Design: Novak / Illustrated (colour and b/w) / Hardback / 308 pages / Size: 20.5. x 27.0 cm
English edition / ISBN 978-90-5662-572-6 / € 47,50

In association with the Netherlands Architecture Institute
With the support of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund

The concepts 'Indonesian architecture' and 'architecture in Indonesia' are both somewhat flawed. Architecture in Indonesia is extremely multifaceted and includes influences from many important cultures, ranging from India, China and the Middle East to the countries of the West. It's certainly fair to question whether or not a 'real' Indonesian architecture exists, even with regard to the country's vernacular architecture, which is highly diversified from an ethnic perspective. In fact, the search for the creation of an 'authentic Indonesian' architecture has long been a topic of discussion among architects in Indonesia. Importantly, this architecture is not confined to the territory of the Indonesian state but has migrated to other parts of the world, especially to the Netherlands.

This collection of essays about architecture in the context of Indonesia is intended to provide an impression of the diversity of architecture in modern-day Indonesia, while at the same time recognizing that such a perspective cannot be productive without taking history into account.
This publication provides a general introduction to Indonesian architecture and an intelligible description of the architectural context of what is known either as Indonesian-Dutch or as Indische architecture (i.e., a hybrid style originating in the former colony of the Netherlands East Indies, present-day Indonesia).

The book accompanies the exhibition 'The Past in the Present' in the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Rotterdam, from January 19 to June 3, 2007.