Architecture as a Cultural Mirror: In-depth Study in Selangor and Putra Jaya
Architecture as a Cultural Mirror: In-depth Study in Selangor and Putra Jaya
Faculty of Letters
Department of Art and Design
August 18, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 11
On August 16, 2024, Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, delivered an in-depth study on the role of architecture as a reflection of culture in his presentation held in Selangor and Putra Jaya, Malaysia. The presentation explored how the architectural designs of two major landmarks, namely the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves, reflect and integrate different cultural elements.
The Putra Jaya Mosque, located in the administrative center of Malaysia, is the main case study in this study. Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, describes how the design of this mosque reflects the integration of Middle Eastern architectural traditions with local Malaysian cultural elements. The mosque’s architecture, with its majestic domes and elegant minarets, adopts a Middle Eastern style known for its geometric beauty and intricate ornamentation. However, the mosque also incorporates local details, such as carvings and motifs depicting traditional Malaysian art.
Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, emphasized that Putra Jaya Mosque not only functions as a place of worship but also as a symbol of cultural unity and aesthetic adjustment involving different cultural elements. This shows how architecture can function as a medium to unite and celebrate cultural diversity.
Batu Caves, as a sacred Hindu site, offers a different perspective on how architecture reflects and adapts culture. Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, explains that the design of the temples in Batu Caves shows a blend of traditional Hindu art and contemporary innovation. The sculptures and ornaments inside the caves illustrate how classical Hindu art has been integrated with modern elements to create an experience that is relevant to today’s times.
The study also covers how the festivals and celebrations at Batu Caves demonstrate the interaction between Hindu traditions and local Malaysian culture, enriching the cultural experience at the complex. Hermanto underlines that Batu Caves is an example of how architecture can serve as a mirror of cultural acculturation and continuous adaptation.
An in-depth study presented by Yon Ade Lose Hermanto reveals that architecture, through the design of the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves, serves as a mirror of a complex and dynamic culture. Both show how architecture not only reflects religious and practical functions but also conveys messages about cultural integration and aesthetic adaptation. This study highlights the importance of understanding architecture as a product of a deep process of cultural acculturation, which illustrates the diversity and complexity of Malaysian society.