An additive manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital file. In architecture, 3D printing is used for detailed models, bespoke components, and increasingly for experimental full-scale construction. Concrete 3D printing is an emerging building technology.

Split-type air conditioning system — a comfort cooling system consisting of a wall-mounted or ceiling indoor unit connected via refrigerant lines to an outdoor compressor unit. AC split is the dominant cooling system in Indonesian commercial and residential buildings, preferred for its efficiency, quiet operation, and …

The design of buildings so that people of all abilities — including those using wheelchairs, walking aids, or with sensory impairments — can access and use them independently. Most building codes mandate minimum accessibility standards. In the UK this is addressed by Part M of the Building Regulations.

Regulations ensuring buildings are usable by people of all abilities, including mobility, vision, and hearing impairments. ADA and similar standards define ramps, doorways, restrooms, signage.

Indonesian architect (1926–2016) and the most prolific mosque designer in Indonesian history, responsible for designing over 600 mosques across the archipelago over a 50-year career. Achmad Noe'man developed a distinctly Indonesian mosque typology that departed from Arab-derived onion domes and minarets, drawing instea…

A skim coat of pure cement paste or fine cement-lime mix applied over plesteran to produce a smooth, paintable surface. Acian is typically 2–4 mm thick and applied by hand using a steel float, creating the characteristic white-grey surface of Indonesian interior walls before painting. The quality of the acian finish di…

The science of sound in buildings — covering how sound is generated, transmitted through air and structure, reflected off surfaces, and absorbed. Architects and acoustic engineers design for appropriate reverberation in concert halls, speech intelligibility in offices, and sound insulation between dwellings.

Aluminium Composite Panel — a sandwich panel of thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene or fire-resistant core, used for building cladding, signage, and interior partitions. ACP is lightweight, weather-resistant, and available in unlimited colours and finishes. It requires careful detail design to manage thermal…

A building facade that engages visually and physically with the street — through shop windows, entrances, permeable fencing, or activities visible from outside. Active frontages generate pedestrian interest and surveillance. Their opposite is the blank wall or servicing facade that creates dead zones.

A natural building material made from earth, clay, sand, and sometimes organic matter (straw), formed into bricks and dried in the sun. Adobe has been used in hot, dry climates for thousands of years. Its high thermal mass makes it ideal for desert environments — absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at…

Vector graphics software used for creating architectural drawings, presentations, diagrams, and illustrations. Illustrator excels at precise line work and typography.

Page layout and design software for creating publications, presentations, and documents. InDesign is standard for architectural monographs, presentations, and portfolios.

Image editing and compositing software widely used in architectural visualization. Photoshop enables photo-realistic rendering enhancements and presentation graphics.

Granular material (sand, gravel, crushed stone) mixed with cement and water to make concrete. Aggregate comprises about 75% of concrete by volume and affects strength, durability, and appearance.

Unintended airflow through gaps and cracks in building envelopes. Controlling air infiltration improves energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

The presence of contaminants (CO2, VOCs, pollutants) affecting health and comfort. Good air quality requires ventilation and low-emission materials.

The degree to which a building envelope prevents unintended air leakage. Air-tightness is measured through blower door testing and is critical for energy efficiency.

UPVC corrugated sheet — unplasticized polyvinyl chloride formed into a corrugated profile, used for roofing, cladding, and shed walls. Alderon is cheaper and lighter than metal roofing, with excellent translucency (allowing daylighting in warehouses) and good water resistance. The term 'Alderon' (a Palram brand) has be…

A step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a problem or generating designs. In architecture, algorithms drive parametric design, optimization, and computational form-finding.

The central open square of a traditional Javanese city, located in front of the kraton (royal palace) and the main mosque. Alun-alun is the spatial and ceremonial heart of the Javanese urban order — a flat, grassed or paved field framed by the palace, mosque, government offices, and market. It functions as a space for …

Finnish architect and designer (1898–1976), one of the great humanists of modern architecture. Aalto rejected the rigid functionalism of the International Style in favour of warmer, more organic forms influenced by nature and Finnish landscape. His buildings are celebrated for their light, tactility, and care for the u…

Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan — Indonesia's environmental impact assessment, required for large or sensitive development projects before permits are issued. AMDAL evaluates the potential environmental, social, and health impacts of a proposed project and establishes mitigation measures. It is governed by Law No. …

A US civil rights law (1990) that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. In architecture, ADA Standards for Accessible Design set specific requirements for ramps, door widths, bathroom layouts, parking, and wayfinding that apply to all public buildings and facilities.

Indonesian architect (born 1962 in Bandung) known for a minimalist vocabulary that employs exposed concrete, brick, and steel to create atmospheric spaces deeply responsive to tropical light and shade. Andra Matin's work is celebrated for material honesty and spatial restraint, establishing him as a leading figure of I…

Italian architect (1508–1580) whose work and writings have had more influence on Western architecture than almost any other individual. Palladio codified Roman principles of proportion and order in his Four Books of Architecture (1570), creating a style — Palladianism — that shaped British, American, and European archi…

The figure formed by two lines meeting at a point. Angles (measured in degrees) are fundamental to geometry and form composition.

A small room or space leading to or serving as an entrance to a larger or more important room.

Woven bamboo panels — made by splitting bamboo culms into thin strips and weaving them in diagonal, twill, or hexagonal patterns to form flat infill panels. Anyaman bambu is used for wall cladding, screens, partitions, and ceiling linings in vernacular and contemporary Indonesian architecture. The woven pattern allows …

A self-contained residential unit within a larger building. Apartments range from studio units to multi-bedroom dwellings and are organized vertically in apartment buildings.

An opening or gap in a surface, particularly in a facade or wall. Apertures control light, ventilation, and views. They are fundamental compositional elements that affect how a building appears both from inside and outside.

A standardized protocol allowing different software systems to communicate and share data. APIs enable integration between design tools and other systems.

Technology that overlays digital information onto the physical world. In architecture, AR allows visualization of designs in real-world contexts, enabling clients to see buildings before construction.

A curved line that is part of a circle. Arcs are fundamental to arches, domes, and curved forms.

A curved structural element that spans an opening by converting vertical loads into compressive forces directed along its curve and outward to its supports (abutments). Because all forces are in compression, arches can be built from materials strong only in compression, like stone or brick.

A licensed professional trained in designing buildings and leading design projects. Architects combine artistic vision with technical expertise and project management.

The payment made by a client to an architect for professional services. Fees can be structured as a percentage of construction cost (typical range 5–15% depending on project scale and complexity), a lump sum, hourly rate, or resource-based. RIBA publishes guidance on fee levels, but there is no fixed scale.

A hybrid architectural style that developed in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during the 19th and early 20th centuries, blending European neoclassical forms with tropical adaptations such as deep verandahs (serambi), high ceilings, jalousie shutters, and courtyard plans. The Indies style represents the Dutch col…

Tropical architecture — a design approach that prioritises climate responsiveness as the primary generator of architectural form, favouring natural ventilation, solar shading, elevated floors, deep overhangs, and lightweight materials over mechanical conditioning. In Indonesia, arsitektur tropis is both a historical pr…

A design style that emerged in the 1920s–1930s, characterized by geometric forms, bold colors, and luxurious materials. Art Deco celebrates modernity and machine aesthetics while maintaining ornamental richness. It appears in buildings, furniture, and graphic design.

An ornamental style of the 1890s–1910s that drew inspiration from natural forms — flowing plant stems, insect wings, female figures — and applied them as decoration to buildings, furniture, and graphic design. Art Nouveau was a deliberate attempt to create a modern style unconnected to historical precedent.

The clear expression and separation of distinct architectural elements, creating visual clarity and emphasizing structural logic. Articulation makes design intentions readable.

Machine learning and computational systems that can analyze design problems, generate options, and optimize solutions. AI assists in parametric design and analysis.

A record drawing that documents a building as it was actually constructed — incorporating all changes made during construction relative to the original design drawings. As-built drawings are required for the SLF (occupancy certificate) application in Indonesia and are essential for future maintenance, renovation, and b…

Asbestos cement corrugated sheet — a composite material of asbestos fibres and Portland cement, used widely as a low-cost roofing and cladding material throughout Indonesia until the 2010s. Asbestos is now known to be carcinogenic when fibres are inhaled; Indonesia has not officially banned asbestos, but its use has de…

A black paving material composed of bitumen (a petroleum byproduct) mixed with aggregate. Asphalt is widely used for roads, parking lots, and outdoor surfaces.

The arrangement of forms without mirror symmetry, creating dynamic visual interest through balanced imbalance. Asymmetry is central to modern and contemporary design.

A hip roof — a pitched roof with four sloping planes meeting at a ridge, with no exposed gable ends. Atap limas is widely used in both traditional and contemporary Indonesian architecture because its four-sided slope sheds rain in all directions, provides overhangs on all facades, and is more wind-resistant than the op…

A gable or saddle roof — the simplest pitched roof form, with two sloping planes meeting at a central ridge and open triangular gabled ends. Atap pelana is the most common roof type in Indonesian vernacular and low-cost housing, valued for structural efficiency, ease of construction, and excellent rain-shedding perform…

A large, often multi-story central space open to the sky or topped with glass, creating visual connection.

Technology overlaying digital information onto the physical world through devices. AR helps architects visualize designs in real sites and clients understand proposals.

A leading computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Autodesk, widely used for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. AutoCAD is the industry standard for architectural documentation.

Recognition for excellence in architecture, given by professional organizations, publications, or competitions. Awards validate quality and advance careers.

An imaginary line used to organise space, movement, or visual direction in a design. Buildings and rooms are often arranged symmetrically or sequentially along an axis to create order and hierarchy. An axis can be physical — a corridor, a path — or purely visual.

A drawing system that shows a building in three dimensions with parallel lines remaining parallel (unlike perspective, where they converge). Axonometric drawings are easy to construct from plans and sections and allow accurate measurement of all three dimensions. They became a favourite of Modernist architects for expl…

The traditional communal meeting house of the indigenous Alifuru communities of Maluku (the Moluccas), used for village assemblies, ceremonies, and the storage of sacred objects. The baileo is an open-sided raised pavilion — its lack of walls symbolising the transparency and openness of customary governance. It is orie…

Bathtub or bathing basin — a large fixture for filling with water for bathing. Bak mandi in Indonesia ranges from simple plastic drums (in rural areas) to porcelain or acrylic bathtubs (in urban housing). Many Indonesian homes do not have bathtubs, preferring showers instead due to space constraints and water conservat…

The visual equilibrium of a composition, achieved through symmetry, asymmetry, or weight distribution. Balance can be formal (identical sides) or informal (different but equivalent visual weight), and is essential to creating harmonious, stable designs.

An elevated platform projecting from a building wall, surrounded by a railing.

An open or semi-open pavilion within a Balinese compound or temple, with a raised floor, a pitched roof, and no or minimal walls. Each bale serves a specific function — sleeping, receiving guests, storage, or ceremony — and its position around the natah, its roof form, and its size are all governed by adat (customary l…

A row of decorative balusters (small posts) supporting a railing.

A fast-growing grass used as a structural and finishing material in Indonesian architecture. Bambu is strong in tension and compression, lightweight, and can be grown and harvested sustainably within 3–5 years. It has been used in vernacular construction across the archipelago for centuries, and contemporary architects…

A heritage-listed building — a structure formally designated for cultural heritage protection under Indonesian Law No. 11 of 2010 on Cultural Heritage (Cagar Budaya). Designation restricts demolition, alteration, and incompatible development, requiring special permits for any work affecting the structure, fabric, or se…

The railing and supporting posts along a staircase or balcony.

An architectural and artistic style (c. 1600–1750) emphasizing dramatic movement, rich ornamentation, and emotional intensity. Baroque architecture features curved forms, grandeur, light effects, and theatrical compositions.

A continuous cylindrical vault created by extending an arch in one direction. Barrel vaults span large areas while providing clear interior space.

A horizontal trim board running along the base of interior walls where they meet the floor.

A story or floor below the main ground level of a building, partially or entirely below grade.

Originally a Roman civic building type — a rectangular hall with a central nave, side aisles, and an apse at one end — used for commerce and law courts. Early Christians adapted the basilica form as their principal church type in the 4th century. It remains the dominant form of the Western Christian church to this day.

