Exploring the Influence of Cultural Identity on Contemporary Architectural Styles in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This article explores the dynamic interplay between cultural identity and contemporary architectural styles in Southeast Asia through a qualitative literature study. Southeast Asia’s architectural landscape is shaped by a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions, colonial histories, and global influences, resulting in a diverse array of monumental structures and urban forms. The research investigates how cultural identity is both preserved and transformed in the built environment, examining the adaptation of traditional elements within modern architectural expressions. Drawing on a comprehensive review of scholarly works, case studies, and theoretical frameworks, the study highlights the ongoing negotiation between local identity and the universalizing forces of globalization. Key findings reveal that while imported architectural styles and modernist trends have influenced the region, there remains a persistent effort to embed indigenous motifs, spatial concepts, and cultural symbolism into contemporary designs. This is evident in both rural and urban contexts, where architecture serves as a medium for expressing collective memory, social values, and aspirations for national and regional identity. The study underscores the importance of critical regionalism and the conscious adaptation of vernacular forms as strategies for maintaining cultural sustainability amid rapid urbanization and economic development. Ultimately, the article contributes to the discourse on Southeast Asian architecture by elucidating how cultural identity continues to shape and be shaped by contemporary architectural practices, offering insights for architects, policymakers, and scholars interested in the intersection of heritage and modernity.