Signification of Architectural Form-Meaning Relationship: In Catholic Architectural Inculturation

Joyce M. Laurens1, Antariksa2, and Purnama Salura3

1. Petra Christian University, Indonesia

2. Brawijaya University, Indonesia

3. Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia

Abstract: Aim of this study is to explore the relationship of form and meaning in architectural inculturation which can be seen as a powerful agency to reinforce the sacredness of church architecture. Inculturation process shifted the preferences of having typical Gothic church architecture to new local architecture Christian style. This is a descriptive, analytical and interpretive study, using an interdisciplinary approach by borrowing structural analysis from the discipline of semiotics and complemented by architectural analysis of Pugeran church as the case study. Description and analyses are made to identify the local architectural components that are present in Catholic worship and to explain the meaning behind it. The study showed that there are layers of meaning in relation to the

formal and spatial design, structural aspects and ornamentation in architecture, in the context of sacredness. This analytical understanding could be the basis for the strategic action to address issues of church architecture and its interaction with local culture.

Key words: meaning, semiotics, local architecture