Sustainability principle in Nusantara architecture: Case study of the Tongkonan House, the Betawi Stage House, the Gadang House, and Lamin House

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and identify the principles of sustainability in case studies of several traditional Indonesian architectures, or more specifically known as Nusantara Architecture. This paper discussed the identification, application of principal thinking, analysis, and observation through literature review and hypothesis. In these three case studies, which are the Tongkonan House, Panggung Betawi House, and Gadang House, we found that each building was represented by the choice of forms, materials, functions, and structures, which used the local resources, and as well as the meaning of architectural elements found in the details. During the modernization, the characteristics of the Nusantara Classical Architecture began to be applied to the current architecture which emerged as the Nusantara Contemporary Architecture. Through this paper, we encourage the complexity of architectural design knowledge that reflect the genius-logic, technological development, identity, lifestyle, ethical and aesthetic values of the Indonesian, which have been developed by the ancestors and it is important to always become a consideration and precedent for the architects, planners, and decision-makers in the future.