Indonesian Architecture in The Dutch Pavilion Design

Abstract

During the colonial era, the Dutch had built a strong connection with Indonesia that allowed a cultural exchange from both sides. Architecture, as part of cultural products, is no different. Although normally, the ruler was the one who left architectural marks on their colony’s land, there are some examples of buildings in The Netherlands that are influenced by Indonesian architecture. For pavilion buildings, this influence also entails a significant meaning as it represents a country on a world stage.
In that such events, The Dutch usually used Indonesian architectural forms to showcase their colonial possession and to gain respect from other Western countries. That can be seen from their entries in the colonial exhibition from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century, where they brought an Indonesian village and built an imitation of a Hindu-javanese temple. But Indonesian influence in Dutch pavilion design not only appeared in the colonial-themed exhibition. Although less noticeable, Indonesian architecture was also often incorporated in an international exhibitions focusing on modern art and technology.
Therefore, This thesis investigates the influence of Indonesian Architecture in the Dutch pavilion at The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which was held in Paris in 1925. The aim is to give a broader perspective on how the Dutch architects perceived and incorporated Indonesian form in a different context. It responds to the question of why and how Indonesian architectural forms are incorporated in the Dutch pavilion design, starting by tracing back the early connection between the Dutch architects and the Indonesian culture, presenting the exhibition context and the organization around the Dutch entry, and finally analyzing the design aspect of the pavilion from the lens of Indonesian culture.