Reconstructing the Understanding of the Symbolic Meaning Behind the Architecture of Javanese Traditional House

Abstract

The architecture of traditional Javanese houses is full of symbolic meaning because they function as embodiments of the vertical (sacred), internal (private) and horizontal (social) relationships that are expressed in the activities, places, spaces and shapes as well as the meaning behind them. The current understanding of traditional architecture focuses on mere physical formation. The architecture of traditional Javanese houses is currently experiencing development both in terms of activities carried out in them as well as their physical shapes. These changes are caused by the added non-household activities, a shift of views on the part of the house owners and residents which results in the development of symbolic meaning. Understanding of the symbolic meaning behind the architecture of traditional Javanese houses—which separately examines the five aspects above— requires a deconstruction so that one may gain a thorough grasp of new understanding. The methods used are: (1) subjective observation on the activities and furniture arrangements in every room, the placements for the new activities and rooms for movement based on compositional principles. (2) Juxtaposing the structures of symbolical meaning between cosmological architecture of traditional houses with the current architecture of Javanese traditional homes to learn the development of symbolical meaning. (3) Conducting in-depth interviews to learn symbolical meanings according to the residents' views. These interviews are also done to clarify the subjective research done by the researcher. The objective of this research is to obtain a research method that is able to express a deep, holistic understanding of symbolical meaning. The significance of this research is to pose as a stakeholder in formulating policies in relation to the continuity and enrichment of the architecture of traditional houses.