Transformation of the Traditional Style in Contemporary Long Span Buildings: The Case of Majapahit

Abstract

Globalization endangers local architectural diversity by favoring international styles over unique local identities. Critical regionalism counters this by emphasizing local context and identity in design. In Indonesia, this phenomenon of globalization has distanced architecture from its cultural roots, making the preservation of cultural heritage essential for reconnecting communities with their environments. This study focuses on transforming Majapahit architecture into long-span structures, blending imagination and fantasy while revitalizing cultural heritage in a modern context. Through qualitative methods such as description, analysis, and interpretation, the research explores the characteristics of Majapahit architecture in temples and other structures in Trowulan to look for their potential transformation as well as the comparison between traditional and contemporary elements. The results indicate that the transformation of Wringin Lawang Gate model and the Surya Majapahit ornamentation are capable to achieve direct Majapahit representations, while indirect representations can be achieved using transformation techniques, such as model repetition and negative space. This research is beneficial for future development of Majapahit architecture transformation and preserving local identity in the globalized world.