A Closer Look Bali’s Beautiful Architecture
Bali is a small island that has a wealth of unique architecture. Bali’s architecture is based on Balinese Hindu principles. Arkana Architects – Bali Architecture Firms is a group of experienced architects who create attractive Balinese architectural works by combining traditional elements with modern designs.
History of the Development of Bali’s architecture
Based on a 2020 journal by I Kadek Dwi Noorwatha from ISI Denpasar, the history of the development of Bali’s architecture provides an overview of the architecture of the next period so that it does not eliminate the elements that existed in the previous period.
For example, the architecture of the ancient Balinese period, Bali Aga and Bali Mula architecture were still maintained in the Bali Aryan era, even into the modern era. Proving that Bali’s architecture can adapt to architectural developments and coexist with diversity.
Bali’s Architectural Riches
Buildings in Bali that are famous for their traditional architectural style are temples and traditional houses, which in determining their design take into account many factors such as climate and environment.
Generally, these buildings have terraced and wavy roofs with beautiful ornamental decorations. The architectural style is also increasingly artistic with very detailed carvings. Traditional Balinese buildings are usually made from natural materials, such as wood, stone, bamboo, and straw.
Modern buildings in Bali also maintain traditional styles to maintain the uniqueness of Bali’s architecture. For example, the Hay Village villa complex in Canggu by Arkana Architects – Bali Architecture Firms was built by combining elements of traditional Balinese, Javanese, and Sumatran architecture, as well as a touch of the peaceful atmosphere of Ubud.
Balinese Architectural Concept
Bali’s architecture has a deep philosophy. Balinese architectural buildings are built based on the following concepts.
• Tri Hita Karana
Tri Hita Karana also means three causes of prosperity in life, including the relationship between humans and God (Khaya), humans and the environment (Angga), and humans and each other (Atma).
• Tri Mandala
The Tri Mandala concept regulates the layout of the room in certain positions, including:
- Nista Mandala, front room for daily activities.
- Madya Mandala, the middle room is for the family room and dining room.
- Main Mandala, back room for worship and storing valuables.
• Sanga Mandala
The Sanga Mandala concept has a philosophy of depicting the nine cardinal directions, in the form of Kaja-Kelod (mountain-sea) and Kangin-Kauh (sunrise-sunset). Sanga Mandala is used as a sacred reference when determining the location of temples and the position of Bali’s architecture and pays attention to the four pancathadu (water, earth, fire, and air) in spatial planning.
• Tri Angga and Tri Loka
The Tri Angga philosophy means three parts of the human body that are closely related to the 3 values of the physical body, the head which regulates the microcosm, the body which regulates the middle area, and the feet which regulate the macrocosm.
Then, the Tri Loka describes three loka (nature), including pati (lower realm), buwah (middle realm), and swah (upper realm). On the scale of the earth’s regions, they are mountains (main), land (madya), and oceans (nista).
• Asta Kosala Kosali
These are the rules in Bali’s architecture which consist of eight aspects, including size, shape, arrangement, location, direction, materials, colors, and ornaments.
• Arga Segara
Arga Segara (mountain to sea) or Kaja-Kelod (North-South) is a Bali architectural concept based on the cardinal directions. The mountains are intended as the abode of gods (parahyang), the plains as the world of humans, and the sea as the world of evil creatures.
Factors Affecting the Wealth of Bali’s Architecture.
Bali’s architecture is influenced by various factors. The following is an explanation of the factors that influence Bali’s architectural riches:
Religion
Bali’s architecture is strongly influenced by religious elements, such as Balinese Hinduism. The concepts used are Tri Hita Karana and the Tri Semaya (past, present, and future).
Culture
Culture influences the spatial planning of Bali’s architecture with the philosophy that humans are elements of the universe.
Environment
The environment is a factor that influences Bali’s architecture, where traditional or modern rules also discuss environmental issues. The concept used is Tri Angga to group land use and Asta Gumi for building layout.
Technological Development
Technological developments influence the Balinese architectural style, which is usually used to build modern houses. The materials used are concrete and steel but still retain the ornaments and carvings that are characteristic of Bali’s architecture. One group of architects who have implemented technological developments in Bali’s architecture is Arkana Architects.
Climate
Bali has a tropical climate, which influences the Balinese architectural style. For example, traditional houses always have good ventilation and use natural materials to keep the rooms inside the house cool.
Bali’s architecture is not just about beautiful buildings but reflects the rich culture of the Balinese people. Not surprisingly, Bali’s architecture is an inspiration for many architects around the world.
One of the Balinese architects who is experienced in Bali’s architecture is Arkana Architects – Bali Architecture Firms, a group of architects who are skilled at combining modern and traditional Balinese elements.