BETTERPAD-RAY MAQUETTE - Traditional Architecture: Assumptions about Architecture

The notion of an increasingly diverse architecture is not only put forward by the architects, but also all circles. There are times when statements are only made based on assumptions without any in-depth study of science. This is indeed a natural thing considering that architecture is closely related to daily life so that non-architects, both little and many, want to discuss architecture. Statements without detailed understanding lead to deviations from the essence of architecture and have finally been accepted by the wider community. Misguided is a term that might be appropriate to describe it. Indeed, buildings are basic human needs that can be used and are of direct benefit to humans. For matters of form that are important to note are appropriate and efficient. Another matters related to style is about taste. Architecture itself is seen as a knowledge that can be discussed in detail, globally, and all aspects that exist in the 'building'. However, to really discuss architecture must know its true understanding. This is the work of architectural activists, while other circles in general know enough in basic terms and can understand architecture according to real life.

The assumption that is often stated is that architecture is a medium of activities related to buildings. In this case, the architect is identified or attached to a physical form or structure. This is a clear assumption, but too extreme, cannot explain the "softer" about the relationship between activities and facilities, such as the need for time and space, happiness, atmosphere, pride, and so on. In the building itself, it is certainly enough if it is closed and protects residents from various disturbances with each division of the room as needed. However, psychological factors also can not be ignored. As a creature that is able to work and try, of course it is not enough if the existing building is considered to be just whatever it is without any other different variations. It may be said that variations or new things that continue to emerge and develop in what is called architecture. Activities to decorate buildings have become one of the agenda of life to be better and not stagnant in place. In essence, residents not only feel their needs are met, but also feel a happy atmosphere with the beautiful appearance of architecture according to taste. Thus, architecture not only discusses buildings in general, but with their impact on the physical and spiritual life of humans.

If architecture as a medium of activity is easily accepted, it is also quite easy to see architecture as a product of culture. As long as you have in mind that architecture is part of culture (and influences one another), it will be easy to observe various events in the community. Furthermore, if architecture is seen as 'hardware' and culture is 'software', the discussion will be more complicated. In the computer world, this is easily understood because that is what is evident when entering the electronic world that provides many tools or applications in the virtual world. However, not for buildings whose main function and use are clearly directly related to physical and psychological needs as their goals. In the world of buildings, architecture has stored certain "programs" that can be "played" at any time. Without knowing time, these programs can produce performances that give a happy, special feel, or even make the hair on the back of the neck vibrate. This is why in discussing architecture not only see what appears, but also certain things that can affect the atmosphere and feelings. Although there are no physical goals, of course there are differences in architectural patterns that grow based on the patterns of life of the people so that it is assumed that the architecture of an area originates from an area. While the distribution can be through the media of human mobilization of an area to another area or the sources of literacy.

Architecture is also considered as a medium to convey expressions based on situations and conditions. It can be interpreted that people feel they have accepted what is meant in an architectural work being observed. Implied that architecture has become a medium of communication for the community by expressing what is present from the lives of the people, whether it is now, in the past, or the hope for the future. Before there was a printing press that could display meaningful letters on paper, humans could entrust messages, knowledge, or statements through all the artificial objects of their time, so that even though there were no books, "books" had been published on these objects. Ideology, habits, division of society, values of life, morals, etc. are the results of human reasoning that must be understood and practiced by members of the community. Architectural design can also influence human movement while in it to create the impression that the movement that must / should be done by humans has shown a certain philosophy. For example, when you want to enter a place of worship there is a door that is shorter in size than the average adult so you have to bend down to enter it. Bowing is interpreted as an attitude of respect for something because of its glory and / or sacredness. Examples of messages like this that are expected to be a lesson and reminder for humans and can also remind about the uniqueness of architectural design that has been visited.

Front view and look over the design of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette or Mockup / Mural Fortress

[The message to be conveyed to the building can be seen as still in the form of design or model. Of course the design of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Model/Mockup (Benteng Terpadu Raya/Great Integrated Fortress) or Benteng Mural/Mural Fortress also contains positive messages that are expected to be understood. The message will not be explained clearly here. As a complex building maquette/mockup design that God Willing will be able to accommodate anything about architecture, a discussion of 'building knowledge' is an important thing to do. In knowledge/science there are theories and practices. Actually what is important for humans is to be useful and inspiring. If it is beneficial, it is clear that the design of the Betterpad-Ray Mural Media building complex is used to accommodate activities to facilitate community development and enhance human resources. If it's just a sentence like this, surely everyone can say it. So, it should be noted that definitions, denotations, connotations, and similar terms do indeed need to be discussed in order to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts in society.

What must be explained is that society indeed consists of various views which are not the same and clash with each other. More importantly, the community needs and craves a stable prosperity in the presence of a variety of opinions with the maintenance of order and peace. In enterprising architecture, the correct understanding needs to be told. More importantly if in addition to its use as a place for activities (positive), architecture is able to have a positive impact on society by the presence of moral messages and values of goodness that can be conveyed appropriately.]

