Understanding the Design Approach of Colonial Churches: De Nieuwe Kerk and De Oosterkerk in Bandung

Abstract

In the 1920`s Bandung was a new emerging city with widely open opportunities for architects to experiment and express their creativity in designing new buildings. In accordance with the significant European population growth, many Catholic and Protestant churches were constructed in the 1920`s to 1940`s period. De Oosterkerk, now GPIB Maranatha, designed by F. W. Brinkman in 1926 was one of the early colonial Protestant churches in Bandung. The construction itself finished in the following year, following De Nieuwe Kerk's construction, which is now GPIB Bethel at Jalan Wastukencana. De NieuweKerk that was designed by C. P. Wolff Schoemaker had a different architectural style compared to de Oosterkerk. Schoemaker had come forth with more elaborate details in his church. While Brinkman created a more conservative style. This article reveals some of the architectural design approaches of both churches and shows each style and its uniqueness.