EXPLORING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Local knowledge as the sources of wisdom of thinking and acting are still commonly found in various regions in Indonesia. Local knowledge is less undertaken and less developed in line with the increasing dominance of general knowledge. In the field of architecture, it is shown by the increasing number of architectural works with the minimum use of local knowledge. This paper describes some forms of exploration of local knowledge on architecture which can be used as a source of knowledge for how to build in the current context, i.e. the case on rebuilding two big houses in Nagari Sumpu, West Sumatra. Local knowledge can be explored through several stages of development such as by discussing the initial construction, determining the footprint of the building, selecting and preserving the materials, processing and conversing about Batagak bighouse, erecting the system structure and construction, and creating the shape of the building, as well as utilizing the space. Keyword: local knowledge, Minangkabau architecture, Nagari Sumpu.