The biggest physical object that humans are able to make is the building which is the 'book with the ideal format' for such 'writing'. The more heterogenous the civilization of a society, the more complex the message that is inserted in the building. The advance of communication technology has released buildings from implied mandates. However, it can still be said that the building is an effective communication medium for the community, because the building is a human need whose existence must be cared for and felt so that it can easily leave an impression.

This world does have a variety of human races, ethnicities, nationalities, geographical unity, and other terms that identify each human group. Each group is considered to produce culture with each identity. This is almost true but not absolute. There is no problem in this case for groups of people whose identity is specific. Examples of culture that still feels thick from traditional times to modern times are Balinese and Japanese cultural architecture that is easily identified by people. But it is different with human groups whose culture is or is always changing. Observers of Malay architecture certainly feel this. Looking from the historical side, the Malay area which generally covers Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Kalimantan is not just a monotonous area with a relatively homogeneous population that does not increase, does not decrease, or is rarely visited. Here is a busy trading place in its golden age that brings together traders or communities from various nationalities. This crowd is a privilege because interaction between cultures also continues to influence the development of architectural styles so that there are no specific specific styles, such as seeing that there are parts of other regional architectural styles that can be seen in Malay architecture.

Temple in Tanah Lot, Bali

Source: Google Maps Street View / Web Vision 360

Japanese Architecture from Osaka Castle

Source: Google Maps Street View / nnnnnnnnnal

 

Maimun Palace of the Deli Sultanate, Islamic Malay Sultanate

Source: Google Maps Street View / Andi Rivai

Each region or a group has its own unique culture. Thus, the forms of culture in each region have their own rules and styles. In architecture, there is an assumption that it is necessary to know how or form to apply cultural identity appropriately to buildings. The existence of social messages that are included in the building that comes from the desire to be conveyed in a lasting and truly thought by the recipient of the message, this assumption will be the starting point for research into the problem of symbols in the world of architecture. Semiotics is a branch of science that can be used to discuss this. The basic assumption of this research is, there is a close relationship between messages, the overall understanding of messages, and objects that contain messages. Basically, the efficiency of message delivery is only measured by whether the message can be known and understood by the recipient, according to which is an important concern in the branch of information science. All costs, time and effort can only be said to be fulfilled or 'economical' if the message has been understood. This is also related to the 'language' that applies in human habits, i.e. not everyone agrees with the 'slang' language which is considered to be impolite and deviates from the standard language that has long existed, especially 'slang language' in architecture.

Each region or community is considered to have its own symbol that becomes their identity that must be known by other parties without the need to name the area first. The flags of countries in the world that exist in modern times are examples that are easily recognizable by many people. Architecture can incorporate this element into buildings. Indonesia has a red and white flag with two sequential colors on top and bottom dividing the rectangle into two broad horizontal sections, indeed similar to the Monaco flag with the difference in rectangular scale. Buildings that want to convey a message about Indonesia can display their flag elements by installing flagpoles, drawing flags on the building's parts, or painting buildings with all the existing color elements. The Embassy Building can give a message about the identity of his country with this.

Design of the Shahada Mosque/Masjid Syahadat

Pendapa Peradaban / Civilization Pavilion Design

[Each building design in the Betterpad-Ray model/maquette is expected to be able to convey its own message that fits the building's characteristics. Places of worship convey messages about faith and morals, cultured buildings give messages about the importance of preserving the culture and noble values contained in them, and buildings that are public or multi-work can give messages about enthusiasm, hard work, discipline, fighting spirit, and so on . The Betterpad-Ray model/maquette/mockup has three core buildings that not only display the unique style of each culture, but are also able to give a message with adequate decoration, building patterns, and facilities.

Buildings that have messages do not just look at the shape, but also with the building layout and the provision of good and comfortable infrastructure. It's useless if you want to convey a moral message, but the building that was made instead gives a bad impression so that its weaknesses are always remembered without receiving the intended good message. By making a nice and neat building, the point is also already giving a message about the need to do good and maintain neatness wherever and whenever. Then the new special message is conveyed with its own style or pattern that is considered attractive and easily accepted by people.

A broad example, the Shahada Mosque is a place of worship that must provide a message of cleanliness with the location of ablution rooms and sanitation rooms that are orderly and clean. Then can give a message about religion by displaying sacred verses and written art. Pendapa Peradaban/Civilization Pavilion is a traditional architectural style building that gives a message about the nature of openness and willingness to accept the opinions of others as a lesson, displayed with an open side of the building that is only supported by pillars without walls. In pendapa can be displayed decoration that gives a message about the existence of Nusantara culture from Sabang to Merauke. The Betterpad-Ray Main Building can be considered an office that is built with a clear and regular layout so that the work inside is carried out in a disciplined and orderly manner.]

                                       Betterpad-Ray Main Building Design        

[Thus the article mixed with science and discussion about the design of the Betterpad-Ray Mockup/Maquette/Model. There is no perfect paper, because only God is the most perfect. We apologize if there are mistakes and please criticize and advise. Thank you.]

