Rebuilding sustainable place through the embodied image of the peranakan chinese house: Study of Kidang Mas in Lasem, Indonesia through Juhani Pallasmaa’s perspective

Abstract

This article is grown from a dialogue between Mr. Rudi’s childhood story as the sixth generation of Kidang Mas and the phenomenological perspective of Juhani Pallasmaa. Phenomenology by Pallasmaa is a powerful research strategy that is well suited for exploring the image within the Peranakan house of Kidang Mas. The strategy is expected to build a better understanding of the value of the Peranakan house. Pallasmaa’s perspective also proposes the “hands” to grasp the experiences through verbal sources turning into a concrete image. Verbal sources obtained from flowing and in-depth interviews supported by sensory activation, which engendered various fascinating and memorable childhood stories and activated all human senses. While the concrete images are conveyed through pictures based on the three most favorite childhood memory activities. The drawings were done using a pencil on paper. It is expected to elevate the sense of attachment of homeowners, local people, and visitors to the place which caused appreciation to the embodiment of Peranakan houses in Lasem as heritage buildings. This article gives another understanding of “rebuilding” sustainable place through the embodied image of Peranakan house in Lasem. The article also serves as a medium for disseminating knowledge about one of the Indonesian cultures to the wider audience.