Sculpting Sustainability: A
Collaborative Initiative with Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia to Create a
Terracotta Topiary Garden in Indonesia

Amidst the interplay of art and ecology, the University of Malang is thrilled to herald an
innovative research undertaking that charts a course towards the establishment of a
groundbreaking terracotta topiary garden in Indonesia. This research team is led by Dr. Ponimin,
M. hum, two researchers namely Dr. Ike Ratnawati, S.Pd, M.Pd and Afwan Hariri Agus Prohimi
S.E., M.Sc, two students from our university namely Reva Rosa and Anggara Putra Kurniawan,
and an assistant namely Okta Viviana Asmi Nusantari. In a harmonious partnership, the
luminary Muhammad Faizal bin Abdul Rani, hailing from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, lends his
expertise, conjuring a fusion of visual allure and ecological mindfulness that sets an exemplary
standard for sustainable artistic endeavors.
For centuries, terracotta, an earthenware clay, has woven its timeless magic to shape exquisite
sculptures, ornate pottery, and architectural marvels. Harnessing the legacy of this age-old
medium, the research venture aspires to craft a topiary garden, a veritable tapestry of nature
and art, wherein the aesthetic enhancement of outdoor spaces harmonizes in seamless synergy
with the promotion of ecological integrity.
Beyond being a mere visual spectacle, the terracotta topiary garden stands poised to evolve into
a potent emblem of sustainable artistry and design ethos. The profound insights garnered

through this exploration are primed to illuminate the pathways for artists, landscape
architects, and urban visionaries, equipping them with a navigational compass that
integrates eco-conscious principles into their creative pursuits. The unfolding revelations
will find their resounding voice across diverse platforms – from captivating exhibitions and
immersive workshops to spirited community gatherings.
Intricately woven into the fabric of this initiative is a profound alignment with the esteemed
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” As the terracotta
topiary garden springs to life, its verdant tendrils embracing sustainability, the canvas of urban
existence is adorned with pockets of green resplendence, elevating the urban aesthetic quotient
and seeding a culture of resource-conscious consumption.
The congruity between this venture and the SDG of Sustainable Cities and Communities is not
only inspirational but an imperative. Art and sustainability, far from being disparate domains, are
harmoniously interwoven threads of our collective identity, heritage, and environmental
stewardship. By embracing terracotta as a medium and cultivating a topiary garden that stands
as an embodiment of sustainability, we are knitting connections that bridge creative ingenuity
with environmental advocacy. This union forges a palpable sense of communal camaraderie
and converges towards the holistic sustenance of our urban landscapes.
In conclusion, our collaborative synergy with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, synergized with our
unwavering focus on the realm of terracotta art, heralds a pioneering stride in our resolute
dedication to sustainable artistic expression and design innovation. Together, we mold a
narrative of sustainable splendor, infusing aesthetics with conscientious care, and embarking
upon a journey that beckons a future resplendent with vibrancy and responsibility. With open
arms, we invite the campus community, stakeholders, and all aficionados to actively engage in
and wholeheartedly champion this transformative odyssey.