Designing the Nusantara Music Center with a Contemporary Nusantara Architectural Approach in the BSD City Area

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Nusantara Music Center Design in BSD City Blends Tradition and Modern Architecture. A 2026 study by Christ Ibenz Sareng Sakoikoi, M. Maria Sudarwani, and Sri Pare Eni from Indonesian Christian University proposes the design of a Nusantara Music Center in BSD City, Tangerang Selatan. Published in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, the research highlights how contemporary architectural design can help preserve Indonesia’s traditional music heritage while making it relevant to modern urban society. The study addresses a growing concern: traditional Indonesian music is losing ground among younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to global and Western popular culture. By introducing a purpose-built cultural facility, the researchers demonstrate how architecture can play a direct role in cultural preservation, education, and creative industry development.

Cultural Decline Meets Urban Opportunity

Indonesia’s traditional music represented by instruments such as gamelan, angklung, kolintang, and sasando has long been a cornerstone of cultural identity. However, rapid globalization and modernization have reduced its visibility and appeal, particularly among urban youth. At the same time, cities like BSD City are expanding as hubs of innovation, infrastructure, and creative industries. This contrast creates both a challenge and an opportunity: how to reintroduce traditional culture into modern urban life in a way that feels relevant and engaging. The Nusantara Music Center is positioned as a response to this gap. It is envisioned not only as a performance venue but also as a dynamic cultural space for education, exhibition, and community interaction.

Research Approach and Design Strategy
The research team from Universitas Kristen Indonesia used an observational design method, combining field data, site analysis, and comparative studies of similar cultural facilities. The study integrates both primary data such as site conditions and spatial requirements and secondary data from literature, interviews, and architectural references.
The selected site covers approximately 25,700 square meters in BSD City. The researchers analyzed key environmental and urban factors, including:

• Sun orientation and heat exposure.
• Noise levels from surrounding traffic.
• Accessibility and circulation patterns.
• Views and spatial relationships with nearby buildings.

This data-driven approach ensured that the design responds directly to real-world conditions, rather than relying solely on abstract concepts.

Key Design Features and Findings
The proposed Nusantara Music Center combines multiple functions into a single integrated complex. The total building area reaches over 17,000 square meters, with clearly defined zones:

• Exhibition spaces for traditional musical instruments.
• Performance halls and auditoriums with optimized acoustics.
• Educational facilities including classrooms and music studios.
• Administrative and operational areas.
• Public spaces and supporting infrastructure.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the design is the use of a Contemporary Nusantara Architectural Approach. This approach adapts traditional Indonesian architectural elements into a modern framework. Key features include:

• Roof forms inspired by traditional houses such as Batak, Toraja, and Joglo.
• Building composition reflecting the symbolic structure of “head, body, and feet”.
• Use of local materials and traditional motifs, including wood carvings and batik patterns.
• Integration of natural lighting and ventilation systems.
• Application of modern technologies for acoustics and environmental comfort.

The building mass follows the shape of the site, which resembles a diamond form, and is divided into six functional sections. This layout reflects both cultural symbolism and practical spatial organization.

Real-World Impact and Future Potential
The proposed Nusantara Music Center offers several practical benefits for society and the creative economy:

• Cultural Preservation: Provides a dedicated space for safeguarding traditional music and instruments.
• Education: Supports structured learning programs for students and aspiring musicians.
• Creative Industry Growth: Encourages collaboration among artists, performers, and cultural practitioners.
• Tourism Development: Attracts visitors interested in cultural experiences.
• Urban Identity: Establishes BSD City as a center for cultural innovation, not just commercial activity.

The study also highlights opportunities for future development, including the integration of digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance visitor engagement. This could allow users to interact with traditional instruments in immersive and educational ways.

Author Profile
Christ Ibenz Sareng Sakoikoi is an architecture researcher from Indonesian Christian University, specializing in culturally responsive design and contemporary architectural concepts. 
M. Maria Sudarwani, S.T., M.T., and Prof. Dr. Ing. Sri Pare Eni, L.M.A.R.S., both academics at Indonesian Christian University with expertise in architectural design, urban planning, and cultural architecture.

Sources

Christ Ibenz Sareng Sakoikoi, M. Maria Sudarwani, S.T., M.T., Prof. Dr. Ing. Sri Pare Eni“Designing the Nusantara Music Center with a Contemporary Nusantara Architectural Approach in the BSD City Area” Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 2 tahun 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i2.15
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas