Spatial Characteristics of Rumah Gadang Kajang Padati in Padang, Indonesia

Abstract

Rumah Gadang Kajang Padati is a traditional Minangkabau house in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, located in the Pauh District. This area is historically important as the early settlement of Minangkabau ancestors in the Rantau region. The research explores the unique characteristics of this traditional house and its significance in the cultural and social practices of the community. The study uses a qualitative approach, which involves field observations, interviews, and documentation to analyze the spatial layout of the house. Previous studies were also analyzed to complement the findings of the field study. The results indicate that Rumah Gadang Kajang Padati has distinct spatial characteristics compared to other traditional houses in Darek, particularly in terms of the smaller number of rooms. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding spatial characteristics of these houses in preserving cultural heritage. The findings contribute to the understanding of traditional Minangkabau architecture, particularly in the context of the Minangkabau region and the preservation of cultural heritage. This provides valuable insights for architects, urban planners and policymakers. Moreover, the study underscores the significance of preserving cultural heritage sites such as Rumah Gadang Kajang Padati, as they symbolize the community identity and the cultural continuity of the people living in vernacular settlement such as the Padang people.