Reference:

§  Ir. Baskoro Adi, IAI. Jati Diri Arsitektur Indonesia. 1997. Bandung: Penerbit Alumni (Publisher). * Includes: Ir. Budi A. Sukada, Grand.Hond, Dipl. (AA), as stated in the reference book.

(https://archive.org/stream/BooksArsitektur/1140_Jati%20Diri%20Arsitektur%20Indonesia#page/n1/mode/2up)

BETTERPAD-RAY MAQUETTE - What Is a Healthy Home?

The house is a place for humans to be inhabited and carry out activities needed safely. The house is a place for humans to shelter from the weather and the environment, to strengthen family relationships, the place for primary education and care for the body, and the characteristics of human lifestyles.

A livable house is based on health factors as the main concern, before physical appearance and architectural style. Health is very influential in determining whether or not a house is suitable for living, because a healthy home must meet the objectives of the home. With a clean and healthy home, the occupants receive great benefits in health, both physical and psychological quality.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the criteria for a healthy home are as follows.

1.      Must be protected from rain, heat, cold, and function as a resting place,

2.      There are places for sleeping, cooking, bathing, washing, toilet and bathroom,

3.      Can protect its inhabitants from the dangers of noise and free from pollution,

4.      Free from dangerous building materials,

5.      Made of building materials that are sturdy and can protect its inhabitants from earthquakes, collapse, and infectious diseases,

6.      Provide a sense of security and a harmonious neighbor environment.

In the first point, it is explained that the house must be able to protect its inhabitants from inconvenient weather. The house is a place to rest after doing activities so the comfort factor must be considered. The weather that is not friendly and sometimes easy to change is something that disturbs comfort. Houses are made to meet human needs to be protected from weather disturbances that can be bad for the body.

For example is rain, very humid air conditions and low temperatures are prone to cause diseases that are mainly caused by viruses. Rain is basically the usual weather and a blessing for life. However, if humans linger in the rain while their endurance is not strong enough to withstand, of course it will disturb their health and will have difficulty doing activities as usual. A closed house can protect people from the negative effects of direct rain. The roof is the most important part in holding back the heavy rain, after which is the wall. A good roof should not be penetrated or crossed by rainwater that enters the house.

The temperature also affects comfort. The temperature that is not hot and not cold is preferred. When the body is outside the house when the weather is not good, the air temperature is immediately felt by the body, except if you wear clothes that are able to cope. The house must be able to withstand outside air temperatures that are not expected so that activities at home can run smoothly. Especially at rest, the right air temperature is desired.

In the second point, the house is called a shelter that has several rooms according to the functions needed. Sleep is an important requirement to keep the body's metabolism running smoothly. About one third of one day's time is used for resting and sleeping. In a long time, the room for sleep must be a safe and comfortable room so that the quality of sleep is good. Cooking is a human activity that must be accommodated in the house. Many human foods must be cooked first to be fit and healthy for consumption. A place for cooking or a kitchen is a vital place in the house. The kitchen must be specially made with adequate equipment. As a place that has a lot of food and is easily damp, its cleanliness must always be carefully maintained because it affects the quality of food consumed and also the atmosphere in the house.

A good home is a house that provides a place to clean so that life is always healthy. Sanitation and bathrooms are places that are directly related to cleanliness. Bathing is an important requirement because it cleans the body of all impurities that stick to it and makes the body feel fresh so that it feels comfortable. So, the equipment for bathing must be adequate and clean. Various items worn by humans, such as clothes and cooking utensils, are sure and easy to get dirty after use. In order to be used again, of course it must be washed again.

In the third point, it is explained that the house must be able to ward off the presence of outside disturbances that interfere and have a negative impact on residents. The existence of events and activities in life must cause a variety of sounds. There are beautiful sounds, needed, or even annoying. In modern times that are fast paced and full of activity, the sound that is not pleasant to hear and more and more noise is heard. People who don't like to hear it will definitely try to avoid it. A closed house is basically able to ward off or at least reduce outside noise. Crowd and noise are things that should not be present in the home and surrounding environment. In other cases, the house or residential environment must be away from busy or industrial activities, or vice versa is the area that creates noise and disturbances must be far from the settlement.

In addition to sound, modern times pose a problem that is always faced, namely a lot of pollution, both air, water, and soil. Air pollution is a danger that is easily spread and felt by humans. Because of the nature of gas / air that is easily spread, the pollution it carries easily interferes with human life. It is hoped that the polluted air will not easily enter the house if there are trees or green spaces around the house. Houses must also be built far from sources of pollution, and places that cause pollution should not be built in settlements or nearby. Instead of shelter, contaminated homes will endanger the health of residents. So, governance in the risk of pollution needs to be considered and observed.

