Design of Mass Housing “Rumah Dara Gepak” as a Response To Urban Lifestyle

Abstract

The rapid growth of urban areas has significantly influenced lifestyle patterns and created a demand for housing that is efficient, adaptive, and locally grounded. This study aims to develop a design concept for mass housing in the style of Rumah Dara Gepak as a response to the dynamic lifestyle of urban communities. Rumah Dara Gepak, a form of traditional Indonesian architecture, embodies simplicity of form, spatial openness, and the use of natural materials that reflect local wisdom. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach and literature review, this research analyzes the architectural elements that can be adapted to contemporary mass housing design. The findings reveal that the application of modular principles, cross-ventilation, and the functional spatial layout typical of Rumah Dara Gepak enhances thermal comfort and spatial efficiency in both vertical and horizontal housing. Furthermore, the cultural values embedded in this traditional architecture contribute to strengthening local identity amid the homogenization of urban design. Therefore, mass housing design inspired by Rumah Dara Gepak not only provides a solution to land scarcity and housing demand in urban areas but also supports the preservation of Indonesia’s architectural identity in the modern era.