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Bukaan
THEORY & MATHEMATICSbeginner
Definition
An opening — any aperture in a wall, floor, or roof that allows light, air, or movement to pass through. In Indonesian architectural discourse, bukaan refers generically to windows, doors, vents, and gaps and is the primary variable in passive climate design. The size, position, and orientation of bukaan determines the effectiveness of ventilasi silang and the quality of daylighting in a space.
Example
In designing a tropical house, architects typically calculate the ratio of bukaan to floor area — Indonesian green building guidelines recommend a minimum window-to-wall ratio and specific placement of bukaan on opposite walls to achieve effective cross-ventilation.