Architect’s Footsteps: Revealing the Story Behind the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves
Architect’s Footsteps: Revealing the Story Behind the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves
Faculty of Letters
Department of Art and Design
August 18, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 11
On 16 August 2024, Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, presented an in-depth study of the architectural journey in Selangor and Putra Jaya, Malaysia. The presentation revealed the stories behind the designs of two important landmarks, namely the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves, and how they reflect the creative process and profound cultural influences.
Putra Jaya Mosque, located in the administrative center of Malaysia, is a magnificent example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Hermanto digs deeper into the inspiration behind the mosque’s design. The architects of Putra Jaya Mosque adopted distinctive Middle Eastern design elements, such as large domes and elegant minarets, while adding local Malaysian touches through traditional carvings and motifs.
Hermanto explains how the design process involved a combination of established Islamic traditions with local aesthetic and cultural needs. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also serves as a symbol of cultural integration and Malaysian national identity. The use of local materials, such as marble and traditional carvings, enriches the design and provides a deep cultural dimension.
Batu Caves, a Hindu temple complex set within natural caves, offers a different perspective on sacred architecture. Hermanto explores the story behind the design of the temples at Batu Caves, which reflect adaptation to the natural cave environment and the influence of traditional Hindu art. The large statues and detailed ornaments are the result of the interaction between Hindu craftsmen and the surrounding environment.
The design process of Batu Caves involved a combination of traditional Hindu aesthetics and adaptation to existing geological features. Hermanto describes how the design not only creates a sacred religious space but also integrates harmoniously with the surrounding nature, making it an integral part of a profound religious experience.
Yon Ade Lose Hermanto’s presentation revealed that both the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves are the result of a deep creative process, where architecture serves as a reflection of local culture and context. The architect’s footsteps in designing these two landmarks show how design can integrate traditional elements with contemporary innovation, creating structures that are not only functional but also meaningful.
The stories behind the designs of the Putra Jaya Mosque and Batu Caves demonstrate how architecture can serve as a medium for expressing cultural identity and environmental adaptation, providing valuable insights into the relationship between people, culture and the spaces they create.