Brickwork left deliberately unplastered and unpainted, exposing the masonry bond as a finished surface. In Indonesian architecture, bata ekspos became a hallmark of the contemporary movement in the 1990s–2000s, particularly in Bandung and Jakarta, where architects used its raw texture as an aesthetic counterpoint to gl…

Handmade red clay brick — the traditional masonry unit of Java and Bali, formed from local alluvial clay, dried in the sun, and kiln-fired at low temperature. Bata merah is smaller and softer than industrial pressed brick, with a characteristic warm terracotta colour and slightly irregular surface. Its lower compressiv…

Lightweight concrete block — similar to batako but with reduced density (typically 600–1000 kg/m³) achieved by incorporating expanded clay, pumice, or foam. Bata ringan provides superior insulation and is easier to cut and handle than batako. It is preferred in high-rise construction to reduce structural loads and in t…

Hollow concrete block — a lightweight masonry unit made from cement, sand, and aggregate, formed into a hollow rectangular shape. Batako is cheaper and faster to lay than batu bata, with better thermal and acoustic insulation. It has become the default choice for non-load-bearing partition walls, infill panels, and low…

Natural stone — including andesite, limestone, sandstone, and volcanic rock — used as a cladding, paving, or structural material in Indonesian architecture. Batu alam is widely available across the archipelago and has deep roots in both vernacular and ceremonial building traditions. Its thermal mass and visual richness…

Fired brick — a generic term for clay bricks, encompassing both traditional handmade bata merah and industrial pressed varieties. Batu bata is the primary masonry unit across Indonesia, available in standard sizes (20×10×10 cm, 20×10×5 cm, etc.) and in grades from soft handmade brick to hard industrial brick. It remain…

Coral aggregate or coral rubble — stone chips and fragments from dead coral reefs, used in concrete mixes and as a coarse landscaping material in Indonesian coastal areas. Batu koral is cheaper than granite aggregate and is locally available in island regions, though salt content requires careful rinsing before use in …

River rock or pea gravel — smooth, rounded stone pebbles 10–25 mm in diameter, used decoratively in landscaping and in concrete finishes (exposed aggregate). Batu sikat provides visual interest while reducing cost compared to larger decorative stone.

Coarse aggregate — crushed stone ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm, mixed with semen and pasir to form structural concrete (cor-beton). Batu split is the largest component of a concrete mix by volume, contributing to the concrete's compressive strength and bulk density. Quality depends on the source stone — limestone, granit…

A German art and design school (1919–1933) that became one of the most influential institutions in the history of modern architecture and design. The Bauhaus sought to unite fine art, craft, and industrial production under one educational framework. Its pedagogical model — workshop-based, interdisciplinary — is still t…

A subdivision of a building's interior or exterior, typically defined by a recurring structural or spatial module. Bays are created by columns, walls, or posts and give rhythm to a facade or interior. A 'bay window' is a window that projects outward from the wall.

A window that projects outward from the plane of the wall, creating extra interior space and allowing more light and views. Bay windows are common in residential architecture and can be rectangular, angled, or curved.

A horizontal structural member that carries loads across a span by bending. The top of a beam is in compression and the bottom is in tension. Beams can be made of timber, steel, reinforced concrete, or engineered wood. They transfer floor and roof loads to columns or walls.

A wall that supports structural loads from above, transferring them to the foundation. Bearing walls are primary load paths and typically cannot be moved without structural consequences.

Formwork — the temporary mould into which wet concrete is poured and held until it has gained sufficient strength to be self-supporting. In Indonesian construction practice the term is a direct borrowing from Dutch (bekisting). Bekisting can be made from plywood, timber boards, steel panels, or proprietary plastic syst…

A measure of the internal forces within a structural member caused by an applied load, expressed as a force multiplied by a distance. Bending moment causes a beam to sag or bow. Engineers use bending moment diagrams to determine the maximum stress in beams and cantilevers.

Hollow steel tube — a structural steel member with a rectangular, square, or circular hollow cross-section, used for columns, beams, trusses, and secondary frames in modern Indonesian buildings. Besi hollow is lighter than solid steel I-beams of equivalent strength, easier to work with in design and fabrication, and ha…

Reinforcing steel bar (rebar) — deformed steel bars cast within concrete to provide tensile strength that concrete alone cannot supply. In Indonesian construction, besi tulangan is categorised by diameter (8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm being most common) and by yield strength grade (BJTP for plain bar, BJTD for deformed ba…

Steel wire mesh — a prefabricated grid of welded steel wires in standard patterns (e.g., 150×150 mm, 200×200 mm) used as distributed reinforcement in concrete slabs, walls, and pavements. Wiremesh simplifies site installation compared to tying individual bars, reduces labour costs, and provides reliable uniform spacing…

The traditional communal longhouse of the Dayak people of Kalimantan (Borneo), raised on hardwood posts and housing an entire extended community under one roof. A betang can be 30–150 metres long and contains individual family apartments (bilik) arranged along a central communal corridor. The building's elevated struct…

The variety of living organisms and ecosystems. In sustainable architecture, biodiversity is promoted through habitat preservation, native plantings, and ecological design.

Design approach imitating natural systems and patterns to solve architectural and environmental challenges. Biomimicry learns from nature's proven solutions.

Solar photovoltaic systems integrated into building surfaces (facades, roofs, windows) that generate electricity while serving as building enclosure.

Open-source 3D computer graphics software used for modeling, animation, rendering, and simulation. Blender is increasingly used in architecture for visualization and complex form generation.

An urban area bounded by streets on all sides. Block size affects walkability, permeability, and neighborhood character.

A reproduction of architectural or engineering drawings using a photographic process that creates white lines on blue background. Blueprints were standard before digital documentation.

A fastener consisting of a threaded rod with a head, used with a nut to secure structural connections. Bolts are essential for steel frame assembly and joining.

Diagonal members added to a structure to resist lateral forces like wind and earthquakes. Bracing creates triangulated patterns that prevent racking and deformation.

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method — the UK's leading sustainability assessment and certification method for buildings, established in 1990. Like LEED, it rates buildings across multiple categories with ratings of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding.

A small rectangular block of clay or concrete fired in a kiln or cured, used as a primary building unit. Bricks are durable, fire-resistant, and can be arranged in varied patterns.

A structure that spans a gap — over water, road, or valley — to allow passage. Bridges represent some of the most technically demanding and visually expressive works of engineering and architecture. Major bridge types include beam, arch, suspension, and cable-stayed.

A written statement defining a project's requirements, constraints, and goals. A comprehensive brief guides the design process.

An alloy of copper and tin, valued for its durability, corrosion resistance, and rich color. Bronze is used for architectural hardware, sculptures, and ornamental elements.

A building dedicated to prostitution, historically significant in many urban centers. Brothels were often architecturally significant and reveal social history.

A narrow townhouse with a brownstone (reddish-brown sandstone) facade, typical of 19th-century urban residential architecture in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

An architectural style of the 1950s–70s characterised by the bold, unfinished expression of structural materials — particularly raw (béton brut) concrete. Brutalism valued honesty of materials, strong geometric forms, and social purpose. It was associated with social housing, universities, and civic buildings.

Indonesian architect (born 1970) and principal of Budi Pradono Architects, known for an experimental practice that engages parametric design, digital fabrication, and speculative urbanism while maintaining a critical perspective on Indonesian urban development. Budi Pradono represents a generation of Indonesian archite…

A set of legal regulations governing the minimum standards for the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings. Codes cover structural safety, fire protection, accessibility, energy performance, and health. Compliance is mandatory and verified through the planning and building control process.

A legal agreement between a client and a contractor defining the scope of work, price, programme, and responsibilities for a construction project. Standard forms of contract (JCT, NEC) are widely used to define risk allocation and dispute resolution procedures. The architect often administers the contract on behalf of …

A digital process in which a building is designed and managed as an intelligent 3D model containing data about every element — not just geometry, but material specifications, costs, schedules, and performance properties. BIM coordinates all project participants — architects, engineers, contractors — around a single sha…

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…

A projection or thickening of a wall that provides lateral support and resists outward thrust. Buttresses are characteristic of medieval architecture, especially cathedrals.

The architectural style of the Byzantine Empire (330–1453), characterized by domed structures, rich mosaics, and elaborate ornamentation. Byzantine architecture synthesized Roman, Greek, and Middle Eastern influences.

A structural system where cables in tension support loads through geometric form rather than material strength. Cable structures are efficient for long spans.

A bridge or roof structure supported by cables running from towers directly to the deck or surface. Cable-stayed structures are efficient for long spans with elegant visual expression.

A structural element — such as a beam, slab, or floor plate — that projects horizontally beyond its support, anchored only at one end. The unsupported end hangs free. Cantilevers are used to create dramatic overhangs, balconies, and floating volumes without visible columns below.

The total amount of greenhouse gases — particularly CO₂ — emitted directly or indirectly by a building over its lifetime. In buildings, carbon is split into 'operational carbon' (from heating, cooling, lighting) and 'embodied carbon' (from manufacturing and transporting materials). Reducing both is essential to achievi…

A state where the net carbon emissions produced by a building are zero, typically through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon offsets.

A fortified residence of a noble, featuring defensive walls, towers, and gateways. Castles combine residential, ceremonial, and defensive functions.

Waterproofing paint or elastomeric coating — a specialized paint that cures to form a flexible, waterproof membrane. Cat anti-bocor is applied to roofs, flat surfaces, and areas prone to water infiltration, and is meant to seal hairline cracks and minor seepage while remaining flexible to accommodate thermal movement. …

Exterior paint — a weather-resistant paint formulation designed to withstand UV radiation, rain, temperature extremes, and fungal growth in tropical climates. Cat eksterior uses high-quality pigments, binders, and UV stabilisers and typically costs 2–3 times more than interior paint, but extends facade durability to 5–…

Wall paint — the visible finish coating applied to plasteran and acian surfaces, available in water-based (latex) and oil-based (enamel) formulations. Cat tembok in Indonesia typically uses latex paint due to lower VOC, faster drying, and better performance in humid climates. Standard interior colours are white, cream,…

A cathedral is the principal church of a bishop's diocese — the building containing the cathedra (bishop's throne). Historically, cathedrals were the largest, most technologically ambitious buildings of their era. They served as civic monuments, centres of pilgrimage, and repositories of artistic achievement.

The upper surface of an interior space that closes off the area above.

A binding powder made from limestone and clay that hardens when mixed with water. Cement is the key component in concrete and mortar.

Tile made from clay or porcelain fired at high temperatures, used for wall or floor surfaces. Ceramic tiles are durable, water-resistant, and available in infinite colors and patterns.

Voluntary standards certifying building performance (LEED, WELL, Passive House, etc.). Certifications validate sustainability, health, and energy performance claims.

A large or formal room or hall, often in governmental, institutional, or religious buildings.

A building dedicated to Christian worship, ranging from modest chapels to grand cathedrals. Churches are central to community life and often architecturally significant.

A round two-dimensional shape with all points equidistant from a center. Circles are fundamental to planning and circular buildings.

An economic model where materials and products are designed for reuse, recycling, or biodegradability, minimizing waste. Circular design extends product lifecycles.

The network of pathways — corridors, stairs, ramps — that allows people to move through a building. Circulation is both functional (efficient movement) and experiential (sequence of spaces, views, and sensations). Good circulation is central to spatial design.

The perimeter or outer boundary of a form, especially a circular or curved one. In architecture, circumference refers to the outer edge of a building, plaza, or enclosed space, and is often a key design consideration.

The external skin applied to a building's structure to provide weather protection, thermal insulation, and aesthetic finish. Cladding is non-structural — it does not carry loads. Common cladding materials include terracotta panels, glass, aluminium, stone, timber, and fibre cement.

Relating to the architecture and design principles of ancient Greece and Rome, characterized by symmetry, proportion, order, and the use of columns and pediments. Classical architecture emphasizes harmony, balance, and mathematical relationships.

An architectural approach that draws from the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome — its orders, proportions, symmetry, and compositional rules. Classicism has been revived and reinterpreted in many periods: the Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, and even today in New Urbanism.

A series of windows high in a wall that allow light to penetrate deep into a building.

The Clerestory Test is an evaluation technique used to assess the effectiveness of clerestory windows in a building's design. It measures the amount of natural light entering a space, allowing architects to determine the optimal placement and size of clerestory windows to enhance daylighting and reduce reliance on arti…

The person or organization commissioning and funding a building project. Clients define needs, constraints, and budgets.

