Considering Ephemeral Monuments: Towards A Greener Architectural Theory

摘要

Since the beginning of civilization, ephemeral architecture is in existence and there is no diminishing sign till the present. The existence of buildings employing perishable material, however, is often marginalized partly because architecture is primarily understood as permanent structure built to last forever. This notion is heavily supported in Western architectural theory considering "permanence" as one of the fundamental characteristics of architecture, especially monumental architecture which is intended to be "eternal". To construct a permanent architecture, in general, requires greater amount of resources compared to the ephemeral. This paper explores some meaningful pieces of architecture having values of monuments in Java yet they are constructed as ephemeral architecture requiring periodical renewal. The discussion on these ephemeral monuments will focus on the way perishable material is composed; the way renewal actions are conducted and the meaning of the monuments for their people are enhanced by these actions.