Reference for contextual design

Abstract

The aim of contextual design is often understood as design of new building which compatible with its surrounding. The architect has to take some values from the existing environment, and use these as a reference for his design. It's not an easy task to choose the right reference from so many elements exist in certain environment. This paper is developed through desk study and comparison of several opinions about contextual design, and the study about urban planning and character of everyday life in urban context. Every built and natural environment has its unique character, local wisdom, and spirit. These values are important, and need to be preserved, but not in static way. All elements in the environment have dynamic nature. From this point of view, contextual design has to be based on a reference, taken from the existing environment that has local wisdom and local spirit, and used dynamically in the design process.