The Architecture of the Equator

This interrelations between the land and human life construct the most spontaneous architecture form called rural architecture. It is a direct result of the equation of land, people and material resources within the surrounding. Different regions will produce different types of woods that would then result in different adaptation of rural architecture.The contribution of craftspeople is also an important factor to produce architecture in the region as they seem to master the knowledge of construction technique using the only available material within close distance. Without the supervision of a real architect, the architecture fulfills function and aesthetic with own personal instinct that respond to the condition of local climate.

Craftsmanship has a really close relation to a particular time and society. Back then, craftsman was understood as a worker who has some capital which enables him to work raw materials into finished product that he can then sell on (Bo Bardi 1958). Not just bringing material profit, it also comes with a personal satisfaction of making something out of your own hands. Living in a region with rich natural resources creates sensibility in producing crafts that could be passed on to generations.

On the other hand, there is a growing enthusiasm over engineered timber products that are often seen as ‘gatecrasher’ to the timber craftsman and it has indirectly shifted architecture in the equator to hide its material value. There is an increasing demand for product that is both aesthetically pleasing and economically viable.This rapid development of advanced technology is bringing a rapid transformation to the way people think. For an architect, it is seen as additional choice of material and has encouraged to take a position of material value, in some ways it could put an end to traditional form by regional craftspeople. Engineered timber products has gone through a very well developed research to replace solid timber in construction site.

The‘manipulation’of timber products should not be seen as a disadvantage,where in some countries craftsmanship and originality of timber products could still be possible to return to.The options of material depends on the matter of applying it to the right circumstances. Positioning these craftsmanship in the ever changing contemporary context is then becoming an exciting journey through the exotic equatorial forest.