Wasilah Wasilah

By Wasilah Wasilah

Architecture has a role in and responsibility for environmental management. The construction of buildings, installation of foundations, and paving of land result in the ground being unable to “breathe”; likewise, the materials selected for construction influence the surrounding environment. Over time, this situation has been exacerbated by climate change. In this situation, sustainable architecture and environmentally friendly construction are necessary. Built environments must respond to and appreciate their natural world through designs that respect their environment and rely on sustainable energy. This approach will create balance and harmony between built environments and their natural contexts. In developing sustainable architecture, we can learn from local wisdom and borrow from traditional architecture. The traditional architecture of the Indonesian Archipelago is diverse, being designed for varied environmental conditions. However, all traditional Indonesian approaches to architecture have the same approach: responding to and respecting nature. In their form and realization, the traditional architectures of Indonesia are adapted to their specific sites and social systems. Sustainable architecture, thus, can be understood as characteristic of local wisdom. This chapter will discuss the shape and form of Indonesian buildings within the context of sustainable architecture.

Part of the book: Integrative Approaches in Urban Sustainability