There was something odd about trends in architecture. The trend actually has a temporary nature, short, for a moment, a moment while the architecture or the building will stand in a long time. So, not just when the architecture is categorized into the trend.

Even so, the architecture is not yet out of the bond trends. Somehow the beginning of architecture can be coupled with the trend. Perhaps because there is no in-depth research. Here, there is the role of property developer with the media, which gave birth to the term architectural trends.

With the trend of architecture, the property developer can more easily focus on
sell products. What the origin joined the trend, then the property must be sold. Similarly, the media architecture. In discussing the trend of architecture, then the media will sell because people want to know what kind of architectural trends that, regardless of whether the meaning is conveyed about the trend is right or wrong.

For example, the trend of minimalist architecture was still warm sound. Is the property being sold to as minimalist really minimalist? Proved more wrong, although there are also property developers who provide insight into the true minimalist. What can easily be called a minimalist to do, although nothing really minimalist. Curiously again, there was a time people can be proud indeed happy to buy the property in accordance with the hum of the trend of minimalist architecture in order not to be considered obsolete.

If it had been explained that the trend is temporary, fleeting, a moment, a moment, a minute there are hundreds of thousands or maybe millions of owners of buildings that will be obsolete Whereas the original purpose of buying it because they do not want to miss time. Then, whether the building will be demolished or sold again? Well, that would not be demolished. In addition to new, this building you know, not the clothes that can easily be donated. Sale behavior was probably due to lack of suitable tide again with the latest trends. Well, starting obviously, is not it, that the architecture and the trend is in fact not be matched?

From there will be no ‘victim’, and who became a victim not only property owners, but also the architecture itself. When not in accordance with what the latest trends, as if the architecture type was not good enough anymore. Minimalist would – or even been considered ugly, outdated, outmoded. Yet not even the meaning of minimalist correctly understood by the public. So, whether minimalist architecture was a bad time? Actually no. ’Poor’ was there, just in the wrong perception by the victim of architectural trend terms.

Minimalist architecture is actually one of the major currents in the history of architecture that has existed since the early 1900′s, not the result of property developers engineering temporary. So, people who bought the building which really minimalist because really liked her or in accordance with the character and lifestyle, do not worry and do not need to hear what the word “trend of architecture” ‘.

From now on the word “trend” and “architecture” when put together should be quotation marks, so as not to confuse and mislead. Because of my knowledge, trends and architecture never married, as long as it was just fixed up, and really did not destined for a different nature.

What “trend of architecture in 2010″ it? Not too important, is not it? But there was something important enough to ponder together. ”Trend architecture” should no longer be used as a benchmark. Far more important is the search for understanding more and more about architecture as an appropriate step for the whole community, not just for architects. Architectural media’s role becomes increasingly important to provide more understanding, more depth, and certainly more correct, about the architecture actually has a very broad scope.

In the context of residential architecture, translating the characteristics and uniqueness of each home owner of the house architecture is a more appropriate choice than to just follow the trend. Diversity characteristic of Indonesian society will expand the choice of residential architectural character. Opportunity to be themselves through the formation of their respective houses will encourage the development of architecture exploration property without being limited by the “trend of architecture”.

Global environmental conditions are currently more damage would also need to be addressed. Energy efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable, should be a guide since the beginning of planned residential design. The longer these things should no longer be special to talk about, but the basic requirements that should exist, as well as lighting and natural ventilation. The cheaper the application, it will be more sustained and greater impact on this earth.

With little cost, will be more and more people are able to apply sustainable architecture. By default, it is accelerating the healing process of the earth that “being sick” is. The cheaper the cost to build, the more money that can be set aside for other environmental improvement or greater for other humanitarian purposes.

Although actually capable of, it never hurts to save money and reduce a little luxury home values. If only every home (luxury) can be reduced and set aside 10 percent-25 percent of the value of his house for the benefit of the environment or the poor, environmental course of daily life will become more beautiful and worth to be far greater than that obtained without the luxury of setting aside some of the costs. Is not the city where we live the more beautiful and fun to lived if the environmental damage that already exists can be improved bit by bit?

There’s more buried treasure which could be a choice for the progress of architecture in Indonesia. Perhaps no one denies that Indonesia is a very rich country which is managed by one, so that people become poor. These include poor public recognition of the potential wealth of value locality of traditional architecture.

If the values in the traditional architecture of Indonesia there were so many – which probably most of the world – a source of inspiration for contemporary architecture! F. Silaban, one of the great architects of the Sukarno era, once said that in the traditional architecture, is not taken shape, but learned his soul. Maybe it’s the right attitude to develop, namely the adaptation, not a duplication or replication.

Physical characteristics, philosophical meaning, adaptation to climate, local materials, natural potential, and traditional ornaments, is an example of a series of local, meaning that each can be a source of wealth of exploration. Architecture is not about mere physical form. When we returned to use fashion as an example, the adaptation process of batik is very successful. Traditional batik material which can be applied to the various works with the latest fashion clothing is so beautiful. At this time, batik is very loved by all walks of society. And the beauty and richness of batik was there all the time.

Although not as fully with the architecture, but something like that should be adapted local values of contemporary architecture. Does not have a traditional look physically, but it contains the meaning of local significance that can be traced its origins. Exploration of the property value locality in Indonesia to contemporary architectural design, I am sure will be able to produce works of world-class architecture.

Thanks to Yu Sing, an architect from Genesis (architecture, interiors, Landscape). Board & Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Bandung