make significant contributions to the region’s architectural landscape.

Urbahn International’s regional office will be situated at l. Bangka Raya No. 5H, RT.13/RW.11Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta City, 12720, Indonesia. Architect Rafi Haikal, a Pratt Institute graduate, has been appointed as the Director of ASEAN Region Business Development. Haikal expressed optimism about Urbahn International’s inaugural projects in the region, including accessibility consulting for the restoration and enhancement of the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel and the design of 70 convalescent villas at Sanur KEK in Bali. These projects mark Urbahn International’s commitment to promoting health and wellness tourism in Indonesia’s burgeoning market.

“Urbahn International’s expertise in planning and designing sophisticated public facilities, healthcare projects, transportation infrastructure, and hospitality developments aligns seamlessly with the rapid urban development underway in the region,” stated Haikal. “Our firm’s experience in sustainable and accessible design practices further reinforces this expertise.”

In addition to its extensive portfolio of projects in the United States, Urbahn has served as a planner and architect for various healthcare, education, hospitality, and public service facilities worldwide. These include the Usha Martin University Master Plan in Ranchi, India; the Four Points by Sheraton Piarco International Airport Hotel in Trinidad; the Georgetown Marriott Resort Hotel and Gaming Center in Georgetown; and the 140-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Timehri, both in Guyana. Additionally, Urbahn contributed to the Paradise Crossing Lifestyle Community and Recreation Center in Jamaica.

Urbahn’s Global Impact in Africa and Indonesia

Urbahn’s influence extends across continents, with significant contributions to planning and design initiatives in Africa and Indonesia. In Somalia’s Lower and Middle Juba Regions, Uganda, and Nigeria, Urbahn spearheaded essential Healthcare Delivery Planning Studies and Post Office Management Systems Study, enhancing public services and infrastructure.

For the Middle Juba Regional Health System in Somalia, Urbahn led a multidisciplinary team in 1981 to establish a rational approach to healthcare provision across a vast region in the Horn of Africa. This effort resulted in a comprehensive strategy for primary and secondary health services covering 3,800 square miles.

Similarly, in Nigeria, Urbahn completed the Primary Healthcare Delivery Study in 1978, devising a master plan for primary care services benefiting over 90 million people. The plan introduced a referral system with health posts in villages, care centers in small towns, and inpatient/teaching hospitals in regional cities.

In addition, Urbahn’s expertise played a pivotal role in the Nigeria Postal System Management Study. Deploying a comprehensive consulting team to cities like Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, and Ibadan, Urbahn analyzed existing postal operations and developed effective program and facilities management frameworks, successfully implemented by the government.

Furthermore, Urbahn’s legacy extends to Indonesia, where it contributed to the architectural development of Indonesia’s exhibit at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in Queens, NY. These diverse projects underscore Urbahn’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and public services on a global scale, leaving a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Nusantara: Indonesia’s Vision for a Sustainable New Capital

Nusantara, situated between the North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara regions in East Kalimantan on the Indonesian part of Borneo island, is poised to become Indonesia’s new capital. Designed as a model of sustainability, Nusantara aims to provide residents with convenient access to green recreational spaces, robust public transportation, and extensive forested areas, with 60% of the city’s land designated as green space.

The development of Nusantara encompasses various districts catering to diverse needs, including financial and business, government, innovation and research, education, tourism and leisure, residential, shopping and mixed-use, and renewable energy sectors. Indonesia is offering substantial tax incentives to companies participating in the establishment of the city’s infrastructure and public services.

In addition to Urbahn International, numerous prominent U.S. firms, including Silverstein Properties, have shown interest in investing in a range of public and commercial projects within Nusantara. This collective enthusiasm underscores the potential for Nusantara to become a vibrant and sustainable hub, reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship in its new capital.

ASEAN: A Unified Force in Southeast Asia

ASEAN, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, stands as a formidable bloc comprising 10 member states in Southeast Asia. With a collective population exceeding 600 million people and a combined GDP reaching approximately $10.2 trillion, ASEAN holds significant economic and geopolitical influence in the region. Established in 1967, the organization’s primary objectives include fostering economic growth, maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting cultural collaboration among its member nations.

The ASEAN member states encompass Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Together, these nations work towards enhancing cooperation and integration across various sectors, including trade, investment, security, and socio-cultural development. Through collaborative efforts and diplomatic engagement, ASEAN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Southeast Asia and fostering closer ties among its diverse member states.

Urbahn Architects: Pioneering Design Excellence Since 1945

Urbahn Architects, established in 1945, has been at the forefront of architectural innovation, shaping diverse sectors including commercial real estate, public services, transportation, residential, healthcare, education, justice, science, hospitality, multi-family residential, and infrastructure. The firm’s illustrious portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, and the Fermi National Accelerator Lab in Batavia, IL, highlighting its expertise in complex and visionary design.

With a current project portfolio exceeding $1 billion, Urbahn Architects has garnered recognition from industry authorities. Building Design & Construction magazine ranks Urbahn among the top firms in various categories, including government building design, justice facilities, hospitality, healthcare projects, and university architecture. Moreover, Engineering News-Record New York magazine honored Urbahn as the Design Firm of the Year in 2019.

The firm is led by five distinguished principals: Donald E. Henry, Jr., AIA, LEED AP; Natale V. Barranco, AIA, LEED AP; Martin D. Stein, AIA, LEED AP; Rafael Stein, AIA; and Ranabir Sengupta, AIA, LEED AP. Their collective vision and leadership have propelled Urbahn Architects to the forefront of the architectural industry.

Urbahn’s diverse portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, including the Tides North multi-family residential development in Arverne, NY, and the New York City Hall Mayoral Offices and Emergency Situation Center. Additionally, the firm has contributed to significant infrastructure projects such as the New York City Transit subway station flood mitigation resiliency program and the rehabilitation of multiple MTA subway stations.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Urbahn Architects continues to shape the built environment, leaving a lasting legacy of architectural brilliance across the United States and beyond.