How to Reveal the Meaning of Space in Vernacular Architecture?

Abstract

Vernacular architecture is a modest style of building used to maintain the balance of human relations with nature. This architectural style is specific to a region and passed down from one generation to another to embody cultural values. However, its development is currently facing globalization and modernization challenges, thereby leading to a gradual shift of this ancestral heritage to modern buildings. Change is unavoidable due to continuous evolution, however, the meaning inherent architecture buildings need to be maintained because it contains the cultural and social values of the associated local community. Furthermore, vernacular building space is a place for social activities and contains historical meaning applicable to modern buildings. Its functionality responds to changes and the needs of times while maintaining the local essence. Therefore, this research aims to determine the suitable method needed to reveal the meaning of vernacular architectural space. Data were collected from the conscious mind of space users through in-depth interviews by applying epoche, which were further reduced, categorized, and integrated to determine its meaning. The data collected through a literature review were analyzed using the content analysis method. The results showed that transcendental phenomenology is the right method to determine the meaning of vernacular architectural space. Based on the results, it is concluded that the meaning passed down from one generation to another could be expressed through the conscious experience of space users. Furthermore, transcendental phenomenology helped reveal the meaning without the intervention of the author’s knowledge, therefore it is unbiased and applicable in modern buildings.

patrimonio arquitectónico modesto en zonas rurales: aproximaciones teóricas para su definición y caracterización

“…(Icomos, 1999, pp. 1-2) Por su parte, Oliver (1978), Maldonado Flores (2009 y Manurung et al (2021) indican que se trata de una arquitectura didáctica, ya que implica un proceso constructivo donde es posible advertir sucesivas transformaciones y adaptaciones, de acuerdo a la composición familiar, a las actividades productivas y según el trasfondo cultural dominante.…”

Local Wisdom and Sustainable Features of Tidore Vernacular Architecture

“…Setiadi [37] stated that local wisdom is part of a dynamic cultural tradition, and it can adapt to new unique creations. The local wisdom was also explained as a distinctive form of community expression and can adapt to the times without losing its local character [18,30,32,36]. This means the positive values inherent in the culture need to be preserved as essential lessons for future generations [19,20,38] (see Table 1).…”

“…It is important to note that vernacular building space is a place for social activities and contains historical meaning that can be applied to modern buildings. Moreover, its functionality responds to changes and the needs of different times while maintaining the local essence [18]. Ceylan [19] showed that the unique character of the architecture needs to be protected and maintained to allow future generations to also benefit from design features.…”

Roof Construction and Structural Transformation on Batak Toba Traditional House on Samosir Island

“…Transformation is defined as changing a form or expression into a new type of form with the same meaning from the function, characteristic, location, appearance, state, and nature [8]. Various attempts are being made to restore the loss of local wisdom, culture, and social values caused by traditional architectural transformations [9].…”