Nusantaran Architecture as a constructed architectural identity: The researcher’s dilemma

Monthly PhD + Postdoc discussion forum

Nusantaran Architecture as a constructed architectural identity: The researcher’s dilemma

Diah Asih Purwaningrum (Roro)

The Indonesian government has incorporated the emerging ‘Nusantaran Architecture’ in its massive national tourism plan – dubbed ‘the Ten New Bali’, accentuating a narration of culture preservation. Despite questions surrounding the term and the critiques over cultural commodification, the ‘Nusantaran Architecture’ narrative has successfully captured a people’s notion of ‘being Indonesia’. This is framed as part of the country’s architectural identity and an ideological representation. This discussion offers conceptual and empirical insights that speak to some critical questions: How should researchers position themselves in facing the dilemma over the issues of post-colonial modernism, the indigenous architecture, and cultural commodification through tourism? Should one follow the widely accepted ideological grand narratives constructed with a specific purpose of raising people’s sense of belonging? Or should they go the theoretical body and dismiss the empirical evidence?

Join the presentation and the following open discussion:

Wednesday Jan 29, 2-3:30pm (Hansen Yuncken Room, MSD 408)

No RSVP required.

Light refreshments provided.