BSc (Architecture), Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia MSc (Urban and Regional Planning), Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia PhD (Urban Design), Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Biography:
Johannes is a full-time educator and researcher at Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (2011 – present). His academic background is developed mainly in the field of architecture and urban planning. In 2018, he gained a PhD in the field of urban design from Queensland University of Technology. Johannes’ works are mainly related to some topics such as public space, historic urban landscape and urban morphology. Currently he develops a study about sustainability regarding urban morphology and informality in urban development.
PhD Title:
The Meaning Change of Urban Heritage: A Socio-Semiotic Investigation of Historic Areas in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
PhD Research Summary:
The historic city of Yogyakarta is a well-recognised centre of Javanese culture and the urban form and architecture of this city are representations of traditional Javanese philosophy. This research aims to understand the relationship between the transformation in urban form and cultural meaning, and how the current development process influences material culture and perceived meaning in Indonesian historic cities. This research suggests an integrated approach in investigating the cultural meaning from the perspective of urban planning and social practices. The study finds that the socio-political aspect of a society impacts the physical representation of a city and its meanings. In the past, cultural influences were expressed by the symbolical tensions between the traditional court and colonialists. Today, new development brings modernity by introducing contemporary buildings, activities and images. The application of heritage principles in managing old districts plays an important role in producing new meanings and preserving old symbols.