MIZZI STUDIO PIONEERS INNOVATIVE CO-LEARNING SPACE DESIGN IN BALI WITH THE LIVING BRIDGE
Green School Bali has unveiled The Living Bridge, a groundbreaking co-learning space designed by Jonathan Mizzi of Mizzi Studio in collaboration with students, educators, and parents. This visionary project, completed after two years of development under the school’s Jalan Jalan program, exemplifies hands-on, experiential learning by involving students in every phase—from conceptualization to construction. The result is a stunning architectural feat that merges sustainability, community, and education.
A Masterpiece of Sustainable Design
The original Bridge, once a simple gathering spot for parents, has been reimagined into an eco-conscious structure crafted from over 300 locally sourced bamboo poles. Using advanced heat-bending techniques developed with Bamboo Pure, a Balinese bamboo specialist, the team created a fluid, organic form that harmonizes with Green School’s open-air philosophy.
Beyond bamboo, the space integrates cutting-edge sustainable materials, including:
- Terrazzo made from crushed glass (diverting waste from landfills)
- Eco-crete bricks (using industrial waste ash)
- Lime plaster (a low-carbon alternative to cement)
- Mycelium acoustic panels (biodegradable soundproofing)
The structure’s large curved roof, supported by eight soaring bamboo arches and finished with pelupuh (traditional flattened bamboo shingles), provides shade while enhancing natural airflow. Positioned at the campus entrance, The Living Bridge now serves as a dynamic hub for talks, workshops, and parent-led initiatives bridging education and community engagement.
A Collaborative Journey: Students as Changemakers
The project began in 2023 when Mizzi, a Green School parent himself, partnered with educators to mentor students aged 15 to 18 through the entire design process. From initial sketches and community presentations to hands-on workshops and construction, the young participants played an active role in shaping their learning environment.
“The Living Bridge shows how architecture can grow out of education,” says Mizzi. “What started as mentoring one student evolved into a co-created journey where students led the way.”
For participants like Eden Rice, the experience was transformative:
“We weren’t just students—we were designers, decision-makers, and changemakers.”
Global Recognition & Lasting Impact
Even before its official opening, The Living Bridge gained international acclaim, being featured at ChangeNOW 2025, a premier global summit for climate solutions in Paris. Beyond the physical structure, students developed a digital platform to connect alumni, current students, and parents—fostering mentorship and collaboration long after construction ended.
This project reinforces Green School Bali’s commitment to sustainability and student-led innovation, proving that when education and design intersect, the results are extraordinary.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The Living Bridge at Green School Bali exemplifies how collaborative design can redefine education, blending sustainability, hands-on learning, and community engagement. Mizzi Studio’s leadership empowered students to transition from learners to active creators—an inspiring model for experiential education. However, while the project excels in eco-conscious materials and student involvement, scalability remains a challenge; replicating such intensive co-creation may be difficult for institutions with limited resources. That said, its global recognition at ChangeNOW 2025 highlights its potential as a blueprint for future educational spaces. Ultimately, this initiative proves that when young minds are given agency, they don’t just build structures—they shape the future.
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