Mountainous Socio-economic and Geographical Factors in recent Aceh Gayo Vernacular Architecture

Gayo’s vernacular architecture is located in the mountainous area of Bukit Barisan, Sumatra, where people live on a land-based basis, beginning to be influenced by modernization in their means of life. The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of geographical, socio-economic mountains, and technological modernity on the realization of vernacular architecture of the Gayo community nowadays. This research is important in relation to the issue of community cultural identity being eroded by modernization. The research approach is an interpretative phenomenological exploration of the development of Gayo vernacular architecture in the three villages of Serule, Nosar, and Paya Tumpi Baru. The method of this research is qualitative descriptive. Data collection methods were observation, interviews, and desk studies related to the history of architectural development and local communities. The method of analysis is dynamically cross-checking between data, interpreting the pattern of mutual influence. The results of the study show that the residential architecture is generally of the small-medium-sized landed house type. Activities in the home environment are very limited with low complexity, dominated by children and older women. Still carrying out the Gayo cultural residential tradition which is very friendly. On the other hand, the community has a temporary house in the garden as a second home. Houses grow in a linear pattern, on limited land. The conclusion of the study shows that geographical factors and community economic activities, and modernity do not shape architectural dynamics. Architectural innovation is limited to combining local and modern materials. The general character of Gayo’s vernacular architecture tends to be subsistence, possibly due to long experience of cultural isolation.