Among its many other nicknames, Bandung was once also dubbed Indonesia's "Colonial Architectural Laboratory". According to journalist and writer Her Suganda (2007), this nickname was given because the architectural styles of most of the historical buildings in this city do not reflect the local, traditional architectural style. Buildings with different kinds of architectural styles, e.g. Netherlands' Indische/Indische Empirestijl, Roman Gothic, Classic, Neoclassic, Art Deco, Art Noeveau, etc., can be found in this city. Most of these buildings were built at about the same period (1920's to 1930's). According to historical records, 400 buildings of different architectural styles were built within this 20 year period. No fewer than 60 architects were involved in making Bandung as a colonial architectural laboratory, of which, according to historian Huip Akihary (Architectuur Stedebouw in Indonesie 1870 - 1970), 16 were top architects of the time.
Since I started this blog, I have at least posted two examples of Bandung's architectural heritage, here and here. Today's photos are of the building of Bank Indonesia on Jalan Braga (Braga Street), Bandung. This building was designed by architect Edward Cuypers and constructed in 1917 for Javache Bank (Bank of Java).
Text and pictures by Eki Qushay Akhwan
11 comments:
WOw, Eki. How fun to live in a city with so many exquisite architectural gems. This building is really photogenic -- and it looks like a solid bank, at least from the building! (How IS the economic crisis affecting Indonesia?)
I look forward to these architectural photographs almost as much as I look forward to your street photography. Maybe it's because buildings and people are my own favorite things to photograph, and you reveal such beauty and soul when you photograph the same type of subjects.
Lovely as always, my friend!
i like colonial structures in the southeast asian regions. i really hope that ill be able to visit your country.
Actually, Bandung has a lot of other historical buildings like Gedung-gedung Kesenian (art buildings), but unfortunately, the local government has a little concern with it...
I am looking forward to seeing your beautiful panoramic photos, city view from Dago Pakar or Cihideung maybe?
The variety of architectural styles has made your city surely fascinating to visit. I hope one day to do so!!
I can definitely see why the architectural of the building 'stands out'. It's has no local trait to suggest otherwise.
Colonial buildings have that rustic charm and majestic scale to them. Their presence remind me that those days you don't need to travel to Britain or the Netherlands to enjoy their fine architecture ;)
LOVE the top building because you know I have a crush on columns! The capitals on these are exquisite. A close up for V????
here really is a curious mix of styles. You can definitely see the Colonial inflenece. hw white of your builind really is just that, so clean.
Beautiful building! It reminds me of a few I've seen at Yangon downtown in Burma.
You have some really interesting buildings in your city. I am thinking of what might be in our city of interest. Our city hall..no, it was interesting because my father worked there and my sister and I would go to visit him and ride the elevator. We thought it was the tallest building ever. LOL. I am behind in my reading. It's been nice and I am out taking photos or sitting by the pond while I can before the snow comes..
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