West Hall and East Hall of ITB, the Timeless Twin Building
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Bandung Institute of Technology is one of the oldest universities in Indonesia, which makes its buildings' architectures are unique and have oldish ambience for its characteristic. The most interesting buildings amongst all of its buildings is the twin building, West Hall and East Hall. The West Hall and East Hall of ITB were designed in 1918 by a Dutch architect, Henry Maclaine Pont. West Hall and East Hall of ITB is one of four buildings in Indonesia which were designed by Henry Maclaine Pont. In his era, he has popularized an art called Indisch architecture, a style of architecture which combines European architectural and archipelago architectural. 
According to Dr. Ing. Himasari Hanan, MAE, a lecturer from Architecture ITB, the uniqueness of West Hall and East Hall of ITB is the combination and the collaboration of a few modern technologies at that time. This collaboration is shown by the using of laminater wood, in the form of layers wood formed to fill the hollow of the building. In addition, Himasari Hanan also states that the neat composition of these twin building with their own balance in every part makes these building more majestic and monumental.
One interesting thing from the twin building is their roof. The supporting roof with traditional style which is adapted from various roof styles in Indonesia has form a harmony with modern European building style. Another traditional aspect which is still remained in these buildings is the huge span roofs, which were made from small-sized woods. The ventilation arrangements, rooms, and gates which are suitable for the tropic climate make these buildings are the most perfect buildings at that time.
From its functionality, West Hall and East Hall of ITB haven't been changed from its initial built, which makes this twin building have many historical values. The building form itself has never been changed and its originality is preserved. Although some parts have light damages because of times, the reconstruction of these buildings were done without changing its main form. Without no significant changing, these 95 years old twin building is timeless in its uniqueness.
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