The Role of Layered Wooden Beam Constructional System in Space Making and Form Making in The Middle and Far-Eastern Architectural Culture

Authors : Johanita Anggia Rini, Ibrahim Numan

Pages : 3-16

View : 34 | Download : 28

Publication Date : 2023-06-23

Article Type : Research Article

Abstract :A layered beam is a system that is known in various cultures, especially those that utilize a wooden frame structure. It is known as ‘tumpang sari’ in Java, Indonesia, ‘bindirmeli kiriş’ in Turkey, and ‘dougong’ in China. A layered wooden beam basically consists of two or more stacks of wood logs that work as a composite beam system. This stacking configuration can be widened upwards or vertically straight. This layering system is intended to increase the stiffness of the wooden frame while allowing the formation of a longer and floating roof or eaves. Layered wooden beam plays a role in space-making and form-making in architecture. In the architecture of South-East Asia, East Asia, and Anatolian Turkey, the layered wooden beam system tends to widen upward forming an inverted pyramid shape resulting in a pyramid, dome, or vault-like interior space. It can be placed in the interior or exterior, used in full or half configuration with varying heights. This paper aims to explore the use of the layered wooden beam system in the Middle and Far-Eastern cultures such as Indonesia, Turkey, and China, as well as to investigate its role in space-making and form-making. With literature studies, it is expected that a descriptive result about how a similar construction system helped shape the space on various architectures. This paper also discusses the space produced by the application of layered wooden beams from the formal aesthetics and symbolic point of view.
Keywords : Katmanlı kiriş, geleneksel mimari, Ahşap kiriş, Ahşap, Ahşap yapı