Reflecting the Spirit of Modern-Indonesia Through Architecture: The Icono-Symbolical Meanings of Jengki Architectural Style Case Studies: Bandung Polytechnic of Health Building and Bumi Sangkuriang Meeting Hall in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Purnama Salura,Reginaldo Christophori Lake,Stephanie Clarissa

doi:10.22452/jdbe.vol20no2.2

Abstract

The architectural discourse in Indonesia generally focuses on traditional architecture that represents specific regional icons, the synthesis of traditional architecture with European-style architecture, and modern architecture inspired by International Style. This research focuses on the architectural style in Indonesia which flourished in the 1950s, known as the Jengki architectural style. This architectural style is essential in the history of Indonesian architecture, considering that the style reflects the spirit of nationalism and post-colonial Indonesian. This research aims to explore the icons of Jengki architecture, by elucidating the architectural concepts that underlie the two oldest Jengki buildings in Bandung, West Java. The analysis showed that the characteristics of this architectural style shown by the configuration of architectural elements resembling the form of a pentagon, mostly asymmetrical in spatial layout, playful articulation of ornaments, and the use of local materials. The pentagon becomes an icon of Pancasila, which is a foundational principle of the new Indonesian state and symbolize the meaning of nationalism. Thus, the icon which also represents symbolic meaning becomes an essential aspect in the design of Jengki-style buildings in the future. This icon can be an alternative to be applied to modern buildings that are intended to display national icons, rather than particular regional icons. Besides enriching the architectural knowledge of Indonesian architecture, the results of this study are beneficial to architectural practitioners, stakeholders, and architectural conservationists as well

Highlights

As one of the cultural artefacts, it is believed that architecture could represent the social conditions of the local community, as well as the development of ideology and political practice adopted by a society (Dovey, 1999; Sudjic, 2005)
These changes has an impact on the development of its architecture (Chandra, 2012; Salura & Clarissa, 2018). In line with this development, the historiography of Indonesian architecture generally begins with a review of European-style architecture (Empire Style) which was adopted by the colonial government
As explained in the introduction, this research aims to explore the concepts underlying Jengki architectural icons to be applied to modern buildings in the future

Summary

Introduction

As one of the cultural artefacts, it is believed that architecture could represent the social conditions of the local community, as well as the development of ideology and political practice adopted by a society (Dovey, 1999; Sudjic, 2005). Historical records show that after the era of Hindu and Islamic Kingdoms, Indonesia had gone through a series of changes of governmental practice, beginning with the Dutch colonial practice in 1800, until postindependence. These changes has an impact on the development of its architecture (Chandra, 2012; Salura & Clarissa, 2018). In line with this development, the historiography of Indonesian architecture generally begins with a review of European-style architecture (Empire Style) which was adopted by the colonial government. Whereas in the 1970s, when the thought of celebrated architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius was made

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