Minangkabau architecture : the losing interest

This chapter describe a research deals with the losing interest of regional Minangkabau architecture in two (2) regions: West Sumatra, Indonesia, and Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Both regions are said to have very similar regional architecture. Recent visit to West Sumatra had shovm that the once glorious regional architecture is slO\vly disappearing due to growing interest in 'modern movement' architecture. Even worse, the fading interest on regional architecture among the people ofMinangkabau in Negeri Sembilan is growing at a faster rate that it is very rare to see newly built building adopting Minangkabau style. This research aims at evaluating the losing interest in regional architecture among Minangkabau people. Survey was carried out to obtain the Minangkabau people's perception on the issue. This chapter hope to contribute in increasing awareness and understanding on the needs to conserve, and to uplift the value and meaning ofregional or vernacular architectural heritage