Pendhapa

A pendhapa or pandhapa ( Javanese: ꦥꦼꦤ꧀ꦝꦥ or ꦥꦤ꧀ꦝꦥ, Indonesian spelling: pendapa, nonstandard spelling: pendopo or pěndåpå) is a fundamental element of Javanese architecture unique in the southern central part of Java; a large pavilion-like structure built on columns. Either square or rectangular in plan, it is open on all sides and provides shelter from the sun and rain, but allows breeze and indirect light. The word ''pendhapa'' is cognate to the Sanskrit word ''mandapa'' ("hall").

The Dutch writer, Multatuli, in his colonial reformist novel, ''Max Havelaar'', described the ''pendhapa'' thus: "After a broad-brimmed hat, an umbrella, or a hollow tree, a 'pendoppo' icis certainly the most simple representation of the idea 'roof'."

Derived from ancient Javanese architectural elements, pendhapa are common ritual spaces primarily intended for ceremonies and also for purposes such as receiving guests in the compounds of wealthy Javanese and even as cottage industry work spaces. Pendhapa is constructed as a stand-alone structure or, attached to a walled inner structure (''dalem''), may form the front part of a traditional Javanese house (''omah'').

History

The oldest surviving images of ancient Javan vernacular architecture appear in Borobudur reliefs, among others the stepped roof type . They once sheltered the institutions of ancient Javanese kingdoms, such as law courts, clergy, and palaces, and for public appearances of the king and his ministers. In the 9th century Ratu Boko complex near Prambanan, there is traces of square elevated stone bases with , and stones with holes to put wooden pillars on it. Similar structures also can be found in 14th century Trowulan dated from Majapahit era, where square brick bases with stones suggest that some once stood there. Because the pillars and the roof were made from wooden organic material, no trace of the roof remains. The with faithful Majapahit brick-base style can be found in 16th-century Kraton Kasepuhan, Cirebon, as well as 17th-century Kota Gede, Yogyakarta. This evidence suggests that the design has not changed much for over a millennia.

They remain fundamental components of Javanese '' kraton'' ('palaces'), with European influences often being incorporated since the 18th century. The majority of ''pendhapa'' are constructed from timber but masonry versions are in existence such as in the ''Kraton Kanoman'' in Cirebon. Wealthy modern day home builders, in attempting to design homes that draw on traditional Javanese experience of space, have dismantled, transported and re-assembled ''pendhapa'' to form modern-traditional hybrid homes. The pendhapa is used as a batik making place for women.Dynamic Usage of Space in the Javanese Architecture Year 1921-2007 by Mohamad MUQOFFA
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See also

* Javanese culture
* Kejawèn
* Joglo
* Indonesian architecture
* Kraton
* Zayat

References

* Schoppert, P., Damais, S., ''Java Style'', 1997, Didier Millet, Paris, 207 pages,

{{Indonesian architecture

Architecture in Indonesia