Tropical Architecture Research
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Leonardus Murialdo Fransiskus Purwanto



Indonesia is located at the equator and has a climate typical in the tropics: warm und humid. Its numerous islands (numbering no less than 18.000), various cultures, ethnic groups, flora and fauna make indonesia an interesting country.There exists more than 300 traditional architectural styles, which have adapted themselves to their local natural surroundings and climate. they provide good examples of building construction in the tropical region. MAny are built according to the local concept of nature, relegion and tradition. Their building materials come from natural materials avaliable from their local environment. 

              Bali temple                                                           Batak house in Sumatera

Joglo house in Jawa

     Minangkabau house in Sumatera                                     Toraja house in Sulawesi

Studying Indonesian traditional architecture brings two obvious benefits, namely:
  • Development of novel building materials, wich suit the tropical climate
  • New ideas on building/construction techniques from the traditional architecture
Through careful examination of various traditional architecture close relationship between them and environmental variables could be extracted. In addition, I believe that such study enriches one�s self and expanding own�s horizon in the understanding of different cultures. It could also be a catalyst in development of new ways and new ideas. I am looking forward to your positive response and enthusiasm.

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