Podcast Interview: Herwin Gunawan on Building Performance Engineering
Proporsio Business Talk Megabuild Indonesia 2025 Podcast: An Interview by Fernando Gomulya about Building Physic Consultation Career in Indonesia
In this episode of the Proporsio Podcast at Megabuild Indonesia 2025, host Fernando Gomulya interviews Herwin Gunawan, Founder of ALTA Integra, a building performance engineering consultancy specializing in acoustics, lighting, sustainability, and human-centered environments. With over 15 years of industry experience, Herwin shares insights on creating healthier, more comfortable, and higher-performing built environments.
Herwin shares his professional journey—from his teenage days building DIY sound systems to pursuing building physics and acoustic engineering at ITB. Moving beyond traditional acoustic design for studios, this business talk dives deep into the profound impact that physical elements like sound, lighting, air quality, thermal dynamics, and smell have on human health, productivity, and mental well-being.
Throughout the interview, Herwin breaks down the triple bottom line of sustainability (People, Planet, and Profit) embedded within the LEED and WELL building frameworks. He shares fascinating real-world project insights, including the acoustic transformation of historical heritage sites like the Jakarta Cathedral and engineering world-class sports arenas like the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) and the Indonesia Arena (GBK IMS). Tune in to discover why building physics is a critical tool for creating public and residential spaces that truly harmonize with the human senses.
Video Timestamps
[01:09] Introduction and Herwin Gunawan’s Early Career Journey
[02:32] Building DIY Sound Systems and DJing in the 1980s
[04:05] Transitioning to Building Physics & Acoustics: Realizing the Broader Impact of Sound
[05:41] The Physics of Buildings: Integrating Solid, Liquid, and Gas Elements
[06:44] Air Quality Management (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and Pressure Control
[08:02] Green Building Frameworks: Balancing People, Planet, and Profit
[10:22] Performance vs. Comfort in Acoustic, Lighting, and Thermal Design
[11:04] The Multi-Speaker Fallacy: Why More Speakers Do Not Mean Better Sound Clarity
[13:06] Audio-Visual Coherence and Avoiding Cognitive Fatigue in Spaces
[14:10] Lighting and Psychological Focus in Public Settings
[15:40] Thermal Comfort, AC Efficiency, and Optimal Indoor Temperatures
[17:16] The 7 Senses: How Kinetic and Sensory Stimulation Impacts Human Behavior and Retail
[19:25] Leveraging Neuroscience and Psychological Principles in Spatial Design
[21:43] High-Profile Public Projects: Acoustic Design for GBK IMS & Jakarta International Stadium (JIS)
[22:39] Heritage Building Challenges: Acoustic and Lighting Enhancements for the Jakarta Cathedral
[24:14] Historical Architecture Evolution: Gothic Era Architecture, Daylight, and Gregorian Chants
[30:54] Stadium Acoustic Separation: Managing Rain Noise, Fan Roars, and Multi-Functional Concert Modes
[34:38] Acoustic and Environmental Design Considerations for Residential & Family Homes
[36:55] Maximizing Daylight vs. Handling Solar Heat and Urban Air Filtration
[38:20] Conclusion: The Future of Building Physics, Sound Pollution Statistics, and the Power of Nature Sounds