Strategies to make buildings resilient to climate change impacts like extreme heat, floods, and storms. Adaptation includes flood-resistant design and heat-tolerant materials.

Architecture designed to respond to local climate conditions through orientation, shading, ventilation, and material choices. Climate-responsive design minimizes mechanical systems.

The delivery of computing services (storage, processing, software) over the internet. Cloud computing enables architects to access tools and collaborate globally without local installation.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling uses a computer-directed cutting tool to carve shapes from blocks of material — timber, foam, stone, or metal — with high precision. Unlike laser cutting (which is 2D), CNC milling can produce complex 3D surface geometries.

Working jointly with other professionals (engineers, contractors, specialists) throughout a project. Collaboration integrates diverse expertise.

An artistic technique combining diverse materials and images to create a new composition. In architecture, collage is used for mood boards, presentations, and conceptual exploration.

A vertical structural member that transfers compressive loads from beams, slabs, or trusses down to foundations. Columns can be isolated (free-standing) or embedded in walls. Their size depends on the load carried and the material used — steel columns can be much slimmer than concrete ones for the same load.

A formal contest where architects submit designs for evaluation by a jury. Competitions are ways to win projects and gain recognition.

A material made from two or more constituent materials with different physical properties that remain separate. Composites combine strength with weight savings.

The arrangement and organization of elements in space according to a coherent system or principle. Composition considers the relationships between forms, their proportions, spacing, and visual weight to create unity and order.

A force that pushes or squeezes material, reducing its length. Compression is primary load in columns, arches, and walls.

Design approach using algorithms, programming, and computational methods to generate, evaluate, and optimize architectural forms. Computational design explores vast design spaces rapidly.

The use of computer software to create, modify, and document architectural drawings and models. CAD replaced manual drafting from the 1980s onwards and became standard practice. It enables precise geometry, easy editing, and the reproduction of drawings without redrawing from scratch.

A composite building material made from cement, water, sand, and aggregate (gravel or crushed stone). When mixed and poured, it is fluid and can be cast into almost any shape; as it cures, it hardens to stone-like strength. Reinforced with steel bars (rebar), it can resist both compression and tension.

The process by which water vapour in air turns into liquid water when it contacts a surface below the dew point temperature. Interstitial condensation — within the fabric of a wall — can cause structural damage and mould. Building details must manage vapour flow to prevent moisture accumulation within the construction.

A three-dimensional shape with a circular base tapering to a point. Cone geometry appears in structures, roofs, and sculpture.

The joint between two structural members where loads are transferred. Connections are critical to structural integrity and can be rigid, pinned, or sliding.

The process of overseeing building construction, coordinating contractors, quality control, and schedule/budget management. Construction managers ensure design intent is realized.

A Soviet avant-garde movement (1915–1930s) emphasizing industrial materials, geometric abstraction, and social purpose. Constructivism rejected ornament in favor of pure structural expression and utilitarian design.

A specialist hired to provide expert advice in a specific area (structural, MEP, acoustics, sustainability). Consultants extend team capabilities.

The surrounding environment — physical, cultural, historical, social — that influences and constrains architectural design. Context includes the landscape, neighboring buildings, climate, local traditions, and community needs.

A company hired to execute construction work according to designs and specifications. Contractors manage labor, materials, and schedule.

The juxtaposition of opposing qualities (light-dark, rough-smooth, large-small) creating visual interest and emphasis. Contrast highlights differences and creates drama.

The process of ensuring all project elements work together harmoniously, including design, documentation, and construction. Coordination prevents conflicts and rework.

A reddish metal valued for its malleability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Copper develops a distinctive green patina and is used for roofing, gutters, and hardware.

Cast-in-place concrete — concrete mixed and poured on site into temporary formwork, as opposed to precast elements manufactured off site. Cor beton is the dominant method for producing slabs, beams, columns, and foundations in Indonesian construction. The term derives from the Dutch 'cort' (pour/cast) and remains in un…

The central zone of a building containing services — stairs, elevators, mechanical systems, bathrooms — that serve the surrounding spaces. The core is a functional and structural anchor around which other spaces are organized.

A horizontal ornamental molding that projects from a wall or roof edge. Cornices frame transitions between major architectural elements and often feature decorative details. They are both functional (directing water away from walls) and compositional.

A long passageway connecting rooms or spaces. Corridors are circulation elements that can be functional (narrow, minimal) or experiential (wide, lit, with views). Their design affects how people perceive and move through a building.

A small, simple dwelling, typically in rural or suburban settings. Cottages emphasize coziness and often feature vernacular architectural traditions.

A design approach that resists global homogenization by thoughtfully engaging with local place, culture, and materials. Critical Regionalism balances universal modernist principles with particular regional identity.

An engineered wood product made from layers of solid timber boards glued at right angles to each other. The cross-lamination distributes strength in two directions, giving CLT panel-like structural properties. It can be prefabricated to precise dimensions and used for floors, walls, and roofs.

A vertical slice through a building showing the relationship between spaces, levels, and structural elements. Cross-sections reveal height relationships and spatial stacking.

A non-structural exterior wall system that hangs from the building frame, typically of glass or metal.

A continuous bending line or surface without sharp angles. Curves in architecture can be structural (arches, vaults), spatial (curved walls), or compositional (curved facades). They contrast with straight lines and create dynamism and flow.

A three-dimensional shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface. Cylinders appear as columns, towers, and cylindrical rooms.

The lower portion of an interior wall, often finished differently (with wainscoting or paneling).

The innermost and most private part of a traditional Javanese house compound — the enclosed residential core, located behind the pendopo and pringgitan and accessible only to family members and intimate guests. The dalem contains the senthong (sleeping chambers), including the central senthong tengah, which is the most…

A reference element — a line, plane, or volume — that anchors or organises other elements in a composition. Other forms relate to the datum by touching, aligning with, or departing from it. The datum itself does not have to be central; it just needs to be consistent.

A reference line used in design and technical drawings to establish the base elevation or alignment from which other measurements are taken. Datum lines ensure consistency and clarity in architectural documentation.

Door leaf or door panel — the moving element that swings or slides to open and close a doorway, hung from a kusen frame using engsel (hinges). Daun pintu is made from solid timber, plywood, hardboard, or hollow-core composite, with interior doors using simple construction and exterior doors requiring weather-sealed, so…

British architect (born 1953) known for refined modernism, cultural institutions, and careful material and spatial composition. Pritzker Prize winner 2023.

The deliberate use of natural light to illuminate building interiors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving occupant wellbeing. Effective daylighting considers window size, orientation, glazing type, and the penetration of light deep into a plan. Metrics include Daylight Factor and LEED daylight credit…

A logarithmic unit measuring sound intensity relative to a reference level. Decibels quantify acoustic performance and noise levels in buildings.

An open platform or outdoor floor attached to a building or structure.

An architectural approach associated with the late 1980s onwards that fragments, distorts, and displaces conventional structural and spatial elements to create disorienting, dynamic forms. Influenced by the literary theory of deconstruction, it questions the assumption that a building must be stable, legible, or resolv…

A measure of how intensively land is used, typically expressed as dwellings per hectare (dph) or floor area ratio (FAR). High density allows more people to live close to services, reducing travel distances. Density alone does not determine liveability — it must be paired with quality of public space and mix of uses.

A procurement route in which a single contractor is responsible for both designing and constructing the building. The client holds one contract with one party, reducing coordination risk. Design and Build typically gives the client less control over design quality but faster delivery and greater cost certainty.

The phase where conceptual designs are refined into detailed construction documents. Design development refines proportions, materials, systems, and details.

A problem-solving methodology emphasizing empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Design thinking approaches human-centered solutions through collaborative exploration.

A company that identifies opportunities, secures sites, and commissions architects to develop real estate projects. Developers manage financing and project viability.

A line connecting non-adjacent corners of a polygon. Diagonals create visual dynamism and are structural in bracing systems.

An abstract graphic that communicates a design concept, structural idea, or spatial strategy — stripping away non-essential information to reveal the underlying logic. The architectural diagram is both an analytical tool and a generative device: it can explain an existing building or initiate a new design.

An axonometric projection where two of three axes have equal scale. Dimetric projection is less distorted than isometric for some viewing angles.

A hemispherical or curved vault that spans circularly, transferring loads radially outward to supporting walls or columns. Domes create dramatic interior spaces with minimal internal supports.

A movable barrier that opens and closes an entrance or passage between spaces.

The opening through which people pass between spaces, typically framed by a door frame. Doorways are thresholds that mark transitions and are often expressed architecturally through moldings, arches, or other details.

A window or gabled projection that rises from a sloped roof, providing light and headroom to attic spaces.

A space that spans two floors vertically, creating a tall, dramatic interior void. Double-height spaces increase visual volume, allow more light penetration, and create emphasis within a building.

A fundamental mode of architectural representation using lines, marks, and notation to communicate design ideas, spaces, and details. Drawing is both a design tool and final documentation.

Interior wall panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between paper layers. Drywall is quick to install, cost-effective, and allows for flexible interior layouts.

The ability of a material to deform significantly before breaking, absorbing energy and allowing warning before failure. Ductile materials are desirable in earthquake-prone regions.

A visual programming language for Revit that enables parametric design and automation of repetitive tasks. Dynamo bridges BIM and computational design.

An approach to design that freely combines elements from multiple styles, periods, and cultures without adhering to a single coherent style. Eclecticism is common in Victorian and Romantic architecture.

A linear element that separates or connects different districts, like a waterfront, wall, or transition zone. Edges define urban boundaries and identity.

Indonesian architect (born 1958 in Yogyakarta) known for his meditative, craft-based practice centred on bamboo, reclaimed materials, and community collaboration. A long-time collaborator of the late artist Heri Dono, Eko Prawoto designs spaces — art studios, community facilities, small houses — that emerge from dialog…

The property of a material to return to its original shape after stress is removed. Elastic deformation is reversible, while plastic deformation is permanent.

A two-dimensional orthographic drawing of one side of a building, showing the facade or profile. Elevations are essential documents that show how a building appears from a given viewpoint and communicate vertical relationships.

A curved shape resembling a flattened circle, defined by two focal points. Ellipses create elongated, dynamic forms.

The carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials — everything except the energy used to run the finished building. As operational energy improves, embodied carbon is becoming the dominant source of emissions in the construction industry.

The act of bounding space with walls, screens, or other elements to create a defined interior environment. Enclosure is a primary way architecture shapes experience, providing shelter, privacy, and spatial identity.

Regulations governing building energy efficiency, including insulation, HVAC, lighting, and renewable energy requirements. Energy codes reduce operational carbon emissions.

Designing buildings to minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment. Energy-efficient buildings reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.

A document rating the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). In the UK, EPCs are required when a property is built, sold, or let. The rating is based on the building's fabric, systems, and estimated running costs.

Hinge — the mechanical fastening device that allows a door or window to swing. Engsel is made from steel (for structural doors) or brass (for visible, higher-grade applications) and is specified by load capacity and size. Standard door engsel are 2.5–4 inches, with heavy-duty sizes for commercial applications.

Epoxy flooring — a hard, chemical-resistant floor coating made from epoxy resin and curing agent, applied directly over concrete to create a seamless, durable, easy-to-clean wearing surface. Epoxy flooring is popular in Indonesian industrial, laboratory, and commercial kitchens where chemical and moisture resistance ar…

Ventilation fan or exhaust fan — a mechanical fan that removes moist or polluted air from a room and exhausts it outside. Exhaust fans are used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries to remove humidity and odours. In Indonesian humid climates, exhaust fans are essential to prevent mould growth in bathrooms.

A technical drawing or visualization that shows separated components in an assembled product, revealing how parts relate and assemble. Exploded views clarify constructive logic.

A movement emphasizing emotional and subjective expression through distortion, exaggeration, and dynamic forms. In architecture, expressionism creates dramatic, emotionally charged spaces.

The primary exterior face of a building, usually the front-facing elevation that addresses a street or public space. The facade is the building's public identity — it communicates programme, status, and style. It is not always the most structurally important face, but it is typically the most carefully designed.

Any material used on a building's exterior surface, serving both protective and aesthetic functions. Facade materials include brick, stone, metal, glass, and composite panels.

A house on agricultural land, typically designed for efficiency and connection to surrounding fields. Farmhouses often include barns and agricultural facilities.

A flat surface at the edge of a roof or soffit that faces outward, often carrying gutters.

