Talking Architecture: Hearing Stories from Stone and Concrete
Talking Architecture: Hearing Stories from Stone and Concrete
Faculty of Letters
Department of Art and Design
August 18, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 4
On August 16, 2024, Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, held an interesting presentation entitled “Speaking Architecture: Listening to Stories from Stone and Concrete” in Selangor and Putra Jaya, Malaysia. This presentation reveals how architecture, through its materials such as stone and concrete, can convey deep and meaningful stories.
Batu Caves, a Hindu temple complex located in natural caves in Selangor, is a prominent example of how architecture speaks through stone. Hermanto explains that the caves, which are used as places of worship, have deep symbolic and historical value. Every element of the design, from the large statues to the reliefs that adorn the cave walls, reflect spiritual stories and Hindu traditions that have existed for centuries.
The use of stone in the design of Batu Caves serves not only as a structural material but also as a medium to express spiritual grandeur and power. Hermanto describes how the adaptation of the design to the natural cave environment adds a unique dimension to the religious and cultural experience offered by the complex. Meanwhile, the Putra Jaya Mosque in Putra Jaya, Malaysia, uses concrete as a primary element in its design. Hermanto discusses how the use of concrete in this mosque is not only related to structural needs but also to the symbolism of modernity and strength. With its large domes and majestic minarets, the mosque reflects the grandeur and national pride of Malaysia.
Concrete, a material often associated with strength and stability, is used in the design of the Putra Jaya Mosque to convey a message of progress and cultural integration. Local details integrated into the design, such as traditional carvings, add a cultural dimension to the use of this modern material.
Yon Ade Lose Hermanto, S.Sn, M.Sn, emphasized that both Batu Caves and Putra Jaya Mosque show how architecture speaks through the materials used. Stone as a symbol of strength and tradition in Batu Caves, and concrete as a symbol of modernity and stability in Putra Jaya Mosque, both convey a strong message through their designs.
This presentation provides insight into how architecture not only creates space but also conveys a profound narrative through the materials chosen. Through stone and concrete, architecture speaks to us about the history, culture, and values underlying each structure, making it a powerful medium for communication and expression.