Environmental Aspects and Historical Development of Colonial Architectural Heritage in Aceh

Abstract

Colonial architecture is an architectural style derived from a mixture of European architecture that adapts to the local environment and climate, in this case the tropical climate of Indonesia. Therefore, colonial architecture is one of a good example of some traces of climate and environmental effects on built environment. Thus, this study wants to examine the environmental adaptations of colonial buildings in Aceh by taking examples from Banda Aceh. The city is amongst important cities during the Dutch colonial occupation. This research uses qualitative methods with observation, interview, and archival studies and documentation. This research aims to tie together the literature review of the historical narratives, climate adaptation, and cultural adoption of colonial architecture especially in Aceh and how it relates to wider Indonesia context. It uses some fieldwork data and analysis undertaken in Aceh. This study shows that raised-floor building and uses of timber are amongst obvious traces of environmental adaptations to Aceh. Through its historical developments, colonial architecture has adapted to tropical aspects. This highlights the importance of climate and environment in shaping colonial buildings and the ways in which colonial buildings adapts to local conditions to create functional and aesthetical spaces. Thus, further study can be undertaken to see how then cultural and environmental aspects influence the development of colonial architecture in contemporary uses and its conservation dilemma.