Bali’s iconic black sand beaches have long been a canvas for natural beauty, and now the newly unveiled Tri Hita Karana (THK) Tower at Nuanu Creative City in Indonesia adds a striking landmark that fuses architecture, culture and technology to the island’s rich landscape. Designed by French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani, known for his sustainable and geometric designs, this new structure stands as the first permanent artificial intelligence-driven art installation in Bali. Rising 30 metres high, the THK Tower emerges as a new focal point for the island’s creative community, combining traditional Balinese architectural philosophy with contemporary design elements. In an exclusive conversation with STIR, the architect offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the tower integrates local artistry and AI-driven design to create a living landmark.

The tower takes its name from the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—meaning ‘three causes of well-being’—which emphasises the importance of harmony between humans, nature and the divine. This guiding principle resonates throughout the project, from its materiality to its interaction with visitors, setting the tone for what is not just an immersive installation but a living artwork that continuously evolves.“I was very interested in the Balinese culture, their take on Hinduism and the kind of ancestral wisdom that they had. It is a very very spiritual place. And if one wants to celebrate Bali, one cannot ignore that dimension,” shares the architect with STIR.

At the heart of this distinctive structure lies an intricate framework of ‘rattan and reclaimed Ulin ironwood’, designed with an emphasis on circularity and sustainability. Mamou-Mani, who has long championed sustainable design practices, worked closely with local artisans to ensure the materials were sourced and used in a way that honours both Bali’s natural landscape and its cultural traditions. The use of rattan because of its natural flexibility, allowed the tower’s organic and flowing forms to emerge. The ironwood reclaimed from a disused railway bridge ensured the structure remained robust against the island’s coastal elements. Yet, the tower is far from static. Exposure to weather will gradually alter the colour and texture of its rattan surfaces, transforming it into a living entity that reflects Bali’s shifting environment.

Mamou-Mani’s design is not just an ode to Bali’s natural beauty but also a ‘technological marvel’. During the day, visitors can climb and explore the tower’s ‘108 steps’, which wind upwards to reveal panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding cityscape. At night, the THK Tower transforms into an immersive experience. The installation comes to life through a projection mapping show powered by an ever-evolving algorithm created by Mamou-Mani and Nuanu in partnership with DELIVERED, a multimedia production company. A team of renowned AI artists—including Pablo Alpe, Ben Helm, Maksim Ha and Aizek—crafted the digital artistry that animates the tower each evening. These generative artworks are more than just visually arresting displays; they are living entities, continuously reimagining themselves through code, ensuring that no two nights are the same.

The algorithm's role is particularly profound. Influenced by the three pillars of Balinese Tri Hita Karana—harmony with the divine (Parahyangan), harmony with nature (Palemahan), and harmony among humans (Pawongan)—the AI-generated patterns take viewers on a journey through cultural narratives woven into the fabric of the island. There are over 1000 light design fixtures throughout the tower, with 18 projectors housed in surrounding mini towers and an in-built custom sound system. The show, which lasts 11 minutes, is an invitation to the visitors to leave a piece of themselves behind.  They can interact with the tower through a custom web application by submitting their responses to prompts. These inputs are then translated into unique visual patterns, making each nightly projection a collective creation layered with personal interpretations from its audience.

The golden ratio is present in the arms, the way it spreads around and opens up in a kind of logarithmic way; it culminates into these vertical steps. There are seven steps; a universal number. We talk about the chakras, the days of the week, and many aspects that come with that. — Arthur Mamou-Mani

A key aspect of the landmark architecture project is its deep connection to the Balinese community. Nuanu, the sprawling creative city where the tower is located, is a 44-hectare development that strongly emphasises education, community, and environmental sustainability. The tower is a collaborative effort between local artisans and Mamou-Mani’s team. Craftsmen like Chiko Wirahadi, a Balinese bamboo and rattan artisan, played an essential role in weaving the intricate latticework that defines the tower’s form, ensuring that every curve and line reflects the rich artisanal heritage of Bali. This harmonious partnership between international architects and local artisans speaks of a global collaboration grounded in respect for local knowledge and traditions.