A device used to attach or join two materials together. Fasteners include bolts, rivets, nails, screws, and welds.

Compensation paid to architects for design services, typically calculated as a percentage of construction cost or fixed lump sum. Fees cover design, documentation, and administration.

The arrangement, proportion, and design of windows and openings in a building's facade. Fenestration affects light, ventilation, structural performance, and visual rhythm. Architects use it as a primary compositional tool — the pattern of openings can define the character of an entire elevation.

The systematic arrangement and rhythm of windows on building facades. Fenestration patterns affect visual composition, interior light, and facade readability.

A Chinese philosophical system that governs the orientation, layout, and design of buildings and cities in relation to the flow of qi (life energy). Feng Shui principles influence site selection, building orientation, room arrangement, and the placement of doors and windows. It has shaped Chinese urban design for over …

A mathematical sequence where each number is the sum of the previous two (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...). The ratio approaches the golden ratio.

A compositional approach where a distinct architectural figure is understood against and defined by its surrounding field or context. Figure-field relationships structure visual and spatial experience.

A diagram showing the relationship between solid buildings (figure) and open space (ground), particularly at urban scale. Figure-ground diagrams reveal spatial patterns and urban tissue.

Regulations addressing fire prevention, egress, fire-rated assemblies, sprinkler systems, and emergency response. Fire codes save lives and protect property.

A classification that indicates how long a structural element or material can withstand a standardised fire test before failing — expressed in minutes or hours (e.g. 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes). Building codes specify minimum fire ratings for structural elements, walls, floors, and doors based on building use and height.

A visual programming plugin that bridges Grasshopper and external input devices/live data. Firefly enables real-time interaction between digital models and physical sensors.

A roof with minimal or no slope, maximizing usable interior space.

A horizontal surface that forms the base of a room or story level within a building.

Grate or shower drain — an opening in the floor with a removable strainer that allows water to drain away. Floor drains are used in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas to accommodate water spillage and to support hose-based cleaning. Proper floor slope toward the drain and a trap (P-trap) below the grate are essential t…

A horizontal sectional view of a building at a specific height, showing room layouts, spatial relationships, and functional organization. Floor plans are essential to architectural communication.

An external arch structure that transfers lateral thrust from a vault or roof over an intermediate space to a distant buttress. Flying buttresses enabled Gothic cathedral walls to rise higher and become thinner.

The Flying Buttress Test is a structural assessment method used to evaluate the performance and stability of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture. This test examines the load distribution and structural integrity of these supports, ensuring they effectively counteract lateral forces acting on the building's walls.

The point or element in a composition that draws and holds visual attention. Focal points are created through emphasis, contrast, size, prominence, or position. Strong focal points guide perception and create visual hierarchy.

Accordion or bifold door — a system of multiple panels hinged together that fold and stack to one or both sides, allowing complete opening of a threshold without the obstruction of a swinging daun-pintu. Folding doors are used between rooms and between interior and exterior spaces to maximize usable floor area while ma…

The lowest part of a foundation that spreads the load over a wider area of soil.

A push or pull that acts on a structure, causing deformation or motion. Forces include compression, tension, shear, torsion, and bending.

The three-dimensional shape or geometry of a building or object. Form encompasses the overall massing, silhouette, and arrangement of parts. It is distinguished from function (what the building does) but is often inseparable from it.

Temporary moulds — usually made of timber, plywood, or steel — into which wet concrete is poured and held until it has cured and gained strength. The quality and design of formwork directly affects the surface finish of exposed concrete. After stripping, the imprint of the formwork often remains visible.

A large fortified structure designed for military defense, featuring walls, bastions, and gateways. Fortresses vary from simple stockades to elaborate star forts.

The lowest part of a building structure, which transfers all loads from the building into the ground. Foundations must be designed to suit the soil conditions — hard rock requires little depth; soft clay may require deep piles. Inadequate foundations cause settlement and structural failure.

A geometric form that exhibits self-similarity at different scales — zoom in and the pattern repeats. Fractals occur in nature (coastlines, trees, snowflakes) and have been used in architecture to create complexity that feels natural. Fractal analysis has also been used to distinguish authentic and forged Mondrian pain…

A skeletal structure of vertical and horizontal members (columns and beams) connected at joints. Frames are efficient for spanning large spaces and providing flexible interior layouts.

American architect (1867–1959) considered one of the greatest of the 20th century. Wright developed the Prairie Style of low, horizontal houses integrated with the landscape, and later created iconic works spanning nearly seven decades. His concept of 'organic architecture' held that buildings should grow from their si…

Indonesian architect (1912–1984) and the dominant figure in national state architecture during the Sukarno era. A Batak Christian from North Sumatra, Silaban won the government competition for the Masjid Istiqlal in Jakarta — the largest mosque in Southeast Asia — and designed many of Indonesia's most significant civic…

A horizontal band of decoration or ornament on a wall, typically between the architrave and cornice in classical orders. Friezes can be sculptural, painted, or molded and serve as visual emphasis.

A certification ensuring timber comes from responsibly managed forests. FSC certification verifies sustainable forestry practices.

A design philosophy stating that form should follow function — the building's appearance should be determined by its purpose and structural logic. Functionalism rejects ornament in favor of rational design.

An early 20th-century avant-garde movement celebrating speed, technology, and dynamism. Futurist architecture features sleek forms, horizontal lines, and expresses the energy of the machine age.

The triangular section of wall at the end of a pitched roof, between the two sloping roof planes. Gables are common in residential architecture and can be simple or ornately decorated. The gable end is a defining feature of many building types.

A long, narrow passage or corridor, often with windows or openings along one side. In institutional contexts, a gallery is a room or series of rooms designed to display art or other objects. Galleries can be interior passages or covered walkways.

An interior space designed for the display and viewing of art, with considerations for lighting, wall surfaces, circulation, and wall color. Gallery spaces are typically open, uncluttered, and controlled environments.

Galvalume steel sheet — steel coated with a aluminium-zinc alloy that provides superior corrosion resistance compared to plain galvanised steel. Galvalum is used for roofing, cladding, gutters, and flashing in Indonesian buildings, offering 50+ year lifespan in tropical conditions. It has largely replaced asbestos and …

A planned outdoor space for plants, recreation, and aesthetic appreciation. Gardens range from formal geometric gardens to naturalistic landscapes.

An open-sided roof structure in a garden or park, providing shelter while maintaining visual connection to surroundings. Gazebos are often decorative focal points.

Design approach where algorithms generate multiple design solutions based on specified parameters, constraints, and performance criteria. Generative design explores vast possibility spaces quickly.

Latin for 'spirit of a place.' In architecture and urbanism, genius loci refers to the distinctive, intangible character that makes a place feel unique — its light, materials, scale, topography, sounds, and accumulated memory. Architects like Christian Norberg-Schulz argued that good architecture should respond to and …

Metal roof tile — a stone-coated or plain steel tile designed to imitate traditional clay tile (genteng tanah liat) in appearance while offering superior weather resistance and lighter weight. Genteng metal is now the default choice for residential roofing in Indonesian suburbs, prized for its durability, easy installa…

Traditional terracotta clay roof tiles, hand-formed and kiln-fired, widely used across Java and Bali. Genteng tanah liat has excellent thermal performance in the tropics — its mass moderates heat gain and its interlocking profile allows air circulation beneath the tile. The characteristic terracotta-coloured pitched ro…

The process where revitalized urban areas attract higher-income residents and businesses, often displacing existing communities. Gentrification raises equity and affordability concerns.

The mathematical study of shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. Geometry is fundamental to architecture for creating form and ensuring proportion.

Geotextile membrane — a permeable fabric layer placed over soil to separate materials, filter water, and control erosion. Geotextile is commonly used under paving-blocks and grass-blocks to prevent soil migration into the drainage layer while allowing water percolation. It also strengthens weak soils by distributing lo…

A unified whole or configuration perceived as greater than the sum of its parts. Gestalt principles explain how people perceive and organize visual information in architecture.

A large beam, typically made of steel or reinforced concrete, that spans long distances and supports substantial loads. Girders are primary structural elements that carry the weight of floors, roofs, or other structures to main supports.

Software for capturing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. GIS helps architects understand site context, demographics, climate, and infrastructure.

Excessive brightness causing discomfort or disability. Controlling glare requires shading, orientation, and surface properties.

A transparent or translucent material made from silica sand, soda ash, and lime. Glass is essential for windows, transparency, and light control in buildings.

A solid glass unit, typically square or rectangular, used in walls to transmit light while providing opacity and texture. Glass blocks allow light to pass while obscuring the view, making them useful for privacy and architectural expression.

Engineered wood product made of multiple layers of dimension lumber bonded together with adhesive. Glulam allows larger spans and curves compared to solid timber.

A proportion, approximately 1:1.618, considered aesthetically ideal and found throughout nature, art, and architecture. A golden rectangle can be divided into a square and a smaller golden rectangle indefinitely. The ratio appears in classical temples, Renaissance art, and many natural forms — whether by design or coin…

A division of a line segment into two parts such that the ratio of the larger part to the smaller equals the ratio of the whole to the larger part — both equal to approximately 1.618. The golden section is closely related to the golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence. It has been used by architects and artists for mil…

Curtains or drapes — fabric hanging that controls light, privacy, and solar heat gain in windows. Gorden is made from cotton, polyester, or blended fabrics and is suspended from a rod or track. In Indonesian tropical architecture, gorden functions as a key passive cooling element, blocking solar radiation especially on…

A medieval European style of architecture (12th–16th centuries) characterised by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and large stained-glass windows. The Gothic structural system redirected roof forces through ribs and buttresses, allowing walls to become thinner and much more glazed than was previously p…

Granite tile or slab — cut and polished from granite stone, used for floors, countertops, and wall cladding in high-end Indonesian interiors. Granit is harder and more expensive than marmer (marble), with a speckled appearance from visible mineral crystals. It is prized for its durability and natural beauty, particular…

An igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, prized for its durability and attractive appearance. Granite is used for countertops, flooring, and cladding.

Permeable paving block — a concrete or plastic unit with voids filled with soil and grass, allowing pedestrian or light vehicle passage while maintaining vegetation cover and groundwater infiltration. Grass block is used in parking areas, emergency access roads, and landscaped plazas to reduce heat island effect and ma…

A visual programming plugin for Rhinoceros 3D that allows designers to create parametric models through a node-based interface — no coding required. Algorithms produce geometry that responds automatically to parameter changes. Grasshopper has transformed how complex architectural forms are designed and rationalised.

A framework of bars or grilles, typically made of metal, that covers an opening to allow passage of light or air while preventing access or debris entry. Grates are both functional and can be decorative.

Glass Reinforced Cement board — a thin cladding panel of Portland cement reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibres, used for exterior and interior wall cladding, fascia, and soffit applications. GRC Board is lightweight, weather-resistant, and can be precast in complex profiles, making it popular in Indonesian cont…

A holistic approach to sustainable construction minimizing environmental impact through efficient design, materials, and operations. Green buildings are certified through standards like LEED.

Natural or nature-based systems for managing stormwater, air quality, and urban heat. Green infrastructure includes green roofs, bioswales, and rain gardens.

A roof covered with vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane and drainage layer. Green roofs reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban biodiversity, insulate the building below, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. They range from lightweight sedum mats to full-depth planted gardens.

Indonesia's national green building rating system, developed and administered by the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) since 2010. Greenship evaluates buildings across six categories: Appropriate Site Development, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Material Resources and Cycle, Indoor Health and Comfort, and …

Relatively clean wastewater from showers, sinks, and washing machines that can be treated and reused for irrigation or toilet flushing. Grey water recycling conserves potable water.

A regular network of horizontal and vertical lines used to organise structure, space, and circulation in architecture. Structural grids align columns and beams; planning grids coordinate room layouts. The grid is one of the most powerful ordering devices in design — predictable, efficient, and adaptable.

A framework of bars, often decorative, that covers an opening or screens a surface. Grilles can be fixed or operable and serve both functional (security, light control) and aesthetic purposes.

A vault created by the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles. The intersection forms an X-pattern (the 'groin') and the space is enclosed on all four sides. Groin vaults are common in Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

The floor level of a building that is at or closest to street or ground level. The ground floor typically houses public or commercial uses (shops, lobbies, restaurants) and is distinguished from upper floors.

