Transformation of function, form, zoning, circulation and material of Rumoh Aceh “Study of Aceh traditional architecture in Montasik sub-district, Aceh Besar”

Abstract

Along with the time running, traditional architecture starts to be limited by time. While traditional architecture is a self-identity of a region. The location of research is Province of Aceh, namely in Sub-district of Montasik, District of Aceh Besar. The objects of study are traditional house buildings called as Rumoh Aceh. Because, principally, all buildings have similarity; thus, samples were taken randomly from each village. The formulation of questions is to identify transformation of function, form, zoning, circulation and materials of Rumoh Aceh found in the Sub-district of Montasik. The objectives of this study are to understand transformation occurring in Rumoh Aceh in the Sub-district of Montasik over time in order to know causal factors; moreover, it is expected to be reference to the Rumoh Aceh itself. This study used descriptive-qualitative method to adopt phenomena directly (what, who, and where the research location is). This method can interpret and associate data, important situation, attitude, point of view, conflict, and others. Because this study is direct, the techniques of observation and survey (primary data) keep to be choice, such as, interview and documentation. Relevant references to data can be analyzed and developed (secondary data). The results of study indicate that Rumoh Aceh found in Sub-district of Montasik, in terms of functional transformation, is still ideal, but there are changes in function in lower parts of building, that previously functioned as animal breeding area, rice storage and rest area, now it changes into permanent space functioning as room, storage area, bathroom, and cloth drying area. Moreover, we seldom find terrace and gate areas in front of building. While form transformation in Rumoh Aceh tend to be unchanged. Rectangular and triangular form keep to be choice. Transformation of zoning and circulation only occur in lower parts of building because there are additional rooms and functional change of rooms so that automatically circulation system also changes according to needs. Along with time running, transformations of building materials are found in roofs. Before, Rumoh Aceh used local materials, such as, rumbiah leaf plait; now, iron sheets dominate the Rumoh Aceh. Moreover, use of brick materials is widely found in lower parts of building. Current materials, such as, plywood and acrylic, are found in nearly each Rumoh Aceh, especially in door and window blades.