Bonjour, my name is Lou-Anne Técheney and I am currently in my fourth year at the National School of Architecture of Toulouse. During February and March 2026, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at RAW Architecture in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Before arriving at RAW, I had already discovered some of the studio’s projects as well as the ecosystem developed around architecture, fabrication, and research. Yet, I believe today that this place cannot truly be understood before being experienced. Entering this environment meant discovering a way of practicing architecture where design, craftsmanship, climate, research, and human relationships coexist in a living balance.
When I arrived in Jakarta, I already carried certain convictions about architecture connected to climate, context, and uses, but these ideas still remained somewhat theoretical. Discovering RAW represented a form of reconciliation with architectural practice. This internship showed me that it is possible to build a practice coherent with one’s values, without opposing architecture, humanity, and environment.
During these two months, I discovered tropical architecture, an extremely dynamic way of working, and an approach to design nourished by experimentation, exchange, and attention to context. I had the opportunity to participate in different tasks, including climatic studies, 3D modeling, research on vegetation, and site visits. Moving between several teams also allowed me to discover different ways of thinking about and developing a project.
Beyond the technical learning, what I will remember most from this experience is its human dimension. Arriving alone in a country and culture completely unknown to me represented a major change, yet RAW quickly became a place where I felt welcomed.
I would like to deeply thank Kak Realrich Sjarief for welcoming us with such generosity and for creating an environment where transmission, curiosity, and learning occupy a central place. I would also like to thank all the leaders and team members for their patience, kindness, and the time they took to answer our questions and share their knowledge. Despite the distance from France, you made us feel almost at home.
This immersion in Jakarta profoundly transformed the way I think about architecture. It reminded me that architecture is not only about constructing buildings, but also about human relationships, attention to places, and the ability to remain aligned with one’s own values.
Even if many questions still remain open, I know that this experience will represent an important step in the way I practice and think about architecture.
Thank you RAW Architecture, DOT Workshop, Omah Library, and everyone I met during this experience.
Lou-Anne Técheney
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