In the heart of Surakarta, Indonesia, a hidden architectural treasure troves lies within the Kalang community, a group deeply rooted in cultural and historical heritage. Their traditional houses, particularly the principal facades, offer a unique glimpse into a world of social narratives and craftsmanship that has remained largely underexplored. A recent study, led by Nicolaus Aji Kusuma Rah Utama from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (Bandung Institute of Technology), aims to change that by decoding and codifying the architectural anatomy of these facades, potentially opening new avenues for cultural preservation and commercial opportunities in the energy sector.
The Kalang indigenous community has long been known for their distinctive architectural styles, embodying social identity and craftsmanship. However, their insular nature has kept their architectural heritage under the radar of scholarly discourse. “The principal facade of a Kalang house is not just a wall; it’s a canvas that tells the story of the community,” says Rah Utama, the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering (Jurnal Arsitektur dan Teknik Bangunan Asia).
Rah Utama and his team embarked on a comprehensive study, employing archival research, field surveys, and architectural analysis. Their fieldwork, conducted between 2023 and 2024, involved detailed architectural drawings, semi-structured interviews, and photographic surveys of surviving Kalang houses. By identifying and analyzing the architectural elements that define these facades, they uncovered five salient features that recur across the houses: showcased kuncungan, transoms, columns, balustrades, and internal eaves.
The codification of these architectural elements within an analytical framework offers a foundational reference for future research and conservation efforts. But the implications of this study extend beyond cultural preservation. Understanding the architectural anatomy of Kalang houses can also inform sustainable design practices, which are increasingly relevant in the energy sector.
As the world grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, traditional architectural practices that have stood the test of time can offer valuable insights. The Kalang houses, with their unique design elements, may hold clues to energy-efficient building practices that can be adapted to modern contexts. “By decoding the architectural heritage of the Kalang community, we can uncover sustainable design principles that could be integrated into contemporary architecture,” Rah Utama explains.
The study’s findings could also pave the way for cultural tourism, a growing sector that can drive economic growth and create jobs. By preserving and promoting the Kalang architectural heritage, Surakarta can attract tourists interested in cultural and historical experiences, thereby boosting the local economy.
Moreover, the codification of Kalang architectural elements can serve as a blueprint for future developments in the field. Architects and builders can draw inspiration from these traditional designs to create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and culturally significant.
In conclusion, Rah Utama’s study is a significant step towards preserving and promoting the architectural heritage of the Kalang community. By decoding the principal facades of their traditional houses, the study offers a foundational reference for future research and conservation efforts. The implications of this research extend to the energy sector, where sustainable design practices are increasingly relevant. As the world looks towards a more sustainable future, the architectural heritage of the Kalang community may hold valuable insights that can inform and inspire contemporary design practices.