Construction System and Environment Adaptation of Traditional Architecture in Moluccas Island

Abstract

Traditional architecture has a variety of original and smart techniques to meet various needs according to the cultural context and natural conditions. Moluccas Islands is a natural disaster-prone area that has several unique traditional houses and was formed based on local wisdom, climatic, and topography conditions since the 13th century. This study aims to explore the traditional architecture in North Maluku Island by literature study and field observation to understand the design principles and building construction systems in response to extreme environmental conditions and to find out the sustainable features of traditional architecture in the past. Research focuses on five traditional houses located in different locations and topographical conditions by observing and analyzing site conditions, building orientation, construction techniques, building materials, ornaments, typology, and philosophy buildings. Study results show that sustainable features can be found on traditional houses in North Moluccas Island. Traditional houses of North Maluku were built using limited resources by passive design strategies and response to extreme conditions to achieve occupant comfort with the basic concept of "spiritual-human-nature". The characteristics of buildings differ in each region according to topographic conditions and local wisdom but in the same strategy: "harmony with nature" so that the traditional architecture of North Maluku can provide a comfortable living environment for occupants over the centuries according to the resources available at that time. The success of the traditional architecture of North Maluku in adapting to extreme environmental conditions can inspire sustainable building designs in the future, especially for the archipelago context.

Local Wisdom and Sustainable Features of Tidore Vernacular Architecture

“…This research was performed through literature study, field observations, and interviews conducted by several previous researchers [15,20,48] to determine the positive values of the building construction system, environmental adaptation strategies, as well as the features of local wisdom and sustainability using descriptive and architectural analysis. The literature study involved searching online and offline for texts related to the traditional house of Gurabunga, especially those associated with the history and philosophy of the building.…”

“…This means vernacular architecture is a building designed based on local needs using local materials to reflect local culture and traditions. Moreover, it is usually constructed by people without formal design training, and this shows it is architecture without an architect [15,28].…”

“…It was defined as the "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" and has three pillars classified as the economic, environmental, and social aspects [40]. Furthermore, [15] also added culture as another pillar of sustainable development.…”

“…Unfortunately, the development of vernacular architecture is being eroded by globalization and modernization, thereby leading to the abandonment and replacement of ancestral heritage with the concept of modern buildings. On the other hand, some researchers also view that the materials and construction techniques of vernacular architecture are low quality and not adaptable to contemporary buildings [13][14][15]. Gangwar [16] stated that it is unnecessary to imitate all parts of traditional architecture, but some elements can inspire contemporary architecture.…”

Integrated Built Environment that Meets Human Needs for Thermal Comfort

“…Traditional architecture in the Arab world forms a living witness for the suitability of this architecture within the local environment, which incorporates the essence of sustainable architecture [1]. Traditional architecture is a characteristic and identity of an area, so it must be preserved and become a lesson for contemporary building design [2]. Traditional cultures embody ideas and principles on which sustainable living is based.…”