Source: Untar Public Relations – MS
Religious architecture has long served as a reflection of cultural identity, spiritual values, and technological advancement throughout history. Every element of a structure—from its form and ornaments to the materials used—embodies the beliefs and worldview of the community it represents.
The Architecture Study Program of Untar’s Faculty of Engineering (FT) held the International Conference on Religious Architecture (ICRA) on Thursday (24/10/2024) at the Auditorium of Untar Campus I.
The conference featured six distinguished speakers: Former Professor of the Faculty of Architecture, Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) University, Ahmedabad, India, Prof. Miki Desai; researcher and author of Religion and Architecture in Premodern Indonesia at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, Gaudenz Domenig; Imran bin Tajudee, Ph.D., recipient of the MIT Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National University of Singapore; architectural theory and history scholar from Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Gunawan Tjahjono; researcher and architecture lecturer at Universitas Tarumanagara, Prof. Dr. Ir. Fermanto Lianto, M.T.; and Secretary of the Undergraduate Architecture Study Program, researcher, author, and lecturer in Architectural Theory and Philosophy at Universitas Tarumanagara, Dr. Alvin Hadiwono, S.T., M.T.
The conference highlighted the significant role of religious architecture in reflecting cultural identity, spirituality, and technological development across different historical periods.
FT Untar Dean Ir. Harto Tanujaya, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., stated in his opening remarks that the event also aimed to encourage interaction among researchers and academics through the exchange of ideas and discussions on research and cultural works.
“Humanity has evolved, and so have sacred buildings—from stone structures to buildings constructed with advanced modern materials and technologies,” he said.
He further expressed his hope that the conference would inspire participants and broaden their understanding of culture within the history of architecture.
Through the organization of ICRA, Untar hopes to continue playing an active role in advancing architectural knowledge that not only emphasizes aesthetics but also explores the deeper religious significance of architecture for society as a whole. (MS/YS/VC)