Nuanu, located just 20 minutes from Bali’s popular surf destination Canggu, is envisioned as a creative haven that combines art, culture and technology. As part of Nuanu’s broader mission, the THK Tower is one of 32 creative projects aiming to position Bali as a hub for innovation and artistic exploration. The city's facilities range from world-class wellness retreats and event spaces to nature-inspired accommodations designed to offer an immersive experience that transcends traditional tourism.

Ida Ayu Astari Prada, the director of Brand and Communications at Nuanu, eloquently encapsulates the project’s essence: “The THK Tower is not just an architectural feat—it is a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. It embodies the principles of Tri Hita Karana not just in its name but in its very existence, from the materials we used to how it interacts with its surroundings.”

As Bali continues to evolve as a destination for contemporary art and design, the Tri Hita Karana Tower sets a new benchmark. It challenges the boundaries of what architecture can achieve when combined with AI and local craftsmanship, ensuring that tradition and modernity are not just preserved but celebrated in new and unexpected ways. Mamou-Mani, celebrated for his 2018 Galaxia temple at Burning Man, sees the project as a testament to sustainability and collaborative design. “What I love about these materials is that over time, the rattan will change colour. It is not a static installation but a living, breathing piece of art,” mentions Mamou-Mani.

The THK Tower is more than just an impressive destination—it is a living memorial to the adaptability of technology and tradition alike. In a world where the permanence of architectural landmarks is often seen as their primary strength, this project turns that notion on its head. It welcomes change in a way that leaves time practically outstretched before it and asks nature and human touch to help shape the future. The creative spirit of Bali finds a doppelgänger in the Tri Hita Karana Tower, which, when viewed from its cultural heritage, stands firmly rooted but looks forward to an evolving landscape in digital artwork.

Video interview conducted by Aarthi Mohan

Project Details

Name: Tri Hita Karana Tower 
Location: Nuanu, Bali 
Client: Nuanu City
Architects: Mamou-Mani Architects - Arthur Mamou-Mani, Krishna Bhat, Nina Pestel, Aslan Adnan
Nuanu Directors/Project Manager: Sergey Solonin, James Larkin, Baptiste Sejourne
Site managers: Yohanes Kevin Diyanto, Pandu Rangga Vittala
Structural Engineering and Manufacturing Drawings, Manufacturing and Assembly on site: Global Wood Tech:
*Engineering and Supervising of the manufacturing and assembling: Global Wood Tech: Marc Bergeron, Guillaume Duchaine
*Ironwood structure manufacturing, Assembling on site of the Tower: Eko Witrisno (Global Wood Tech production manager), GWT Master Carpenters
GlobalWoodTech_Official Collaborators:
* Micropiles and foundations: Arnaud Quetat
* Reclaimed Iron wood Supply: Guillaume Carnevale
* Leica Laser positioning: Sebastien Bouillon
* Steel Structure Manufacturing: Tommy Suriadi
* Steel Hardware: Mario Kurniadi
* Tension Rod System: Stefan Lammert
* Galva Steel Hardware : Foong Tak Hoy
* Glulam Arches Manufacturing: Romain Demmerle
Concept Structural Engineers: Format Engineers
Rattan Prototypes/Consultant: Chiko Wirahadi/Asali Bali
Lighting Design and Projection Mapping by DELIVERED
Founders: Nastia Human & Alex Mubert
General Producers: Nastia Human, Yana Zakharova
Producer: Sasha Bazarkin
Production Director: Sergey Nikitin
Creative Director: Matt Klyagin
Technical Director: Nikita Brovchenko
Nikolay Kononov,  Maxim Tulin, Vladimir Belyakov
Digital Artists: Pablo Alpe, Ben Heim, Maksim Ha, Aizek
Year of Completion: 2024