Garis Sempadan Bangunan — the mandatory setback line defining the minimum distance a building must be set back from a road edge, property boundary, or water body. GSB protects public space, ensures fire access, and provides a visual buffer between buildings and the street. Setback distances are established by local reg…

A construction technique where visible timber frames are filled with masonry, mud, or plaster. Half-timber creates a distinctive aesthetic where structural wood is expressed as decorative pattern.

A large, open room or space, often used for public gathering, circulation, or display. Halls can be simple or ornately decorated and range from modest entrance halls to grand civic halls.

A traditional Islamic bathhouse with a sequence of rooms at different temperatures — from a cold room (barid) through a warm room (wastani) to a hot steam room (harara). The hammam has been central to social life in the Islamic world for over a thousand years, serving as a place of cleanliness, relaxation, and communit…

Indonesian architect (1930–2022) and a pioneering figure of contextual modernism in the post-independence period. Han Awal argued that Indonesian architecture should develop its own identity rooted in local materials, tropical climate, and spatial traditions, rather than importing Western styles unchanged. He was instr…

Door handle or grab bar — the lever or grip that operates a door. Handles range from simple levers to ornate decorative designs, made from stainless steel, brass, or aluminium. Handle design affects accessibility — Indonesian building codes increasingly require lever handles (operable by people with limited hand streng…

A rail held by hand for support while using stairs or walking.

The balanced and coherent relationship between the various parts of a composition, creating unity and wholeness. Harmony is achieved through consistent use of proportions, materials, colors, and formal languages.

A pattern of parallel lines used in technical drawings to indicate different materials, cross-sections, or areas. Hatching provides visual distinction without color.

The floor or base of a fireplace, typically made of heat-resistant material like brick or stone. Historically, the hearth was the functional and symbolic center of the home, around which families gathered.

A mechanical system that moves heat from a cold source (air, ground, or water) to a warm space, providing heating at efficiencies greater than 100% — unlike direct electric resistance heating. Ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground via buried pipes; air-source heat pumps extract it from outside air.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) block — a lightweight, thermally insulating masonry unit made from cement, lime, sand, and aluminium powder, cured under steam pressure. Known generically as 'hebel' in Indonesia after the brand that introduced the product, AAC blocks are significantly lighter than bata merah, easier t…

The end of a beam or rafter where it rests on the wall or bearing point, or the base of a diagonal bracing member. In arches and vaults, the heel refers to the base point where forces are concentrated.

A small, secluded dwelling or retreat, historically occupied by a hermit or religious recluse. Hermitages are typically simple, minimal structures located in remote or sacred locations.

A pattern of rectangular blocks (typically wood or stone) laid alternately at angles to create a V-shaped weaving pattern. Herringbone patterns are both functional (providing structural strength) and visually distinctive.

A six-sided polygon with equal sides and angles (in regular hexagons). Hexagons tessellate efficiently and appear in nature and Islamic geometric patterns.

The principle that some elements in a design are more important than others, expressed through size, position, material, or ornament. A clear hierarchy guides attention and communicates purpose — the entrance is bigger, the central hall is taller, the main facade is richer.

A late 20th-century style celebrating exposed technology, industrial materials, and engineering expression. High-Tech architecture celebrates mechanical systems, exposed structure, and the beauty of functional technology.

A roof where two or more sloping planes meet at angled edges (hips) rather than having a ridge. Hip roofs slope inward from all sides, making them more weather-resistant than gable roofs.

The traditional circular dwelling of the Dani and related highland peoples of Papua, with a conical grass-thatched roof that descends almost to ground level and a small low doorway requiring occupants to crouch when entering. The honai has no windows — its dark, smoky interior is deliberately designed to retain warmth …

A complex building typology designed for medical treatment, care, and often research. Hospital design is driven by infection control, patient wellbeing, staff efficiency, and the integration of complex building services. Research shows that access to daylight and natural views significantly improves patient recovery ti…

Buildings providing dwelling spaces for people — one of the oldest, most universal, and most socially critical building typologies. Housing ranges from detached single-family houses to dense multi-storey apartment blocks. Housing policy, typology, and quality have profound effects on health, community, and social equit…

The amount of water vapor in air, affecting comfort and material durability. Optimal indoor humidity is 30-60%.

A mathematical curve formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane at a specific angle. Hyperbolic forms appear in architecture as cooling towers, hyperboloid structures, and certain vaults.

A three-dimensional curved surface defined by two opposing parabolic curves. Hyperbolic paraboloids create dramatic vaults with minimal material.

A three-dimensional surface generated by rotating a hyperbola around one of its axes. Hyperboloid structures are doubly curved and provide structural efficiency with minimal material.

Chinese-American architect (1917-2019) known for modernist buildings and geometric forms. Pei designed the Bank of China Tower and the Louvre Pyramid.

Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia — the Indonesian Institute of Architects, the national professional body for licensed architects in Indonesia, founded in 1959. IAI sets the standards for architectural education, the national architect licensing examination (Ujian Kompetensi Arsitek), and continuing professional development. M…

Sugar palm fibre (Arenga pinnata) — coarse black fibres harvested from the trunk of the sugar palm tree, used traditionally as a roofing material and water-resistant thatch. Ijuk is highly durable, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and was the primary roofing material for sacred buildings in Bali and parts of Jav…

Izin Mendirikan Bangunan — the Indonesian building construction permit required before any building work can commence. The IMB is issued by local government and verifies that the proposed building complies with spatial planning regulations, KDB, KLB, and GSB requirements. In 2021, the IMB was formally replaced by the P…

The act of filling in vacant space within an existing built environment, typically by constructing new buildings in gaps between existing structures. Infill development increases urban density while maintaining neighborhood character.

Development that fills vacant lots or underutilized sites within existing urban areas. Infill increases density and vitality while maintaining neighborhood character.

In structural behavior, a point where bending changes direction or where shear forces change sign. Inflection points are significant in understanding moment distribution.

A point on a curve where the direction of curvature changes from concave to convex or vice versa. In architecture, inflection points are significant moments where visual or structural transitions occur.

The space beside a fireplace, often sheltered and intimate. Inglesides are cozy alcoves where people gather for warmth and conversation, common in traditional residences.

A small hotel or lodging establishment, historically providing shelter for travelers. Inns are often charming, smaller-scale buildings in town centers.

Materials used to resist the flow of heat, sound, or moisture through a building's walls, roof, and floor. Thermal insulation reduces heating and cooling loads; acoustic insulation reduces sound transmission. Common types include mineral wool, rigid foam boards, and cellulose.

A term coined in 1932 by Henry-Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson to describe a globally emerging form of modern architecture characterised by volume over mass, regularity, and the rejection of applied ornament. The style was defined by its abstraction, white surfaces, flat roofs, and horizontal ribbon windows.

An axonometric projection where all three axes are equally scaled, creating a balanced three-dimensional view without perspective distortion. Isometric is clear for showing complex spaces.

A three-dimensional drawing technique showing three sides equally without perspective distortion. Isometric drawings are useful for technical communication and dimensional clarity.

Louvre or jalousie — a shading element consisting of horizontal slats (fixed or operable) that control solar radiation and visual privacy while allowing ventilation and daylighting. Jalusi is made from timber, aluminium, or plastic and is a key passive climate control element in Indonesian tropical architecture, allowi…

American-Canadian activist and writer (1916–2006) whose book 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' (1961) transformed thinking about urban design. Jacobs argued that vibrant cities require mixed use, short blocks, a mix of old and new buildings, and density — a direct challenge to postwar urban renewal and high…

A small horizontal beam, typically spaced closely together, that directly supports floor or roof loads. Joists span between larger beams or bearing walls.

A lightweight data format for storing and exchanging structured information. JSON is widely used in design software, APIs, and digital workflows.

Electrical cable — insulated conductors (copper or aluminium) that carry electrical current from the main panel (panel-listrik) to outlets, fixtures, and equipment. Kabel listrik is specified by conductor size (cross-sectional area in mm²), insulation type, and voltage rating. Indonesian installation codes (PUIL) speci…

Glass — the transparent material used in windows, glazed doors, and glass partitions. In Indonesian construction, kaca is available in various types: clear float glass for standard windows, kaca-tempered (heat-treated) for safety applications, kaca-laminated (bonded plies with interlayer) for security and impact resist…

Laminated glass — two or more panes of glass bonded together with a tough plastic interlayer (typically polyvinyl butyral, PVB) that holds the glass together if it breaks, providing impact resistance and security. Kaca laminated is used in security applications, hurricane zones, and ground-floor windows, and offers sou…

Tempered or heat-treated glass — glass that has been heated and rapidly cooled to create internal compressive stresses that make it 4–5 times stronger than ordinary annealed glass and cause it to shatter into small safe pebbles rather than sharp shards when broken. Kaca tempered is required by code in doors, shower enc…

Calcium silicate board — a non-combustible board product made from Portland cement, silica, and reinforcement fibres, used as interior wall cladding, partition infill, and shaft linings in buildings requiring fire resistance. Kalsiboard is heavier and more brittle than gypsum board but offers superior fire and moisture…

An informal urban settlement — a dense, organically grown neighbourhood characterised by narrow pedestrian lanes, mixed uses, high social cohesion, and incremental self-built construction. Kampung are a fundamental fabric of Indonesian cities, housing a majority of urban residents. Far from being merely slums, kampung …

Kerb or curb — a concrete or stone edge that separates a road, paving, or walkway from an adjoining surface. Kanstin is typically 10–15 cm high and 15–20 cm wide, serving both a functional role (drainage, traffic control) and a visual role (defining edges and organisation of space).

Binding wire — soft steel wire used to tie rebar (besi-tulangan) together at intersections before concrete is poured. Kawat bendrat holds the steel cage in place during placement and consolidation. It is applied in short loops twisted with pliers, and remains in the hardened concrete where it does not contribute to str…

Teak — a dense, oily hardwood (Tectona grandis) prized for its exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture, rot, and insects. Kayu jati has been the premium structural and furniture timber in Javanese architecture for centuries, used for columns, beams, doors, window frames, and carved dec…

Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) — one of the hardest and most durable tropical timbers in the world, found in the lowland forests of Kalimantan. Kayu ulin is exceptional for structural use in wet or marine environments: it hardens rather than decays when exposed to water, making it the traditional material for pile fo…

Koefisien Dasar Bangunan — the building coverage ratio, expressed as a percentage of the total site area that may be covered by the building footprint at ground level. A KDB of 60% means that on a 500 m² site, the building's ground floor footprint cannot exceed 300 m². KDB is set by the local spatial plan and varies by…

Japanese architect (1926-2005) pioneer of postwar Japanese modernism and metabolist movement. Tange created iconic buildings merging traditional Japanese and modernist principles.

Ceramic floor and wall tiles — the near-universal interior finishing material in Indonesian buildings, from the simplest kampung house to luxury hotels. Keramik is preferred in the Indonesian tropics for its cool surface temperature underfoot, ease of cleaning, and resistance to humidity and insects. Standard sizes are…

Kicau refers to a design philosophy that emphasizes the integration of natural elements and soundscapes within architectural spaces. It often seeks to create environments that resonate with the natural world, using sound and organic forms to enhance user experience and well-being.

Kipas angin, or ceiling fan, is a mechanical device suspended from the ceiling that uses rotating blades to circulate air in a room. It helps in cooling the space by increasing air movement, which enhances evaporative cooling on the skin. Kipas angin is a popular choice in tropical climates for its energy efficiency co…

Koefisien Lantai Bangunan — the floor area ratio (FAR), representing the total permitted floor area as a multiple of the site area. A KLB of 3.0 on a 500 m² site allows a maximum total floor area of 1,500 m², achievable as a three-storey building with full KDB coverage or a taller building with a smaller footprint. KLB…

Water closet or toilet fixture — the seated fixture connected to a drain system for human waste. Kloset is available in various styles: squatting pans (traditional in Indonesia), pedestal bowls (Western style, increasingly standard), and composite systems. Building codes specify trap type, water supply, and ventilation…

A small reinforced concrete column embedded within a masonry wall, typically 12×12 cm to 15×15 cm in section, placed at wall intersections, corners, and at regular intervals along long wall runs. Kolom praktis are not primary structural columns — they do not carry floor or roof loads — but act as vertical ties that pre…

Faucet or tap — the valve fixture that controls flow of water from pipes. Kran is available in various styles (single-lever, dual-handle, etc.) and materials (brass, stainless steel, chrome-plated). Quality kran seal materials directly affect durability in high-usage applications like kitchen sinks.

