Interpretation of Vernacular Elements

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 37 views

The Application of Critical Regionalism in Tourist Facility Buildings to Increase the Value and Image of the Case Study Area: Hotel Resort in Tongging, North Sumatra

Introduction

In today's era of economic globalization and rapid technological advancements, the concept of critical regionalism has emerged as a significant trend in architectural design. This contemporary approach aims to counteract the effects of universalization, cultural homogeneity, and modernism without places (placeless modernism) caused by globalization. The application of critical regionalism in designing tourist facilities, such as hotel resorts, is particularly relevant in areas like Tongging, North Sumatra, where the decline in value and image has been marked by environmental degradation and a reduction in tourist visits.

The Impact of Globalization on the Lake Toba Tourist Area

The Lake Toba tourist area, particularly in Parapat, has been significantly impacted by economic globalization and the spread of knowledge. As a result, this area has experienced a decline in value and image, characterized by the degradation of environmental quality and a reduction in the number of tourist visits. The lack of regional identity and the prevalence of modernist architecture have contributed to this decline. The concept of critical regionalism offers a solution to this problem by emphasizing the importance of regional identity and the optimal utilization of regional potential.

The Concept of Critical Regionalism

Critical regionalism is a contemporary architectural trend that arises as a reaction to universalization, cultural homogeneity, and modernism without places (placeless modernism) due to globalization. This approach emphasizes the importance of regional identity and the optimal utilization of regional potential. The application of critical regionalism in architectural design aims to improve and strengthen regional identity through the optimal utilization of regional potential.

The Study Location: Tongging Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatra

Tongging Village was chosen as the study location due to its high natural tourism potential and the increasing number of tourist visits. However, the tourism industry in this area tends to imitate Parapat, resulting in a lack of regional identity. The village's natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique architecture make it an ideal location for the application of critical regionalism in tourist facility design.

The Design Approach: Defamiliarization Method

The design approach in this study uses the defamiliarization method, which involves the process of searching, observing, and processing regional elements that exist in the location based on critical regionalism variables. These variables include:

*** Tread and Local Context: Understanding the geographical, historical, cultural, and socioeconomic context of the location. *** Climate: Applying tropical architectural principles to create comfortable and energy-efficient buildings. *** Space quality: Designing space that allows visitors to enjoy the natural potential and local culture. *** Interpretation of Vernacular Elements: Integrating Karo Traditional Architecture Elements into Design.

Comparative Study: Geoffrey Regional Architecture

As a comparative study, this research analyzed the works of Geoffrey Regional Architecture to study the mindset and design decision-making with the theme of critical regionalism. This analysis provided valuable insights into the application of critical regionalism in architectural design.

Results and Findings

The results of this study showed that design concepts that explore the potential and local site potential can increase the value and image of the region. Elements such as:

*** Visual quality: Utilization of beautiful and typical natural scenery. *** Topographic Conditions: The use of landforms to create unique space experiences. *** Natural Potential: Integration with the surrounding natural environment.

Tropical architecture was applied in various aspects of design, such as:

*** Building orientation: Utilizing sunlight and natural air circulation. *** Building mass form: Adjustment of building shapes with tropical climate. *** Space Organization: Space Separation Based on Function and Climate. *** Building construction: The use of materials that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with the climate. *** Micro climate improvement: Application of natural ventilation and lighting systems. *** Selection of building materials: The use of local materials that are durable and easily accessible.

The Concept of Space in the Area

The concept of space in the area provides opportunities for visitors to be able to enjoy the natural potential possessed by the site. The interpretation of the Karo Vernacular Element, especially the values of agrarian cultural, kinship, religion, and beliefs, as well as the culture of giving birth to a new form of symbiosis and became a building identity.

Conclusion

The application of critical regionalism in tourist facility buildings, such as hotel resorts in Tongging, North Sumatra, can be an effective example of strategies to increase the value and image of the area. By utilizing regional potential and integrating local cultural elements, architectural design can contribute to sustainable tourism development and environmentally friendly practices. This study provides valuable insights into the application of critical regionalism in architectural design and highlights the importance of regional identity and the optimal utilization of regional potential in tourist facility design.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Application of Critical Regionalism in Tourist Facility Buildings

Q: What is critical regionalism, and how does it relate to tourist facility design?

A: Critical regionalism is a contemporary architectural trend that emphasizes the importance of regional identity and the optimal utilization of regional potential. In the context of tourist facility design, critical regionalism aims to create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflect the unique cultural, historical, and environmental characteristics of the location.

Q: Why is critical regionalism important in tourist facility design?

A: Critical regionalism is essential in tourist facility design because it helps to create a sense of place and identity that is unique to the location. By incorporating local materials, cultural elements, and environmental features, critical regionalism can enhance the visitor experience and contribute to sustainable tourism development.

Q: What are some key principles of critical regionalism in tourist facility design?

A: Some key principles of critical regionalism in tourist facility design include:

Understanding the local context: This involves researching and understanding the geographical, historical, cultural, and socioeconomic context of the location.
Applying tropical architectural principles: This involves designing buildings that are comfortable and energy-efficient in tropical climates.
Designing space that allows visitors to enjoy the natural potential and local culture: This involves creating spaces that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the location.
Interpreting vernacular elements: This involves incorporating local architectural elements and cultural symbols into the design.

Q: How can critical regionalism be applied in tourist facility design?

A: Critical regionalism can be applied in tourist facility design through various means, including:

Using local materials: This involves selecting materials that are locally sourced and sustainable.
Incorporating local cultural elements: This involves incorporating local architectural elements, cultural symbols, and traditional practices into the design.
Designing buildings that respond to the local climate: This involves designing buildings that are comfortable and energy-efficient in tropical climates.
Creating spaces that allow visitors to experience the natural potential and local culture: This involves creating spaces that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the location.

Q: What are some benefits of applying critical regionalism in tourist facility design?

A: Some benefits of applying critical regionalism in tourist facility design include:

Enhanced visitor experience: Critical regionalism can enhance the visitor experience by creating a sense of place and identity that is unique to the location.
Sustainable tourism development: Critical regionalism can contribute to sustainable tourism development by promoting local culture, economy, and environment.
Increased regional identity: Critical regionalism can increase regional identity by incorporating local materials, cultural elements, and environmental features into the design.
Improved building performance: Critical regionalism can improve building performance by designing buildings that are comfortable and energy-efficient in tropical climates.

Q: What are some challenges of applying critical regionalism in tourist facility design?

A: Some challenges of applying critical regionalism in tourist facility design include:

Balancing local identity with global standards: Critical regionalism requires balancing local identity with global standards and expectations.
Managing cultural and environmental sensitivities: Critical regionalism requires managing cultural and environmental sensitivities to ensure that the design is respectful and sustainable.
Ensuring building performance: Critical regionalism requires ensuring that the building performs well in tropical climates and meets local building codes and regulations.
Managing stakeholder expectations: Critical regionalism requires managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring that the design meets their needs and expectations.