Balikpapan – Kampung Bungas, a community consisting of five neighborhood units (Rukun Tetangga or RTs), continues to develop as an urban farming-themed village. To support this development, the Community Service Team of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) introduced multifunctional gateway signs that not only mark neighborhood boundaries but also strengthen the village's visual identity.

Prior to the project, Kampung Bungas faced several challenges, including unclear boundaries between RTs, difficulty for visitors in recognizing the area, and the absence of a visual identity representing the village's character. These issues highlighted the need for a solution that could improve wayfinding while fostering a stronger sense of belonging among residents.

Rather than immediately constructing the facilities, the ITK Community Service Team adopted a participatory approach by conducting field observations, community discussions, interviews with local partners, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). This ensured that the final design reflected the needs and aspirations of the community.

Based on the collaborative planning process, the team developed several design alternatives before selecting a multifunctional gateway concept. The chosen design serves as an RT boundary marker, Kampung Bungas identity sign, directional guide to public facilities, and features a telescopic mechanism for easy operation and maintenance.

Following design approval, the project proceeded through material surveys, galvanized steel frame fabrication, welding, painting, production of Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) information boards, and on-site installation. Students and community members actively participated throughout the process, creating valuable learning opportunities while strengthening collaboration between the university and the local community.

As a result, three gateway signs have been installed at strategic locations throughout Kampung Bungas. Their presence has improved area recognition, clarified neighborhood identities, simplified navigation for visitors, and reinforced Kampung Bungas' image as an urban farming-themed village.

The project was led by Claudia Olla Mandayu, S.Ars., M.Ars., a lecturer in ITK's Architecture Study Program, who expressed her appreciation for the community's involvement throughout the project.

"We sincerely thank the Kampung Bungas community for their collaboration, trust, and commitment to improving the neighborhood together. Let us continue creating spaces that are more comfortable, distinctive, and sustainable," she said.

The Community Service Team also included Yumna Aqila Kaltsum, S.Si., M.Stat. from the Statistics Study Program and Chairoh Ulfah, S.Si., M.Sc. from the Physics Study Program, together with nine students from various study programs.

Through this initiative, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan reaffirms its commitment to delivering science- and design-based solutions that address community needs while supporting the development of more organized, distinctive, and sustainable neighborhoods.