Lock — the mechanism that secures a door in a closed and latched position. Kunci ranges from simple sliding bolts to sophisticated mortise locks and modern electronic locks. Building codes specify different lock requirements for emergency egress doors (quick-release) versus security doors.

Door or window frame — the structural surround into which daun-pintu (door leaf) or window sash is hung. Kusen is made from timber, aluminium, or steel and is a critical interface between the building envelope and the openings. Poor kusen detailing (especially seal to the surrounding wall) is a common source of water i…

A flat platform or intermediate floor between flights of stairs where direction changes.

A distinctive building or feature that aids navigation and creates visual identity. Landmarks are focal points that orient people in cities.

A digital fabrication technique that uses a focused laser beam to cut or engrave flat sheet materials — card, acrylic, timber, or metal — with high precision. Architects use laser cutting to produce physical study models quickly from digital drawings, and contractors use it for fabricating bespoke components.

The structural system that resists lateral forces from wind, earthquakes, or impact. Lateral systems include moment frames, braced frames, shear walls, and cores.

The organization of architectural elements in depth, creating visual complexity and spatial richness. Layering adds sophistication and depth to composition.

Swiss-French architect and urban theorist (1887–1965), born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, and one of the founding figures of modern architecture. He developed the Five Points of Architecture, the Modulor proportional system, and ideas about mass housing that transformed the built environment worldwide — for better and wor…

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — the most widely used green building certification system in the world, developed by the US Green Building Council. Buildings earn points across categories including energy, water, materials, indoor quality, and site. Certification levels are Certified, Silver, Gold, and P…

The professional certification required to practice architecture, obtained through education, experience, and examination. Licensing ensures professional competence and accountability.

A comprehensive analysis of a product or building's environmental impact from raw material extraction through end-of-life. LCA informs sustainable material and design choices.

A horizontal reflective surface that bounces daylight deep into a building interior. Light shelves extend daylighting into spaces far from windows.

A one-dimensional geometric element extending infinitely in two directions. Lines define boundaries, create direction, and structure composition.

A horizontal structural beam spanning above an opening (window or door) to support the load above.

Barge board or gable trim — a decorative or protective board installed along the outer edge of a sloping roof at the gable end, covering the rafter tails and forming the edge of the overhang. Lisplank is made from timber, galvalum, or composite material and is a standard finishing detail in Indonesian roofing that prot…

In the UK, a building officially recognised for its special architectural or historic interest and placed on a statutory list. Any alterations to a listed building — even minor internal changes — require Listed Building Consent in addition to planning permission. Grades are I (most significant), II*, and II.

Describing structural elements that support significant loads. Load-bearing walls, columns, and foundations are primary structural components.

An entrance hall or waiting area in a public building, hotel, or office.

A room or space directly under the roof or in the upper floor of a building, often high-ceilinged.

American architect (1901-1974) famous for monumental forms, exposed materials, and layered spatial compositions. Kahn's philosophy emphasized 'what the building wants to be.'

Brazilian architect (1902-1998) and urban planner who designed Brasília. Costa combined modernist principles with Brazilian cultural identity and modernist urbanism.

German-American architect (1886–1969) known for his maxim 'less is more' and his precise, minimal use of steel and glass. Mies redefined the office building and the house, creating structures of crystalline clarity. His influence on corporate architecture in the second half of the 20th century is incalculable.

The residence of a lord or significant landowner, typically rural and including agricultural land. Manors combine residential and agricultural functions.

A roof with four sides and two slopes per side, creating additional usable floor space.

The process of representing space, relationships, or data visually. In architecture, mapping includes site analysis, process documentation, and information visualization.

A sacred communal gathering place central to Māori culture in New Zealand. The marae complex typically includes a wharenui (meeting house) decorated with elaborate carvings representing ancestors, an outdoor courtyard (atea), and ancillary buildings. It is the centre of cultural, ceremonial, and social life.

Marble tile or slab — a metamorphic rock available in white, grey, black, and various coloured veins, quarried in Indonesia (particularly in Sumatra and Sulawesi) and imported. Marmer is softer than granit and more vulnerable to staining and scratching, but is prized for its visual elegance and prestige associations. I…

Construction using individual units of stone, brick, or block, bound together with mortar. Masonry is excellent in compression — it can carry enormous loads — but weak in tension and susceptible to cracking under lateral forces like earthquakes. It is one of the oldest building techniques in human history.

A comprehensive plan for the development of an area — defining land uses, street networks, public spaces, building heights, and phasing. Masterplans provide a framework for coordinating multiple buildings and projects across time. They are used for new districts, regeneration areas, and campus developments.

The quality and expression of materials in architecture, including surface texture, color, and aging. Materiality communicates authenticity and connects buildings to place.

A design philosophy embracing abundance, richness, and complexity. Maximalism celebrates pattern, color, and ornamentation, rejecting minimalist restraint in favor of visual abundance.

American architect (born 1957) known for minimalist memorial and environmental design. Lin's work emphasizes site-specific design and social responsibility.

The use of fans and ductwork to move fresh air into and stale air out of a building. In well-insulated modern buildings, mechanical ventilation is essential because airtight construction prevents accidental air infiltration. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) reclaims heat from outgoing air to pre-warm in…

A design approach featuring massive frameworks that can accommodate future growth and change. Megastructures were popular in the 1960s–1970s and represent utopian urban thinking.

A multi-tiered shrine tower found in Balinese Hindu temples (pura), with an odd number of thatched roofs stacked vertically — from 3 to 11 tiers — where the number of tiers indicates the rank of the deity or ancestor enshrined within. The meru form represents Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the centre of the Hindu u…

A 3D geometric representation using vertices, edges, and faces to define surfaces. Meshes are fundamental to 3D modeling and visualization in architecture.

Japanese architectural movement (1960s-70s) proposing buildings as living organisms with replaceable components and growth capacity. Metabolism embraced change and impermanence.

Immersive digital spaces where people interact through avatars. The metaverse presents new opportunities for architectural visualization, virtual meetings, and design collaboration.

An intermediate floor or balcony within a story, creating intermediate spaces without spanning the full floor-to-floor height. Mezzanines add usable area and visual interest.

Movement reducing buildings to essential geometric forms and minimal material expression. Minimal architecture emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and precise execution.

A design approach emphasizing essential forms, reduction to basics, and elimination of ornament. Minimalism celebrates empty space, simple geometry, and the beauty of restraint.

Development that combines different types of programme — housing, retail, offices, leisure — within a single building or district. Mixed use creates active streets throughout the day, reduces car dependency, and supports local economies. It is the opposite of zoning that separates uses into single-use districts.

The process of creating physical or digital representations of architectural designs. Models serve as communication tools, design aids, and exploration devices.

A broad architectural movement of the 20th century that rejected historical ornament in favour of functional clarity, new materials (concrete, steel, glass), and the honest expression of structure. Modernism was rooted in the belief that architecture should serve the present, not imitate the past.

The design principle of creating buildings from standardized, repeatable units (modules) that can be combined in various configurations. Modularity enables flexibility and efficiency.

A standardised unit of measurement used to regulate the dimensions of a building and its components. Working to a module ensures that prefabricated elements, structural grids, and cladding panels are coordinated without wasteful cutting. Many architects design on a 100mm or 300mm grid to align with standard brick and p…

A decorative or structural linear element with a shaped profile, used to finish edges or transitions.

A rigid frame system where members resist lateral forces through bending (moment) rather than diagonal bracing. Moment frames allow large open floor plans but require robust connections.

A community of monks living according to religious vows, typically including a church, dormitory, refectory, and cloister. Monasteries are significant architectural and cultural centers.

A paste of cement (or lime), sand, and water used to bind masonry units together and fill the joints between them. Mortar distributes loads evenly across bricks or stones and seals against water infiltration. Its composition affects flexibility, durability, and ease of repair.

The principal building type of Islamic worship — a place of prayer oriented towards Mecca (the qibla direction). The key elements of a mosque are the prayer hall, the mihrab (niche indicating qibla), the minbar (pulpit), and typically a minaret (tower from which the call to prayer is broadcast). Mosques reflect an enor…

Plywood — sheets of wood veneers glued and pressed together with alternating grain direction for strength. Multiplek is the standard formwork (bekisting) material for concrete slabs and vertical surfaces in Indonesian construction. Quality grades range from exterior-grade (water-resistant) to interior-grade, with thick…

A building for housing, preserving, and displaying collections of objects — art, natural history, science, or culture. Museum design must balance controlled lighting and environmental conditions for conservation with engaging spatial experiences for visitors. The museum has become one of the most architecturally ambiti…

A grout joint — the filled gap between adjacent ceramic tiles, stone slabs, or masonry units. In Indonesian tiling practice, nat is filled with cement-based grout (grouting) after the tiles have been bedded and set. The nat width (typically 2–5 mm for keramik and 8–15 mm for batu alam) affects both the aesthetic and th…

The central open courtyard of a traditional Balinese house compound, around which all pavilions (bale) are arranged. The natah is not merely a residual space between buildings — it is the spatial and cosmological heart of the compound, used for ceremonies, daily offerings, and family gatherings. Its orientation follows…

Plants species indigenous to a region, adapted to local climate and soil. Native plants require less water, maintenance, and chemicals than non-native species.

The movement of fresh air through a building without mechanical fans, driven by pressure differences from wind or by the buoyancy of warm air (the stack effect). Well-designed natural ventilation improves indoor air quality, reduces energy consumption, and can replace air conditioning in mild climates.

Postmodern movement freely combining references from multiple historical styles without adherence to single tradition. Neo-eclecticism celebrates complexity and historical pluralism.

A 19th-century revival of Gothic architectural principles, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and vertical emphasis. Neo-Gothic reflected romantic idealization of medieval culture.

An 18th–19th-century movement reviving classical Greek and Roman principles of proportion, symmetry, and order. Neoclassicism emphasized reason and classical ideals in reaction to baroque excess.

Buildings producing as much energy as they consume over a year, typically combining efficiency and renewable generation. Net-zero is increasingly a standard sustainability goal.

Urban design movement promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with human-scale development. New urbanism rejects sprawl and advocates sustainable, livable communities.

A significant point or junction in an urban fabric, like a plaza, transit station, or landmark. Nodes organize navigation and create focal points.

Design workflow where connections between nodes (operations/parameters) create visual algorithms. Node-based tools enable non-linear, flexible design exploration.

Ridge or roof ridge cap — the horizontal element that caps the peak where two roof slopes meet. Nok atap is made from tiles (matching the main roofing material), metal flashing (for metal roofing), or ridge cap shingles. It serves both a weatherproofing function and a visual finishing role, often the most visible detai…

American architect (1928-2012), first African-American woman to receive architectural licensure and to become AIA fellow. Pioneer in advancing diversity in architecture.

The legal transfer of an architect's contract from the client to the contractor, common in Design and Build procurement. After novation, the architect works for the contractor but must still serve the client's original design intent. Novation is controversial because it creates potential conflicts of interest.

A building designed for astronomical observation, featuring domes, telescopes, and minimal internal structures. Observatories are both scientific and architectural marvels.

A gap or passage in a wall, facade, or other structure, for access, light, or ventilation.

An architectural philosophy emphasizing harmony between building and nature, developed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Organic architecture features flowing spaces, natural materials, and integration with landscape.

Building orientation — the positioning of a building's major facades and openings relative to solar angles and prevailing winds to optimise thermal comfort and daylighting. In Indonesia's equatorial location (6°N to 11°S), optimal solar orientation places the building's long axis east–west, minimising exposure of end f…

A projection system where parallel lines from the object to the drawing plane are perpendicular (orthogonal). Orthographic projections (plans, elevations, sections) preserve dimensions and angles.

A drawing system that projects a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional plane without perspective distortion — all lines parallel to each other remain parallel in the drawing. Plans, sections, and elevations are all orthographic drawings. They allow accurate measurement directly from the drawing, which perspec…

Brazilian architect (1907-2012) known for sculptural modernism and expressive concrete forms. Niemeyer's work combines modernist abstraction with social engagement.

