Material Tectonics Variable Framework: A Study of Tectonic Theory Application in Contemporary Indonesian Architecture Analysis

Authors

  • Wahyu Hidayat Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
  • Ibrahim Tohar Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
  • Darmansjah Tjahja Prakasa Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v4i11.284

Keywords:

Material Tectonics, Tectonic Analysis, Indonesian Architecture, Local Materials, Architectural Framework

Abstract

This research identifies and formulates a material tectonics variable framework as an analytical instrument for assessing tectonic quality in Indonesian contemporary architecture. As a subset of broader architectural tectonics, material tectonics focuses on materiality as the primary generator of tectonic expression. Using qualitative approach with comprehensive tectonic theory literature review (Semper, Sekler, Frampton) and descriptive-interpretive analysis on two contrasting Indonesian case studies—Katamama Hotel (andramatin, 2015) and Biophilic Office (Andyrahman Architect, 2021)—the research identifies seven main variables: material honesty, structural expression, construction details, joint articulation, material-form relationship, tactile-visual experience, and constructive narrative. Analysis reveals Katamama demonstrates stereotomic brick tectonics (88.6% score) while Biophilic Office exhibits hybrid tectonic-biophilic wisdom (91.4% score). The framework successfully differentiates contrasting approaches while identifying shared characteristics of Indonesian material tectonics: material honesty as fundamental, local materials as identity markers, valued craft tradition, climate responsiveness, and embedded cultural narratives.

References

ArchDaily. (2016). Katamama / andramatin.

ArchDaily. (2022). Biophilic Office / Andyrahman Architect.

Architonic. (2022). Biophilic Office by Andyrahman Architect.

Youtube (2025)

FuturArc. (2023). Biophilic Office by andyrahman architect: A succession of brick craftsmanship.

Frampton, K. (1983). Towards a critical regionalism: Six points for an architecture of resistance. In H. Foster (Ed.), The anti-aesthetic: Essays on postmodern culture (pp. 16-30). Seattle: Bay Press.

Frampton, K. (1995). Studies in tectonic culture: The poetics of construction in nineteenth and twentieth century architecture. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Frascari, M. (1984). The tell-the-tale detail. VIA 7: The Building of Architecture, 23-37.

Kahn, L. I. (1961). Form and design. Architectural Design, 31, 145-154.

Leatherbarrow, D. (2009). Architecture oriented otherwise. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Oxman, R. (2012). Material-based design computation: An inquiry into digital simulation of physical material properties as design generators. International Journal of Architectural Computing, 10(1), 131-146.

Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses (2nd ed.). Chichester: Wiley-Academy.

Ruskin, J. (1849). The seven lamps of architecture. London: Smith, Elder & Co.

Sekler, E. F. (1965). Structure, construction, tectonics. In G. Kepes (Ed.), Structure in art and in science (pp. 89-95). New York: George Braziller.

Semper, G. (1851). The four elements of architecture (1989 trans. ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Semper, G. (1860-1863). Der Stil in den technischen und tektonischen Künsten (Vols. 1-2). Frankfurt: Verlag für Kunst und Wissenschaft.

Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres: Architectural environments. Basel: Birkhäuser.

Zumthor, P. (2006). Thinking architecture (2nd ed.). Basel: Birkhäuser.

Published

2025-11-28