In modern life, there are some building materials that are processed through chemical processes that are sometimes harmful to the body. Just because it's for convenience and to reduce costs, don't let health be at stake. A healthy home uses building materials that are safe for the body. Apart from the substance, the physical appearance of building materials must not pose a great risk to the safety of the occupants. In addition to functioning as needed, building materials must be resistant to facing many threats and last even though they pass through various seasons.

Disasters surely cause damage. However, the house can be made so that it can avoid a big risk. Prevention of severe damage to buildings can start from the planning and design process. Disaster-resilient homes provide a calmer feeling for residents. The items in the house are safe too. Selection of the right material and design can reduce the risk of danger of collapse. Suppose there is collapse, then the consequences are small and not so dangerous to the occupants.

Another danger that is also threatening is the danger of diseases that are easily transmitted and spread which are usually caused by viruses. A healthy home must provide a place to wash hands with soap before entering the house to eliminate the source of the disease in the hand. This is one of the efforts to prevent the body from health problems. In certain parts of the house there are also places that can become a den of disease, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Both of these places must always be cleaned more thoroughly.

In addition to physical factors, psychological factors also need to be considered, because the direction will also be physical. Safety in the neighborhood makes clean and healthy living behavior always awake. Good social environmental factors also make every home will be maintained and health guaranteed. For example, such as the behavior of people who throw trash in their place is a positive example that can prevent the existence of diseases originating from scattered garbage.

According to Winslow, criteria for a healthy home include,

1. Can meet physiological needs,

2. Can meet psychological needs,

3. Can avoid accidents,

4. Can avoid the transmission of disease.

Humans need to move freely when in the house. It takes ample space to provide comfort in your activities, including resting. In modern times, with the increasingly narrow area of ​​land available, homes are increasingly made minimalist so that the size of the room is getting smaller. This is where the knowledge of architecture and interior design is needed to stay comfortable by getting around the conditions of the room. Making multi-storey houses (usually two) is the most common strategy found on how to meet the needs of a large space. Many furniture items have been made to fit the minimalist home conditions.

Whose name is the danger must be anywhere and the time is not known for sure. However, there is indeed hope for a place to stay as safe as possible and avoid harm. At least (if possible) do not choose or make a place to live in an area prone to disaster or accident. This can be traced by making personal observations or surveys about a good residential area. Then, there are also many houses today that are close to busy motorways. This is indeed dangerous and can not be avoided for those who already have a house near the highway. To minimize risk, a strong fence must be built in front of the house and the house is at least 10 meters from the highway.

In an age of epidemics, the movement to stay at home (for those who have no outside interests) is a solution to prevent transmission and cut off its spread. However, it is possible when someone who has just entered from outside the house, he might still carry the virus attached to the hand and move to parts or items in the house that are held, such as door handles, tables, chairs, and so on. So, in addition to providing a place to wash hands with soap before entering the house, disinfectant liquid can also be applied to parts of the house, especially the entrance. The disinfectant liquid is easily made using materials containing sodium hypochlorite mixed with water with a certain composition. Bleach is an example of a product that contains sodium hypochlorite.

[On another topic, the Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Mockup (Great Integrated Fortress) or Benteng Mural / Mural Fortress is a buildings complex design that also takes care of health, because there are also building designs for the health and medical fields. Health can be maintained in many ways, one of which is by maintaining the cleanliness of buildings. There are three public building designs that aim to be used by many people, namely the Shahada Mosque (Masjid Syahadat), the Civilization Pavilion (Pendapa Peradaban), and the Main Building of the Betterpad-Ray. In times of epidemics or pandemics, public buildings are indeed closed to prevent the crowd of people who have the potential for widespread transmission of disease. If the pandemic has stopped and life is back to normal, public buildings are buildings that always need to be considered for hygiene and health by preparing adequate hand washing facilities and diligently applying disinfectant liquid to the building.]

Design of the Shahada Mosque (Masjid Syahadat)

Civilization Pavilion (Pendapa Peradaban) Design

Betterpad-Ray Main Building Design

[Thus the article mixed with science and discussion about the design of the Betterpad-Ray Mockup/Maquette/Model. There is no perfect paper, because only God is the most perfect. We apologize if there are mistakes and please criticize and advise. Thank you.]

Reference:

§  Wicaksono, Andi A. Menciptakan Rumah Sehat. 2009.  Depok: Penebar Swadaya.

BETTERPAD-RAY MAQUETTE - Typology of Traditional Indonesian Architecture and Case Studies

Indonesian architects have various views on Indonesian architecture that were inherited by the ancestors. Basically, Yuswadi Salya does not agree if architecture is only observed as a mere physical object, and the architect's task is not to create the physical object but rather to interpret ritual behavior. The ritual aspect raises the element of 'mystery' because there is something that humans still don't know about what they do in the 'ritual activities'. Humans realize that as much as anything, trying as hard as anything to learn and know what they want to achieve, there are still many things that will not be achieved by humans. Behind something there must be something more difficult to reach. In life, after finding something behind something, it turns out there is still something that makes people want to dig more. And such endeavors have limits, in contrast to the vast unlimited dimensions. Likewise with the interpretation of architecture that incidentally 'works' of humans themselves, although indeed its development occurred since the days of ancestors, where it is no longer possible to know clearly about what is actually experienced by the ancestors because of death and time have separated between generations. The architectural interpretation of the ritual aspect should have given rise to the 'mystery' in it.

