The R. Soegondo Hall at Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM has been installed by Rector, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng. Not only does it serve functionally but also explains aesthetic and philosophical aspects.
“A cultural identity is present in this building. Various ornaments and components of the hall take the design concept that is responsive to local cultures that have economic, ecological, and socio-cultural relevance,” said Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Wening Udasmoro, M.Hum., DEA., accompanying the Rector in the hall installment ceremony on Monday (30/10).
The facade of the seven-floor building depicts apparent Nusantara rich cultures such as the kerawangan relief taken from batik of Yogyakarta, pasurak of Toraja, etc. Meanwhile, the lanscape adopts the patterns of Prambanan temple base that is accentuated in the form of low brick fences that can be found in the ancient construction of Mataram Kotagede compound.
Wening explained this hall represents the accumulation of memories of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as it has been built on a plot of land where old offices used to stand, such as anthropology laboratory and Staff English Language Training Unit (SELTU).
“Many memories can be found here, obviously, but we don’t want to stop right here because we want to create more memories for the next generation,” she added.
R. Soegondo whose name is immortalised through this building was the the first director of SELTU, also Dean of the Faculty for the period of 1966-1969 and 1969-1971. He was one of the founders of English Literature department and an important figure to the development of the faculty.
“By naming this building after him, we hope we can emulate his good examples, encouraging us to continue what we are doing that can benefit the nation,” said Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng.
The R. Soegondo hall will be utilised for creative and innovative venue for all members of academic community, all of which is aimed at a bigger interest, which is the development of science for public good.
“Hopefully, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences would produce culture-bearers that are excellent and able to guide the nation towards the glory of Nusantara culture and Indonesian civilisation that contribute to a better world civilisation,” said Panut.
Apart for the aestethic and philosophical aspects, the hall construction has also referred to the UGM construction Master Plan that it stands in harmony with surrounding buildings as well as displaying the typical nature of tropical building that uses natural materials from Mt. Merapi. It has also the principle of zero water run-off and innovative outdoor space for academic community to interact. In addition, it gives access to the disabled.