An old building in the Colonial Heritage Style of 1938 appearing today as a modern-style building

Abstract

Modernity makes certain demands on banks these days, both in terms of their banking activities and the appearance of their buildings. In Bandung, the 1938 colonial heritage building known as De Driekleur (Tri-color) designed by A.F. Aalbers has been used as the office building of a national private bank (BTPN), still retaining its characteristically modem and stylish look in 2011. The study of the architectural conservation of this building has been conducted by way of the architectural approach (form-function-meaning) and cultural values (aesthetics, landmark, history, technological aspects, politics, and peculiar features). The purpose of this study is to describe the various building elements in need of conservation (by way of analyzing the aforementioned approach and values) in addition to suggesting the most appropriate kind of conservation and making an evaluation of the actual conservation and its development. This type of research can be classified as qualitative, employing the descriptive method. Interpreting the function of the building in question has been accomplished through an analysis of the activities and various related aspects, and its form has been "read" through its covering, interior space and related spatial surroundings, while its meaning has been interpreted through the concept of collective meaning (linked to shape, function, and the spirit of the age). The form of the building in need of conservation consists of its covering (surface composition in massive-transparent, horizontally curved elements made of smooth and rough materials), interior space, and the yard along with its vegetation protecting the building against pollution and traffic noise. The architectural function that needs to hold out is the physical function of the building (providing comfort in terms of spatial, thermal, and audio-visual aspects) and the landmark function. The architectural meaning of the building that needs to remain intact is the modem significance of its covering. The most suitable type of conservation to be adopted consists of Preservation: keeping the building in its original condition, supported by environment controlling (vegetation growth, drainage) and strengthening the building systems, and Adaptation (adjustment of the building for todays function). Both of these must be supported by routine maintenance.