Betterpad-Ray / Mural Fortress Design Maquette from the Front

[When observing the building design mockups/maquette that have not yet been made, there must be something intriguing. Because it is only a small design, the shape of the model is certainly simpler than the original shape of the building. Questions will arise about how buildings will be made and what the function and purpose of each design is. With the mockup/maquette design that has been made neatly by paying attention to the composition and harmony, about whether the original form will be suitable and as good as the shape of the design is the long-awaited thing. If there is indeed no problem in development, the design of the model can be realized complete with details not yet described in the model.

Being curious is a feeling of something that remains a mystery. In the design of the model there is also a mystery that is not yet unknown to others with each view arising from the absence of a definite intention that is known. Although the original design of the model or building is usually requested or created by the owner of the project, an architect or maketor (who designs the model) has its own purpose in his work. Especially if the one who has a project is the one who directly designs himself, of course only God and he/she who knows. Others can accept explanations from those who make designs, but interpretations from one's own perspective will still arise. In the design model of Betterpad-Ray (Benteng Terpadu Raya/Great Integrated Fortress) or Mural Fortress also creates mystery for anyone who sees it and indeed there are various views that arise from the people who observe it. The existence of a very large pendapa (traditional pavilion) design is indeed something unique and extraordinary. Pendapa, as an official building that is open without a wall, has given rise to various interpretations of its unique structure. Even though there has been an explanation based on the heritage of the ancestors, the uniqueness of the pendapa remains a mystery.]

Suppose there is a picture of a pendapa with a natural landscape around it. In front of the pendapa there is an adult standing at a considerable distance pointing at the pendapa. Next to the person is a small child who looks in the direction the adult is pointing at. Of course there is a mystery that arises about whether the person appoints the pendapa itself or something that is behind the pendapa. This example is inspired by Abbe Laugier's drawings of primitive hut in his writing. It can be interpreted that young children are connoisseurs of art and adults are 'architecture', to refer to something that is shown (pendapa or something behind the mysterious). Different views from the example above can lead to various interpretations that lead to mystery. In this example it is not explained whether an adult said something pointed or not. Only an action is seen from the outside.

[In addition to buildings without wall, when seeing a picture of people pointing to a closed building also raises the mystery, whether what is pointed is something in front of the building, on the surface of the building, or that is in the building. When the pointed building is without wall, then the pointed point can also be behind the building without the wall, because what is behind it (the side behind the object being observed / in front of the observer) is clearly visible without any obstruction. When pointing at a closed building, it is difficult or unable to lead to something behind it, because it is impossible to know what's behind it. Unless you've seen an object that was seen at the back of the building and is thought to be still there or looking for something that is thought to be there. Of course it is only conjecture, unlike when you see something behind the pendapa or even an open hut that is clearly visible.

The design goal of a large pendapa (Pendapa Peradaban / Civilization Pavilion) in the design of the Mural Fortress was made so that people could see the scenery outside the pendapa more freely. What is meant by the front of Civilization Pavilion is the one facing the main yard of Betterpad-Ray, while the back is opposite to the front or close to the main building. Sometimes in government buildings, the back of the pendapa has a wall that can function as a screen or an explanation board as well as restricting public space from government work space. In the design of the Civilization Pavilion can also be made like that or may not.]

Basically, a primitive hut is an unclear form. His portrayal and examples of physical form have not or cannot be explained clearly by any person. Based on the description of Abbe Laugier, a simple primitive hut consists of four poles (wood stick) forming a rectangular right angulars formation and above it there are two facing triangle shapes, each of which rests on two poles and the two peaks of the three sides are connected by horizontal wood so that they can form a roof that uses leaves or grass. The structure is not yet known for certainty and its existence, but is considered 'ever' existed and manifested in human civilization, such as the statement of Robi Sularto and Darmawan Prawirodihardjo that has been mentioned in the article Studying Traditional Indonesian Architecture.

Top View of the Betterpad-Ray / Mural Fortress Maquette

Typologically, Indonesia's traditional architecture is in accordance with the depiction of primitive hut. Columns and roofs are the two main elements found in both of the above. The other elements are only secondary. When trying to draw the traditional architecture on a paper by simplifying its shape, whether it is a plan, cut, or outward appearance, the visible components are points (representing columns) and lines (representing sides of a flat dimension). If grouped by type, there will be two basic nature groups: linear and centered. If it is made in the direction of new functions and forms, these points and lines can be enlarged in dimensions, such as points that form columns of buildings and flat areas that form the roof, walls, and outlines of building elements. This action seems easy to imagine and can give a clear, simple but realistic depiction of real work. However, in order for the original image to be felt more, there are things that must be done, namely the point element must be more dominant than the line element.