A condition in which a building becomes uncomfortably hot, typically during summer, due to excessive solar gains through glazing, poor ventilation, high internal heat gains, or the urban heat island effect. As climate change intensifies, overheating is becoming a critical design consideration even in temperate climates…

Iron fence or steel fence — a perimeter enclosure made from steel bars, tubes, or mesh welded to vertical posts. Pagar besi is used to define property boundaries, control access, and provide security. Design ranges from simple utilitarian bars to ornate decorative designs.

A multi-tiered tower of East Asian origin used as a Buddhist temple or monument. The pagoda evolved from the Indian stupa, transforming as it spread through China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Each tier has its own projecting roof, creating a distinctive silhouette. Most pagodas are built in stone, brick, or timbe…

Electrical panel or distribution board — the main enclosure where incoming power is metered, distributed, and protected. The panel-listrik contains circuit breakers for each circuit, a main breaker, and ground connections. Indonesian installation codes require a lockable panel located at an accessible point near the ma…

A contemporary design approach using algorithms and computational parameters to generate complex forms. Parametric design allows buildings to respond dynamically to environmental and functional constraints.

A design approach in which the geometry of a building is defined by parameters and rules rather than fixed shapes. Changing a parameter — say, the angle of a sunshade — automatically updates all related elements. This allows complex, highly differentiated forms that would be impossible to design or build using traditio…

A wall or railing at the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace for safety and aesthetic purposes.

Parquet or wooden flooring — solid wood strips or engineered wood planks laid in patterns (herringbone, basket-weave, or random) to create a finished floor. Parket is rare in Indonesian residential construction due to cost, humidity, and termite concerns, but is used in prestige residential and institutional interiors.…

The section of the UK Building Regulations covering the conservation of fuel and power — in practice, the energy performance requirements for new buildings and major renovations. Part L sets maximum U-values for building fabric elements and requires minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.

A non-structural wall that divides interior space without supporting loads.

A wall shared between two properties, typically between terraced or semi-detached houses. In the UK, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires property owners to notify neighbours and in some cases obtain agreement before carrying out works that affect a party wall.

Masonry brickwork laid in mortar — the most prevalent wall construction method in Indonesian buildings from colonial-era structures to contemporary housing. In standard Indonesian construction practice, pasangan bata walls are finished with plesteran (render) and acian (skim coat) before painting, unless a deliberate e…

Sand — the fine aggregate used in concrete, mortar, plaster, and screeds. Indonesian pasir is classified by grain size: pasir halus (fine sand, for finishing) and pasir kasar (coarse sand, for structural mixes). Pasir is sourced from riverbeds, beaches, and manufactured crushings, with significant regional variation in…

Design strategies that minimize mechanical heating and cooling through orientation, insulation, thermal mass, and ventilation. Passive design reduces energy consumption.

A rigorous energy performance standard that reduces a building's heating and cooling demand by up to 90% compared to conventional construction. It achieves this through super-insulation, airtight construction, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery — not through active systems like solar p…

A small, often temporary building that stands separately from a main structure, used for shelter, display, or events. In architecture, pavilions are often experimental — freed from the constraints of programme and permanence, they allow architects to explore ideas about space, material, and structure in built form.

Interlocking concrete paver or paving stone — a modular unit used for outdoor paving (driveways, patios, walkways, and plazas) that allows water infiltration between joints. Paving blocks are cheaper and faster to install than cast concrete, allow flexibility in design and repair, and support groundwater recharge. They…

Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung — the building approval system that replaced the IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) under Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021 and Law No. 11 of 2020 (Cipta Kerja / Job Creation Law). PBG shifts from a permit-based to a compliance-based system: the applicant submits technical documents demonstra…

An open-sided pavilion that forms the front and most public part of a traditional Javanese compound — the space for receiving guests, holding ceremonies, and public gatherings. The pendopo has no enclosing walls; its roof is supported by columns alone, making it permeable to air and view. Its form communicates the owne…

The quality of urban areas allowing easy pedestrian movement and visual connection through streets and passages. Permeable designs encourage exploration.

A drawing technique representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, simulating human vision. Perspective drawings communicate spatial experience and depth.

A drawing system that represents three-dimensional space on a flat surface as it appears to the human eye — with parallel lines converging at vanishing points and elements reducing in size with distance. Perspective was codified in the Renaissance and transformed architectural representation. It is used for design comm…

Phenomenology in architecture refers to the study of how people experience and perceive spaces and environments. It emphasizes the sensory aspects of architecture, focusing on how light, materials, and spatial arrangements contribute to the emotional and psychological experiences of individuals within a built environme…

A technique for creating accurate 3D models from overlapping photographs. Software analyses multiple images taken from different angles to reconstruct surfaces and geometry. Architects use photogrammetry for surveying existing buildings, heritage documentation, and generating site models.

A composite image combining photographs, renderings, and other visual elements to show buildings in context. Photomontage helps visualize projects in their actual surroundings.

Solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. In architecture, PV panels are installed on roofs or facades to generate on-site renewable electricity. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) incorporate the panels directly into the building skin as cladding or glazing.

A three-dimensional scaled representation of a building or urban context, made from card, timber, foam, or other materials. Physical models allow spatial qualities — massing, enclosure, light — to be tested and communicated in a way that digital images cannot replicate. They remain essential in design education and pra…

The mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159, representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Pi is used whenever architects or engineers calculate the geometry of circular or curved elements — domes, arches, columns, and curved plans.

A column-like foundation element driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil or bedrock.

A shallow, flattened column or pier projecting slightly from a wall surface.

A vertical support structure, typically freestanding and often more massive or decorative than a column.

PVC pipe or polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe — a lightweight, corrosion-resistant drainage and water supply pipe, standard in Indonesian plumbing systems. Pipa PVC is available in various diameters (typically 16–110 mm) and pressure ratings, joined with solvent cement (PVC glue) or compression fittings. It is significan…

A roof with one or more slopes, designed to shed water and snow effectively.

The collaborative process of transforming public spaces into beloved community places. Place-making involves design, programming, and community engagement.

A collaborative approach to urban design that centres on creating public spaces people want to use — not just infrastructure, but places with identity, activity, and comfort. Placemaking is informed by how people actually inhabit and perceive spaces, often involving community participation.

Glass Reinforced Cement ceiling panel — a non-combustible alternative to gypsum ceiling board, offering superior fire resistance and moisture durability. Plafon GRC is heavier than gypsum and more brittle, but required in some building codes for high-rise structures and in wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms) where gypsum d…

Gypsum ceiling board or plasterboard — sheets of gypsum core with paper facings, attached to a suspended metal frame (rangka-hollow) to create a finished ceiling. Plafon gypsum is the standard dropped ceiling material in Indonesian commercial and residential interiors, offering acoustic absorption, easy installation of…

PVC ceiling tile or plastic ceiling panel — a lightweight, moisture-resistant ceiling material made from polyvinyl chloride, used in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas where gypsum or GRC would deteriorate. Plafon PVC is cheap, easy to install and replace, and resists mould and mildew, but offers poor acoustic absorpti…

Joint filler or spackling compound — a white powder mixed with water to form a paste, used to fill seams, cracks, and fastener holes in walls before painting. Plamir is applied with a putty knife, sanded smooth, and primed before final painting. It is a standard finishing step in Indonesian gypsum board and drywall con…

A horizontal orthographic view of a building, typically at a specific height, showing spatial layout and relationships. Plans are fundamental architectural documents.

A formal submission to a local planning authority requesting permission to carry out a development. A planning application typically includes drawings (site plan, plans, elevations, sections), a planning statement, and supporting technical reports. The authority must determine the application within a statutory timefra…

Formal approval from a local planning authority to carry out development — including new buildings, significant alterations, or changes of use. In the UK, most building works require planning permission. Applications are assessed against local development plans, design guidance, and consultee responses.

A paste made of gypsum, lime, sand, and water applied to walls for finishing. Plaster provides a smooth surface for painting and can be molded for ornamental details.

An elevated horizontal surface or stage, often freestanding or semi-detached.

An open public square, often at the center of a city or district. Plazas serve as gathering spaces for markets, celebrations, and civic activities.

A render coat — a layer of cement-sand mortar applied over pasangan bata or concrete block walls to produce a flat, even base for painting or tiling. Plesteran typically consists of 1 part cement to 3–5 parts sand, applied 10–20 mm thick. It is the first finishing layer in Indonesian construction practice, applied afte…

The projecting or recessed base of a building, column, or wall where it meets the ground.

Additional software modules that extend the functionality of a host program. In architecture, plugins like Grasshopper or Enscape add parametric, rendering, or simulation capabilities.

A collection of data points in 3D space capturing physical environments through laser scanning or photogrammetry. Point clouds accurately represent existing conditions for renovation and analysis.

A closed shape with straight sides. Common polygons include triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons.

A rubble stone strip foundation — a continuous footing of river or quarry stone set in mortar, used as the primary foundation system for low-rise buildings in Indonesia. Pondasi batu kali is inexpensive, uses locally available materials, and performs adequately on stable soils for one- to two-storey structures. It is t…

The degree to which a building or urban area allows visual or physical permeability and visual connection. Porous design encourages movement and social interaction.

A curated collection of an architect's or student's work — drawings, models, renderings, photographs, and text — assembled to demonstrate skills, design thinking, and project range. The architectural portfolio is a primary tool for job applications and studio admissions. Editing, layout, and sequence are as important a…

A simple structural system where vertical posts support horizontal beams. Post-and-beam construction creates clear, flexible interior spaces.

An architectural movement emerging in the 1970s as a reaction against the perceived austerity and universalism of Modernism. Postmodernism embraced historical reference, ornament, colour, and wit, often mixing styles ironically. It argued that architecture should communicate with a broader public, not just architectura…

A previous example or case used as a reference or model for current work. Studying precedents informs design decisions and solutions.

The systematic analysis of existing buildings to understand design strategies, spatial organizations, and solutions. Precedent studies inform design thinking.

The semi-public transitional space in a traditional Javanese house compound, located between the open pendopo at the front and the private dalem at the rear. The pringgitan mediates between public and private life — it is where wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances were traditionally held, its name derived from 'ri…

The world's most prestigious award in architecture, established in 1979 by the Pritzker family and administered by the Hyatt Foundation. Awarded annually to a living architect whose built work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment. It is widely considered the 'Nobel Prize of Architecture.'

An open-source programming language and environment for creative coding. Processing is used by designers for generative design, data visualization, and interactive installations.

A planned sequence of spaces through which a person moves, each one preparing them for the next. Great architecture often choreographs movement — compressing then opening, darkening then brightening — to control how a building is experienced over time.

The list of spaces, activities, and functional requirements that a building must accommodate — compiled through client consultation and briefing. The programme (or 'brief' in UK usage) defines the scope of a project: how many rooms, what sizes, what adjacencies, what performance standards. Good architecture begins with…

A method of representing three-dimensional objects on two-dimensional surfaces. Common projections include orthographic, perspective, and axonometric.

The mathematical relationship between the dimensions of a building's parts and the whole. Proportion governs whether a space or form feels balanced. Systems like the Golden Ratio and the Classical Orders provided architects with rules for achieving harmonious proportion.

Areas of a city that are open and accessible to everyone without charge — streets, squares, parks, and waterfronts. Public space is the connective tissue of urban life. Its quality determines how people move through, dwell in, and relate to a city. Well-designed public space encourages social interaction and democratic…

Shared transportation systems (buses, trains, metros) serving the public. Public transit reduces car dependence and enables urban accessibility.

A Balinese Hindu temple compound organised around a series of progressively sacred courtyards separated by split gates (candi bentar) and roofed shrines (meru). Pura are not buildings in the Western sense but landscapes — outdoor ceremonial spaces defined by walls, gates, and pagoda-like towers. Every Balinese village …

An art and design movement (1918–1925) emphasizing geometric abstraction, primary colors, and universal form. Purism sought to distill design to its most essential, platonic elements.

The mathematical principle that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides (a² + b² = c²). Used constantly in construction — for setting out right-angle corners on site, calculating rafter lengths, and checking that structures are square.

A versatile programming language increasingly used in architecture for scripting, data analysis, and automation. Python is accessible to non-programmers and widely integrated into design tools.

