**4. Transformation of traditional architecture**

Local wisdom influences the specific shapes and forms of traditional architecture [11]. One intent of local wisdom is to maintain balance and ensure sustainability. Local wisdom seeks to ensure that local values and considerations are used to provide solutions and guidance. To resolve everyday issues, it is necessary to find "smart" answers that are informed by "wisdom" and then use these answers to guide future generations. As such, it is necessary to find "smart" and "wise" answers through local wisdom [12]. This is particularly important in the current era of open information and communication, which—if not handled carefully—could result in the loss of identity and the essence of Indonesian-ness.

Architecture is a manifestation of diverse traditions and cultures and contains within it specific values that serve to maintain a balance between society and its environment. In essence, traditional societies have developed diverse architectural forms to protect themselves while maintaining the sanctity of the environment. Balance between human society and the natural environment depends heavily on human beings' interactions and communal activities. In the Indonesian Archipelago, these traditions trace their roots back millennia, when the area's first cultures emerged. They encompass not only the relationship between human beings but also the interconnection between humanity and its surroundings [13].

The traditional communities of the Indonesian Archipelago have referred to nature in developing their physical and metaphysical environments. They have been influenced by factors such as:


5.Territorial conditions (disasters [earthquakes, floods], predatory animals, etc.).

*Understanding Local Architectural Forms as a Sustainable Design Transformation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109560*

Climate is also a factor that significantly affects the architectural forms and construction processes within particular areas. Saud et al. write that, to overcome climate issues, key considerations include: vernacular communities' ability to select sites; the materials available and their suitability to the local climate; the ability to use minimal resources to achieve maximum comfort; and traditional models' suitability to climate conditions [14].

#### **4.1 Tongkonan Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia**

Rumah Tongkonan is the traditional dwelling of the Torajan people in South Sulawesi. Even today, manifesting the wealth of possibilities offered by Nusantara Architecture, the structure of the Rumah Tongkonan is also influenced by their natural environment and geographic situation [15]. Many studies have shown that traditional dwellings have great climate control and structural performance. Rumah Tongkonan are built on pillars (see **Figure 3**) and divided into three main elements, namely:

#### **4.2 Sulluk Banua**

At the base, the Rumah Tongkonan consists of pillars and horizontal beams (roroan). As such, it endures vertical and horizontal stresses well. These dwellings are sturdy in their construction, which enables them to carry their burdens well. The pillars and horizontal bars are connected through a pins-and-holes system, which is sufficient for distributing the weight of the building.

#### **4.3 Kale Banua**

Kale Banua refers to the main body of the dwelling. This portion consists of the internal and external walls, which serve to support the weight of the roof. These walls differ in their materials and orientation. The Kale Banua is connected to the Sulluk Banua using the Ratiang Banua and serves to carry the weight of the dwelling downward toward the Sulluk Banua (see **Figure 4**).

**Figure 3.** *Structure of Rumah Tongkonan.*

**Figure 4.** *Kale Banua (source: hotcore, 2020) [16].*
