ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur
Vol 11 No 3 (2026): ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur | July 2026 ~ September 2026

Typology of domestic spatial organization among the Toraja community of Seriti, South Sulawesi

Jessica Batara (Universitas Gadjah Mada)
Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto (Universitas Gadjah Mada)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

During the past 73 years, the houses of the Toraja community in Seriti, South Sulawesi, have experienced continuous physical transformation while retaining essential characteristics of traditional Torajan spatial organization. This study investigates the organization of domestic space and explores the persistence of the spatial concepts embedded within successive phases of housing transformation. A qualitative descriptive methodology was adopted by integrating spatial typology and morphological analyses. Empirical data were obtained through field observation, photographic documentation, reconstruction of historical floor plans, and in-depth interviews with six purposively selected households. The analysis identifies four distinct spatial typologies according to the number of spatial zones, namely one-zone, two-zone, three-zone, and four-zone houses. Although these houses exhibit considerable variation in architectural form, every typology consistently demonstrates a front–middle–rear spatial sequence comparable to that of the traditional Tongkonan house. The enduring presence of Kale Banua as the principal domestic space indicates that the core spatial structure has remained remarkably stable despite successive architectural transformations. Although contemporary residents no longer consciously apply customary principles when arranging domestic space, the recurring spatial configurations reveal the continued transmission of tacit spatial knowledge across generations. Furthermore, changes in settlement conditions and religious beliefs have not displaced the underlying spatial logic; instead, they have reshaped the functions and meanings of domestic spaces within contemporary living environments.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ARTEKS

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur is a medium of scholarly publication published by Architecture Study Program of Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira in collaboration with Indonesian Architect Association. It serves several goals i.e. being a medium of communication, dissemination and exchange of ...