In observing architectural works, not only the finished results are seen, the process is also important to note. Sometimes it's not the contents / meaning that is the main focus, but the outer skin. This is what led Robi Sularto to give a fairly piercing statement about the habit of 'looking at traditional architecture from the outside', so that 'loved by misunderstanding, and ridiculed without understanding'.

Medieval architecture is seen by Leon and Rob Krier as an ideal model because it illustrates the life of people who are able to show their existence, family, community groups, and the relationship of religious institutions with the government, not because of the shape or style of buildings in that era. At that time, every builder also acted as an architect, contractor, and artist. They are not learned scholars, but community service. While they were working on the construction of the building, the whole family also lived in the area of the building that was made and lived with community groups in that place. While their husbands work, all their life needs are met by the group concerned. That is, the process of making a building is also followed by rules about the life patterns of all parties in it. Therefore, the focus of the attention of the latest generation of typologists is the problem of urban city design, because the conditions are not organized and getting worse, both the physical and social conditions of the community. So, it is only natural that the search for Indonesian architectural forms starts in cities, while the sources of reference are sought in the countryside.

In Indonesia there is also a city regulation that regulates the relations between the community and government. This has been true since ancient times. From a personal point of view, the traditional era (indeed the size of the time is still wide) is able to reflect the socio-cultural life of the Indonesian people and its legacy is still sustainable today, even if only in part. Religion and government are two inseparable things in Indonesia. The public place of worship is located near the central government building, with the two facing a large square as a gathering place. Basically, the economy is the main thing that is considered by the government, because this is the main wheel of human life. Thus, the market is generally also located near the city center or crossroads. The government also needs to regulate public security and order in accordance with applicable law. So, the building to take care of legal matters also stands at the center of government. These are the elements of city building layout which at least all of them must be present.

Map of the Surakarta Sunanate Palace Area

Source: Google Maps

In Depok, there is the University of Indonesia campus whose overall development planning, as well as each of several buildings, uses a typology approach. This is to realize the purpose of university leadership, which is to reflect the taxonomy of science and express architectural values inherited from previous generations of builders in Indonesia. Even the name of the campus clearly uses the name of the country, so the design must also represent Indonesia. As a university located in the Jakarta metropolitan area, the capital city of Indonesia, of course the people in it, especially its many students, many come from various regions in Indonesia, both native to the region and because their parents moved and settled in Jakarta. Based on personal views, to present it all, the values of Indonesian architecture are displayed on the campus of the University of Indonesia to show pride in the noble sciences of the predecessors who can strengthen national unity.

The University of Indonesia Complex from Above

Source: Google Maps

[There are three main designs in the Betterpad-Ray Mockup/Maquette, namely the Shahada Mosque (Masjid Syahadat), Civilization Pavilion (Pendapa Peradaban), and the Betterpad-Ray Main Building. Basically, the building complex with the three objects is quite complete, the other is the design of complementary facilities that can support other useful activities. In general, the design of the Mural Fortress building complex was made to accommodate various social activities. With the various forms of buildings arranged with attention to composition and harmony, it is expected that between the activities carried out can be mutually sustainable, both directly and indirectly, with the aim of improving science and giving moral values.]

Design of the Shahada Mosque

 

Civilization Pavilion Design

Betterpad-Ray Main Building Design

[Thus the article mixed with science and discussion about the design of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Mockup. There is no perfect paper, because only God is the most perfect. We apologize if there are mistakes and please criticize and advise. Thank you.]

Reference:

§  Prof. Ir. Eko Budihardjo, M.Sc. Jati Diri Arsitektur Indonesia. 1997. Bandung: Penerbit Alumni (Publisher). * Includes: Ir. Budi A. Sukada, Grand.Hond, Dipl. (AA), as stated in the reference book.

(https://archive.org/stream/BooksArsitektur/1140_Jati%20Diri%20Arsitektur%20Indonesia#page/n1/mode/2up)

BETTERPAD-RAY MAQUETTE - Typology in the West as a Reference to Indonesian Architecture Typology

Front view of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette / Mural Fortress

[Western architecture is indeed famous throughout the world. Its colonial heritages can be found on every inhabited continent. So, it is not surprising that European architecture continues to be studied and compared with architecture outside the West. Indonesia, which experienced the colonial era, has many European architectural relics, especially from Netherlands. Dutch heritage buildings are generally in the form of wall structures painted in white and have large window sizes. The shape is fairly simple but magnificent. So, the design of the Betterpad-Ray Main Building in the model of Mural Fortress uses a simple style with a large window size that is suitable for use as an office or multi-functional building.

In Europe or the West, the development of architecture did go through several long periods. Each period has its own architectural style that makes the European region have a variety of building styles. In the hands and minds of experts, creativity in terms of architecture continues to roll according to the needs and conditions of his day. This can be used as a reference or comparative study for the development of architecture in Indonesia so that traditional architecture can also continue to be developed as needed.

