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An Exploration of Local Architectural Elements in the Design of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Laktutus

International Journal of Civil Engineering
© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal
Volume 13 Issue 3
Year of Publication : 2026
Authors : Novenrius Kornelius Sera, Pilipus Jeraman, Reginaldo Christophori Lake, Irwan Muji Hartanto
10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P103
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How to Cite?

Novenrius Kornelius Sera, Pilipus Jeraman, Reginaldo Christophori Lake, Irwan Muji Hartanto, "An Exploration of Local Architectural Elements in the Design of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Laktutus," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 26-35, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P103

Abstract:

Utilizing the Theory of Architectural Vernacularism by Amos Rapoport (1982), this research aims to analyze the architectural local elements of Jesus Catholic Church’s Sacred Heart in the village of Fohoeka, Regencu of Belu, East Nusa Tenggara. The objective of the study is to explore church architecture’s local elements (structure, symbol, form, orientation, material) that manifest the local community’s spiritual and cultural values. The methodology of the research applies a qualitative-descriptive method encompassing document analysis, documentation, observation, and interviews. The findings uncover four cultural values major elements of Tetun or Belu community in accordance with Vernacular Architecture Theory by Amos Rapoport (1982): (1) local natural stone used in the wall structure symbolizing nature sacredness and faith strength manifested in the ritual construction tradition; (2) symbolizing communal and divine protection, roof shape that is semicircular adopted from lopo traditional house inverted roof; (3) local wood application for the interior respecting Tetun cosmology sacred materials; (4) six pillars in ornaments Tais woven fabric incorporating church structural strength with communal responsibility. In general, these findings are in line with Bhabha's (1994) concept of cultural hybridity, in which cultural identity is not understood as a static and exclusive entity, but rather as the result of a process of negotiation and dialogue between cultures that produces new forms that do not lose their authenticity.

Keywords:

Belu culture, Catholic church architecture, Laktutus, Local elements.

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