AGROTOURISM HUB IN THE CONSERVATION OF APPLES IN BATU CITY

• Main Author: Marella Putri, Nathania
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/73203
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Batu City has great potential in the agricultural and tourism sectors. It is renowned as one of the largest apple-producing regions in Indonesia. However, apple production in Batu City has been declining every year. One of the reasons for this decline is the excessive focus of apple farmers on on-farm activities, while the potential income from off-farm activities is underutilized. Additionally, apple prices are determined by middlemen, resulting in losses for the farmers. The decrease in apple production also has an impact on the tourism sector of Batu City. Without specific attention to this decline, Batu City may lose its identity as the city of apples, and imported apples may replace the local ones. The main concept of this project is "Walking Among The Apple Trees," which consists of several sub-parts, including the integration of private and public areas, providing spatial experiences, and enhancing the quality of space. The primary implementation of this concept involves offering visitors the opportunity to walk among the apple orchards, creating public awareness and knowledge. The project is a collaboration with Kusuma Agro Wisata, one of the pioneers of apple-picking tourism in Batu City. It occupies a contoured land area of 14,000 m2 in the Ngaglik village, Batu district, Batu City. The project comprises seven building masses, including educational, industrial, and commercial functions. These building masses are interconnected with ramps and apple plantations. The use of andesite stone materials and the utilization of rooftop areas as gardens are efforts to reduce the urban heat island effect generated by the buildings.