Betterpad-Ray Maquette Design (Great Integrated Fortress) is a form of effort to display traditional architectural styles that are able to exist and in accordance with the times. The intended function of this maquette design is a building complex that provides educational, artistic and aesthetic value, accommodates a variety of activities, and social community. Although most of them are in traditional style, the design of the Mural Fortress also shows the characteristics of other nations, such as Arabic, Chinese and European. The dominant traditional style is combined with space efficiency in a modern architectural style so that it can become a multipurpose building complex.]

Historically, typological approaches can be divided into three periods. This was stated by historian named Anthony Vidler. The first period was the "encyclopedic" of the 19th century with the main role by Marc-Antoine (Abbe) Laugier. Primitive huts are a source of reference used in this case. In this group, the thoughts which most influenced the next period were Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand (1760-1834), in his paper: Summary of Lectures given at Ecole Polytechnique (1802-1805). The book contains a collection of drawings of various buildings from various countries and eras, which are grouped on the basis of their use and drawn on the same scale, both floor plans, pieces, and appearance. Durand took several tectonic elements from each group which according to him determine the character of each. From all that, he mixes it back to form various buildings that suit new needs. The targets achieved by Durand are newer, more effective, and economical functions, such as reduced building poles, narrower wall area, cheaper materials, and so on. With a new composition that has never existed before, Durand creates architectural styles that are deemed appropriate.

In another opinion, the existence of building structural elements that are used to support the top and give strength to buildings are usually large and take up space. Typically, buildings with high room sizes require large supports. Of course the aim is to create a spacious atmosphere and show grandeur. A large fee is needed for this kind of building. Indeed, especially according to a practical modern view, the effort to boast is not comparable to the function of the room which actually does not need excessive size. So, to create beautiful but effective and economical architectural works, the magnificent style was eliminated. Especially with the reduction of the pole, both the number and size, the number and size of the room can be added so that its functions more and more. Development costs can also be reduced. What's more, actually humans only need a comfortable shelter, no need to be too sparkling and wasteful.

At the end of the 19th century, a second period emerged where efforts were made to respond to the challenges of the industrial revolution. Within the theoretical scope, the pioneer in this matter was Walter Gropius. However, Le Corbusier was the first to realize it in designing housing in Pesac, France. In essence, the interpretation of a process is used as a model in design, as is also the case in the mechanization of mass goods manufacturing in the new industrial era. Tectonic elements are no longer a major concern in the design of architectural works, but their physical components are mass-produced after they have been rationalized first.

The typology approach of the two periods is very much oriented to form, ratio, and technology. In the first period, specific architectural styles for each particular building function became a habit that often arose. For example, government buildings use classical styles, religious buildings use Gothic styles, public buildings use mixed styles, and so on. Basically, that is not the purpose that Durand meant. Which is the result of the second period is the concept of International-style architecture (International Style) which can be known easily by many people. This style has been commercialized since the 1950s.

In everyday life, materials, tools, and even the form of finished materials that are ready to be assembled have circulated in shops that can be reached. With the presence of modern industry, manufacturers can make branded building materials so that visitors are easily recognized. This is different from pre-modern industrial times where rare materials are ready to be assembled. For example, roof trusses in ancient times were made from natural materials such as wood of different sizes, so they needed to be measured and cut in order to get the right size and as needed. Today, the size of the roof truss material is available in the same size and surface area. Modern materials are also easy to cut with modern tools. Even in public buildings, in the past there were no materials sold of the same size, except for tiles and bricks. In this day and age, building construction elements has been produced in the same size and can be adapted to cutting.

The third period occurred in the 1960s, but it was only noticed by architects in the 1970s to the present. Vidler called them "third generation rationalists". They are also called "Neo-Rationalists who apply the true meaning" said by Kenneth Frampton. Laugier wrote about the points about what they did:

1.        Seeing the meaning of architecture as inherited by forms that occurred in the past.

2.        Choose the basic forms based on inheritance in the previous points.

3.        Make a design proposal on the basis of recomposing the basic forms of inheritance that have been mentioned.

An example of this is the monument by Aldo Rossi from Italy which consists of three basic shapes, namely a circle, a box, and a triangle. The basic shape of the circle becomes a column, the box becomes a wall, and the triangle becomes a roof that rests on the wall and is supported by columns. However, it is not work like a primitive hut made, but rather shifted so that each element supports the other only at one point.

Piazza e Fontana Monumentale by Aldo Rossi

Source: Google Maps Street View

Human thinking about architecture is growing. But basically, when it reaches a certain level of complexity, humans want to see basic forms that are simple, but with a different processing from the early days of the existence of building structures. This monument by Aldo Rossi looks very simple. It is easy to draw without any difficulties. However, the work is indeed something that might have never been thought of before by humans. What is clear again, the structure is not used as a human protective building, but as a memorial monument to an event. So, the creative process can be done more flexibly without regard to the comfort factor and physical needs.

