The Power of Local Materials in Sacred Architecture: A Creative Study in Malaysia
The Power of Local Materials in Sacred Architecture: A Creative Study in Malaysia
Faculty of Letters
Department of Art and Design
August 18, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 16
On 16 August 2024, Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, revealed creative insights on the use of local materials in sacred architecture in Malaysia through his presentation in Selangor and Putra Jaya. The study highlights how local materials not only enrich architectural designs but also deepen the meaning and cultural context in religious structures.
Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, explained that the selection of local materials in sacred architecture is not only about aesthetics, but also about how the materials reflect cultural identity and fulfill practical functions. In the Malaysian context, the use of local materials such as limestone, wood, and bamboo weaving gives a distinctive touch to religious structures, creating a close relationship between the building and its surroundings.
In his presentation, Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, outlined two main case studies: Batu Caves and Putra Jaya Mosque. Batu Caves, as a Hindu temple complex located within natural caves, utilizes the existing geological structure of the caves as the primary material. These natural caves provide unique characteristics to the architectural design and integrate the materials with the natural context, making it part of a larger religious experience.
In contrast, Putra Jaya Mosque uses local materials with a different approach. Although the mosque adopts international design elements such as the large dome, the use of local materials in decorative elements and building structures adds uniqueness and cultural relevance. Hermanto emphasized that materials such as local marble and traditional Malaysian carvings contribute to the aesthetics and identity of the mosque, making it a symbol of harmonious cultural integration.
Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, highlighted that the use of local materials in sacred architecture not only supports sustainability and cost efficiency, but also deepens the relationship between the building and its community. Local materials often have symbolic and cultural meanings that strengthen the religious and social meaning of the structure. By using materials that come from the surrounding environment, sacred architecture becomes more relevant and rooted in its cultural and geographical context.
The creative study presented by Yon Ade Lose Hermanto emphasized the importance of using local materials in sacred architecture. Through case studies of Batu Caves and Putra Jaya Mosque, Hermanto showed how local materials can enrich architectural design, reflect cultural identity, and strengthen the relationship between religious buildings and their communities. This presentation provided valuable insights into how architecture can utilize local resources to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also culturally meaningful.