A construction economics specialist who measures and manages the cost of a building project from inception to completion. The QS prepares Bills of Quantities (detailed cost breakdowns), advises on procurement strategy, evaluates tenders, and monitors expenditure during construction. In the USA, the equivalent role is c…

Rencana Anggaran Biaya — a bill of quantities or cost estimate that itemises every material, labour, and overhead component of a construction project with quantities, unit rates, and total costs. The RAB is a required document in the Indonesian building permit (PBG) process and forms the basis for contractor tendering …

Concrete floor screed — a thin layer of cement mortar (typically 3–5 cm) cast over a structural concrete floor slab to create a smooth, level wearing surface and to integrate MEP runs, conduits, and thermal mass systems. Rabat beton is a standard Indonesian floor assembly component, allowing the structural slab and fin…

A protective barrier of posts and bars along stairs, balconies, or edges to prevent falls.

A construction technique in which layers of moist earth — typically a mix of gravel, sand, silt, and clay — are compacted in temporary formwork to form solid walls. Rammed earth walls are dense, durable, fire-resistant, and have high thermal mass. The technique is experiencing a contemporary revival for its sustainabil…

Light gauge steel roof frame — a structural system using cold-formed steel sections (U-channel and C-channel, typically 1.2–2.0 mm thick) for roof purlins, trusses, and bracing. Rangka atap baja ringan is faster to erect than timber, non-combustible, and allows open planning beneath roofs. It has become standard in Ind…

Lightweight plastic or timber frame used to support ceiling tiles or wall cladding in low-cost applications. Rangka furing is a cheaper alternative to rangka-hollow, using plastic tracks or timber battens instead of steel, suitable for simple, non-load-bearing applications where fire rating is not critical.

Metal stud framing or cold-formed steel ceiling frame — a system of galvanised steel U-channel and C-channel sections (typically 75–100 mm depth, 1–2 mm thickness) assembled into a grid to support suspended ceilings. Rangka-hollow is fast to install, reusable, and allows flexible routing of MEP systems above, and is th…

A design philosophy emphasizing logical, systematic thinking and geometric order. Rationalism rejects emotional or arbitrary decisions in favor of rational principles and mathematical relationships.

Rencana Detail Tata Ruang — the detailed spatial plan at the district or sub-district level that sets the land use zoning, KDB, KLB, GSB, and RTH requirements for every plot in an urban area. The RDTR is the key regulatory document consulted during the PBG application process and drives all development decisions. It is…

Visualization technology generating images instantly as the user interacts, rather than pre-computed renderings. Real-time rendering enables interactive design exploration.

Steel bars embedded in concrete to provide tensile strength. Rebar is essential to reinforced concrete's ability to resist tension and bending.

An adaptation of modernist principles to respond to local climate, culture, and materials. Regional modernism balances universal modernist ideals with particular place-specific characteristics.

Concrete combined with embedded steel reinforcement bars (rebar) to compensate for concrete's weakness in tension. Concrete handles compression; steel handles tension. Together they make a composite material capable of spanning large distances and supporting complex structural forms.

Steel rebar, mesh, or cables embedded in concrete to provide tensile strength. Reinforcement allows concrete to resist bending, cracking, and tension.

Dutch architect and theorist (born 1944), founder of OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) and winner of the 2000 Pritzker Prize. Koolhaas is as influential as a writer and thinker as he is as a builder. His book 'Delirious New York' (1978) reframed the skyscraper as an instrument of programmatic intensity.

A period of cultural rebirth (14th–16th centuries) emphasizing human potential, classical learning, and mathematical proportion. Renaissance architecture revived classical orders, symmetry, and harmonic proportions.

A photorealistic digital image of a building produced using 3D modelling and rendering software. Renderings are used to communicate design proposals to clients, planning authorities, and the public. The quality of contemporary rendering has reached a level where visualisations are often indistinguishable from photograp…

Energy from sources that naturally replenish, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal. Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Italian architect (born 1937), co-designer of the Centre Pompidou and winner of the 1998 Pritzker Prize. Piano is known for meticulous craftsmanship, light-filled interiors, and buildings that engage sensitively with their urban or natural contexts. His firm RPBW works across museums, housing, and infrastructure.

Autodesk's primary BIM software, widely used by architectural and engineering firms worldwide. In Revit, elements like walls, doors, and roofs are smart objects that know their relationship to other elements and can generate consistent plans, sections, and schedules automatically from the same model.

NURBS-based 3D modeling software known for flexibility in generating complex, free-form surfaces. Rhino is popular for conceptual design and custom geometry exploration.

A 3D modelling software popular in architecture for its ability to handle complex, freeform geometry (NURBS curves and surfaces) that is difficult to model in BIM tools. Often used in the design stage for form exploration, Rhino is commonly extended with the parametric plugin Grasshopper.

The repetition of elements — columns, windows, bays, or structural members — at regular or varied intervals to create visual movement across a building. Like musical rhythm, architectural rhythm can be regular and predictable or syncopated and dynamic.

The standard framework used in the UK to describe the stages of a building project from initial briefing to post-occupancy evaluation. The Plan of Work divides a project into eight stages (0–7): Strategic Definition, Preparation and Briefing, Concept Design, Spatial Coordination, Technical Design, Manufacturing and Con…

American architect (born 1934) known for white minimalist buildings expressing abstraction and geometry. Meier created iconic cultural and residential buildings.

Indonesian architect and politician (born 1971 in Bandung), founder of Urbane Indonesia. Ridwan Kamil is one of Indonesia's most prominent contemporary architects, known for his use of local cultural motifs and sustainable principles in civic and commercial projects. He served as Mayor of Bandung (2013–2018) and Govern…

A reinforced concrete ring beam cast at the top of masonry walls, at eave or floor-to-floor level, to tie the wall system together and distribute roof or floor loads. Ring balok prevents the walls from spreading or cracking under lateral loads — particularly important in earthquake-prone Indonesia — and provides a cont…

An 18th-century style of elegant, ornate decoration featuring curved forms, delicate details, and light colors. Rococo represents the height of baroque ornamentation and decorative refinement.

A 19th-century movement emphasizing emotion, nature, and the picturesque. Romantic architecture celebrates irregular forms, dramatic landscapes, and emotional expression.

Romo Mangun (Mangunwijaya) was an influential Indonesian architect, writer, and social activist known for his commitment to sustainable architecture and community-centric design. His works often integrated local culture and values, emphasizing harmony between nature and built environments, while addressing social issue…

The upper covering of a building that protects the interior from weather and elements.

An enclosed space within a building, separated by walls, used for a specific function or purpose.

Ruang Terbuka Hijau — open green space, a legally mandated component of Indonesian urban planning under Law No. 26/2007 on Spatial Planning. Cities must allocate a minimum of 30% of their total area as RTH, divided between public green space (20%) and private green space (10%). RTH encompasses public parks, street tree…

Rumah toko — a combined shop-house typology in which the ground floor operates as a commercial space and upper floors serve as living quarters. Ruko is the dominant building type in Indonesian commercial streets, town centres, and suburban business districts. The form derives from the Chinese shophouse tradition brough…

A generic term for traditional or customary houses built according to indigenous practices and governed by adat (customary law). Indonesia has over 300 ethnic groups, each with distinct rumah adat typologies that encode cosmological beliefs, social hierarchies, and ecological adaptations in their spatial organisation, …

The traditional house of the Batak people of North Sumatra, raised on heavy hardwood posts with a dramatically steep saddle roof that sweeps up at both ends and is thatched with ijuk or corrugated iron in contemporary versions. Rumah bolon are communal structures housing multiple related families, with the interior div…

The traditional communal longhouse of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, recognisable by its dramatic upswept roof ridges that curve skyward at each end like buffalo horns (gonjong). Rumah gadang is a matrilineal household structure — rooms are allocated to daughters and their families. The building is raised on p…

The most prestigious form of traditional Javanese house, characterised by a tall central roof supported by four main columns (saka guru) that carry a tiered pyramidal crown. The joglo roof form communicates social status — only aristocratic and priyayi-class families were traditionally permitted to build them. The main…

A vernacular house type raised on stilts above the ground, found across the Indonesian archipelago from Kalimantan to Sulawesi. The elevated floor separates living space from ground moisture, insects, and flooding, while the underfloor void provides ventilation and storage. Rumah panggung reflects an ecological logic a…

Light switch or electrical switch — the device that opens and closes an electrical circuit to control lights or appliances. Saklar is available in toggle, push-button, or rotary designs and is rated by voltage and current capacity. Standard Indonesian residential saklar are rated for 10A 250V.

The family temple — a small sacred enclosure within a Balinese house compound, located at the most auspicious kaja-kangin (northeast) corner of the natah. The sanggah contains shrines dedicated to deified ancestors and household deities, and is the site of daily offerings and regular family ceremonies. No Balinese comp…

The perceived size of a building or space relative to the human body or to its surroundings. A building can be physically large but feel intimate (human scale), or physically modest but feel monumental (heroic scale). Architects manipulate scale through the size of elements like doors, windows, and steps.

A vertical slice through a building or site showing spatial relationships, heights, and material layering. Sections reveal what elevations conceal.

An orthographic drawing showing what a building looks like when cut through by an imaginary vertical plane. The section reveals the internal heights, relationships between floors, structural elements, and the spatial drama of a building in a way that a plan cannot. It is one of the most important analytical tools in ar…

A cut-away view showing vertical relationships and spatial depth through a building. Sections reveal interior conditions not visible in plans.

A physical model cut along a vertical section plane to reveal the interior spatial relationships, floor-to-floor heights, and structural elements of a building. Section models are especially useful for understanding the volumetric drama of staircases, atria, and double-height spaces in ways that plans cannot convey.

Portland cement — the fine grey powder that is the primary binder in all concrete, mortar, and plaster mixes used in Indonesian construction. Semen is purchased in 50 kg bags and mixed with pasir (sand), batu-split (coarse aggregate), and air to produce cor-beton (cast concrete). Quality grades range from ordinary Port…

Septic tank or wastewater treatment system — an underground chamber where household wastewater is treated through bacterial decomposition before percolation to soil. Septic tanks are sized based on occupancy (typically 3.5–5 m³ for a four-person household) and must be desludged every 2–3 years. They are the standard wa…

An architectural element — overhang, fin, louvre, or perforated screen — that intercepts direct solar radiation before it reaches the facade or glazing behind it. In the Indonesian tropics, shading devices are critical to controlling heat gain and glare. The required projection depth depends on the solar angle at the r…

A force that causes one part of a material to slide relative to another, creating stress parallel to the force. Shear is common in beams and connections.

A rigid vertical wall designed to resist lateral forces — wind and seismic loads — acting parallel to its plane. In tall buildings, shear walls (often reinforced concrete cores) are the primary means of resisting the horizontal forces that could cause a building to sway or overturn.

The Shear Wall Test Playwright is a software tool used for simulating and analyzing the performance of shear walls under various loading conditions. It allows architects and engineers to assess the structural integrity and behavior of these critical components in high-rise buildings and other structures. The tool integ…

A traditional Japanese sliding screen made of translucent paper (washi) stretched over a wooden lattice frame. Shoji screens serve as walls, doors, and windows — they diffuse light softly, provide privacy without visual opacity, and can be removed entirely to open a space to the garden. They embody the Japanese spatial…

A detailed fabrication or installation drawing prepared by a contractor or subcontractor, showing exactly how a specific building component will be manufactured and installed. Shop drawings translate the architect's design intent into dimensions, connections, and tolerances that workshop fabricators and site installers…

The horizontal ledge or threshold at the bottom of a window or door opening.

A smooth, periodic curve oscillating between maximum and minimum values. Sine waves appear in natural phenomena and computational design of organic curves.

Wooden roof shingles split from ulin (ironwood) or belian timber, used as a traditional roofing material in Kalimantan and parts of Sulawesi. Sirap shingles are typically 40–60 cm long and 5–10 mm thick, overlapped in courses like slate. Ulin sirap is exceptionally durable — lasting 50 years or more in tropical conditi…

Traditional timber structural systems used in Indonesian vernacular architecture, based on mortise-and-tenon joinery without nails or metal connectors. The post-and-beam system with diagonal bracing allows buildings to flex under seismic loads rather than resist rigidly — a critical property in earthquake-prone Indones…

A systematic study of a project's location — covering topography, climate, sun path, adjacent buildings, street patterns, views, transport links, and existing uses. Site analysis informs design decisions and ensures the building responds to its physical and cultural context. It is typically represented through annotate…

A quick, freehand drawing used to explore, record, or communicate spatial ideas. The architectural sketch is a thinking tool — less about accuracy than about the speed of externalising ideas. Many great architects are exceptional sketchers; the sketch is still considered a mark of architectural intelligence.