Top View of a Betterpad-Ray / Mural Fortress Maquette/Mockup Design

[Basically, the shape of a house or functional building doesn't need to be complicated. The simple form is sufficient as long as it is safe and comfortable. What is unique, with certain creativity, a variety of simple forms combined with certain positions can create aesthetics that are comfortable to look at. Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Mockup Design (Great Integrated Fortress) / Mural Fortress is a composition of basic shapes that can be found in various building models. Seen from above, the design of the complex building mockup/model is composed of simple basic shapes arranged according to function and size. There did not appear to be a very unusual form than usual. Simple buildings are generally in the form of rectangular floors because they are easily shaped and do not take up space. The circular image in the center of the complex's courtyard shows that the building's design pays attention to the beauty that comes from a combination of basic shapes and curved lines that show flexibility.]

The target typology of the Neo-Rationalist generation which is the place to be applied is the big cities in Europe or the suburbs that still have original views. In urban terms, cities are seen as a collection of buildings with variations in the shape and function of architectural objects, then the historical side is increasingly submerged by industrial progress. It is necessary to find a historical model that can describe the ideal pattern of social life to respond to the problem. Then look for aspects of the most appropriate physical formation of the model that is able to describe the ideal life and traced its basic forms. According to Leon and Rob Krier, the Middle Ages were seen as a time that could display the most ideal patterns of social life of European society. There are two aspects that become the ideal criteria, namely Squares (or "Alun-alun in Indonesia", in the form of an open space / field all sides surrounded by buildings) and a wide corridor or corridor between two rows of buildings, can be closed or open, and can also in the form of a hall on the edge of the building. From the square and the hallway, the basic forms that can be seen and determined the tectonic elements that compose it can be found. So, all of this can be arranged with a new composition so as to produce architectural works that do not repeat existing models, even though the basic forms remain clearly visible.

At the regional level, the activity of arranging basic forms also takes place in accordance with the power of creativity. For example, what was done by an architect named Mario Botta to the architectural objects of the regional nature he saw. Initially, he will determine the dominant basic forms of architectural objects that he observes carefully. The most visible characteristics of buildings in the area are also sought and identified, for example materials in the form of wood or brick walls. After that stage, he made a suggestion of basic forms based on the function of the building. The design and arrangement that is done is often unthinkable by many people, but still with a clear orientation, which shows and enlivens the best atmosphere of an area from within the building. After that, the character of regional buildings in the area is repeated without showing the original source. For example: concrete walls in new buildings are colored bricks, or color compositions that form a brick arrangement motif.

Complesso polifunzionale area ex-Appiani, by Mario Botta

Source: Google Maps Street View / Massinissa Dalla Costa

[In Indonesia, the concept of the square/alun-alun and the function of the building is long known. In every region in Indonesia, there must be a separate public open space or field that generally accommodates mass activities, such as traditional ceremonies and traditional games. Usually, the field is located in the middle of a settlement so that all its citizens can easily gather to attend the event procession. Specifically in Java, there are traditional city planning designs that are applied to the palace or city center with the square/alun-alun in the middle. The square or alun-alun is a large field that is usually used for mass events or activities. Usually, the square or alun-alun is rectangular and sometimes in the middle there is a tree (usually a banyan). Next to the four sides of the square are typical city buildings that have significant functions. The square and each building are separated by important roads that surround the square and are connected with other roads. The mosque is located on the west side of the square, the palace or government office is on the south side, the legal and court functions are on the east side, and the market is on the north. Actually and in fact, this does not have to be done and the position can be different except for the mosque. To be sure, the square must be surrounded by important and strategic buildings.]

Design of the Shahada Mosque/Masjid Syahadat

Pendapa Peradaban/Pavilion of Civilization Design

Betterpad-Ray Main Building Design

[In the design of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Mockup, there is a main yard that is designed to be large in size so that it can accommodate various activities comfortably and in relief. The mosque is very important position for Muslims (community), so the design of the Shahada Mosque (Masjid Syahadat) is located just west of the main yard. Whereas the Pendapa Peradaban (Pavilion of Civilization), which functions as a semi-open public space, is near the main courtyard towards the entrance to the main complex so that it is easily accessible. The main building which is the largest and is definitely considered to have the most important function is in the center of the Mural Fortress. The main building is designed in a square shape that surrounds an empty space or small park in the middle so that the inside of the building also gets sunlight. This is a design commonly found in important buildings in the West or other nations.

Thus the article mixed with science and discussion about the design of the Betterpad-Ray Maquette/Mockup. There is no perfect paper, because only God is the most perfect. We apologize if there are mistakes and please criticize and advise. Thank you.]

Reference:

§  Prof. Ir. Eko Budihardjo, M.Sc. Jati Diri Arsitektur Indonesia. 1997. Bandung: Penerbit Alumni (Publisher). * Includes: Ir. Budi A. Sukada, Grand.Hond, Dipl. (AA), as stated in the reference book.

(https://archive.org/stream/BooksArsitektur/1140_Jati%20Diri%20Arsitektur%20Indonesia#page/n1/mode/2up)