We set out to build a ball, 
but we ended up building  
something even more valuable: trust.

The initial idea was ambitious: create a tensegrity ball in bamboo with diameter 2.5m together with Lector Andry Widyowijatnoko from ITB.

A seemingly straightforward project, it was meant to be an exercise in design, material selection, and craftsmanship. We meticulously planned every detail, first in a scale model, then in real size. Hours were modelling, measuring, screwing, drilling, prototyping, and testing. We envisioned the ball in action – the satisfying roll, let’s say for now we are still looking for that moment; some tweaks need to be done, in order for the ball to roll properly. Let’s take a moment to think of why, when, and how we document this. What is the meaning of all this?

For me as we delved deeper into the process of making the ball, I saw something emerge. It wasn't just about the ball itself anymore. The collaborative effort, the shared problem-solving, the open communication – these elements wove a different kind of fabric, one far stronger and more resilient than any material we could have chosen for the ball. We were building trust.

The ball, in its final form, became a tangible representation of this trust. It wasn't just a collection of materials; it was a symbol of our shared commitment, our mutual respect, and our collective belief in each other's abilities. It represented the hours of conversation, the shared meals, days fueled by coffee and a common goal.