The Potential of Warenhuis and the Former Barsumij Office

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 64 views

Introduction

Medan City, the 5th oldest city in Indonesia, holds a rich historical trail that spans centuries. From its humble beginnings as a village called Medan Putri, founded by Patimpus teacher, to its current status as a metropolitan city, Medan has left a lasting legacy in the form of old buildings scattered throughout the city, particularly in the Kesawan area, known as the Old City of Medan. However, over time, many of these historical buildings have fallen into disrepair and been abandoned. Among these neglected structures are the Warenhuis and the former Barsumij office, which hold great potential for revitalization.

The Potential of Warenhuis and the Former Barsumij Office

Warenhuis, the first versatile store in Medan, was founded in 1918 and is now in a state of disrepair. The idea of reviving the Warenhuis area and its surroundings through the design of a hotel boutique emerged as a way to capitalize on the unique charm of the Old City of Medan. The concept of Heritage Architecture Design (ODAP) was chosen as the main theme in the design, with the aim of reviving the historical and cultural values that are embedded in the building. By presenting hotel boutiques in this region, it is hoped that the community, the government, and tourists can experience the unique atmosphere of the Old City of Medan and appreciate the historical buildings as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage.

The Concept of Infill Design

The concept of infill design, which involves the harmonious integration of new buildings with old buildings, will be applied in the design of the hotel boutique. This approach will allow the new structure to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture, preserving the character of the old buildings while introducing modern amenities and services. The result will be a unique and captivating hotel boutique that showcases the best of Medan's rich history and cultural heritage.

Potential and Challenges

The design of the hotel boutique in the Warenhuis Building and the former Borsumij office has the potential to elevate the image of the Kesawan area as a historical and cultural tourism destination. By integrating heirloom architectural values with modern concepts, this hotel boutique can become a new attraction for tourists, both domestic and foreign. However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome, including the condition of damaged buildings, the need for significant revitalization efforts, and the requirement for close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government and the community.

The Importance of Heirloom Architecture Design (ODAP)

The concept of ODAP plays a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity of historic buildings and reviving their value. By understanding the history and characteristics of buildings, architects can design designs that respect the aesthetic and cultural values contained within. ODAP not only focuses on physical preservation but also involves social and cultural aspects, ensuring that historical buildings are not only tourist attractions but also play an active role in people's lives.

The Future of the Kesawan Area

The design of the hotel boutique is expected to be a starting point for the revitalization of the Kesawan area and serve as an example for the development of other old city areas in Indonesia. By presenting historical buildings that function again, the Kesawan area can become an attractive tourist destination and provide economic benefits for the surrounding community. The next step is to conduct a further study of the condition of the Warenhuis building and the former Barsumij office, as well as involving experts in the field of architecture and history to formulate the right design concept. With the collaboration and commitment of all parties, the dream of reviving the historical footprint in the Kesawan area can be realized and provide benefits to future generations.

Conclusion

The design of the hotel boutique in the Warenhuis Building and the former Borsumij office offers a unique opportunity to revive the historical and cultural heritage of the Old City of Medan. By applying the concept of ODAP and infill design, the new hotel boutique can become a symbol of Medan's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting tourists and providing economic benefits for the surrounding community. With careful planning and collaboration, the dream of reviving the historical footprint in the Kesawan area can be realized, providing a lasting legacy for future generations.

References

[1] "Medan City: A Brief History" by the Medan City Government
[2] "Heritage Architecture Design (ODAP): A Guide to Preserving Historic Buildings" by the Indonesian Institute of Architects
[3] "Infill Design: A Sustainable Approach to Urban Development" by the Urban Planning and Development Agency

Keywords

Hotel boutique design
Heritage Architecture Design (ODAP)
Infill design
Revitalization of historical buildings
Cultural tourism
Economic development
Medan City
Old City of Medan
Kesawan area

Q: What is the concept behind the hotel boutique design in the Warenhuis Building and the former Borsumij office?

A: The concept behind the hotel boutique design is to revive the historical and cultural heritage of the Old City of Medan by integrating heirloom architectural values with modern concepts. The design aims to preserve the authenticity of the historic buildings while introducing modern amenities and services.

Q: What is the significance of the Warenhuis Building and the former Borsumij office in the context of Medan's history?

A: The Warenhuis Building and the former Borsumij office are significant historical buildings in Medan that date back to the early 20th century. The Warenhuis Building was the first versatile store in Medan, while the former Borsumij office was a prominent business establishment in the city. Both buildings hold great cultural and historical value and are an integral part of Medan's rich heritage.

Q: What is the expected outcome of the hotel boutique design project?

A: The expected outcome of the hotel boutique design project is to create a unique and captivating hotel boutique that showcases the best of Medan's rich history and cultural heritage. The project aims to elevate the image of the Kesawan area as a historical and cultural tourism destination and provide economic benefits for the surrounding community.

Q: What are the challenges associated with the hotel boutique design project?

A: The challenges associated with the hotel boutique design project include the condition of damaged buildings, the need for significant revitalization efforts, and the requirement for close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government and the community.

Q: What is the role of ODAP in the hotel boutique design project?

A: ODAP (Heritage Architecture Design) plays a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity of historic buildings and reviving their value. By understanding the history and characteristics of buildings, architects can design designs that respect the aesthetic and cultural values contained within.

Q: What is the expected impact of the hotel boutique design project on the local community?

A: The expected impact of the hotel boutique design project on the local community is to provide economic benefits and create job opportunities. The project is also expected to promote cultural awareness and appreciation of Medan's rich history and heritage.

Q: What is the next step in the hotel boutique design project?

A: The next step in the hotel boutique design project is to conduct a further study of the condition of the Warenhuis building and the former Borsumij office, as well as involving experts in the field of architecture and history to formulate the right design concept. With the collaboration and commitment of all parties, the dream of reviving the historical footprint in the Kesawan area can be realized and provide benefits to future generations.

Q: How can the community get involved in the hotel boutique design project?

A: The community can get involved in the hotel boutique design project by providing input and feedback on the design concept, participating in public consultations, and supporting local businesses and initiatives related to the project.

Q: What is the timeline for the hotel boutique design project?

A: The timeline for the hotel boutique design project is expected to be several years, with the following milestones:

Conducting a further study of the condition of the Warenhuis building and the former Borsumij office (6 months)
Formulating the right design concept (9 months)
Conducting public consultations and engaging with the community (3 months)
Implementing the design and construction phase (24 months)

Note: The timeline is subject to change and may be influenced by various factors, including funding, regulatory approvals, and community engagement.

Q: How can the community stay updated on the hotel boutique design project?

A: The community can stay updated on the hotel boutique design project by:

Visiting the project website and social media channels
Attending public consultations and community meetings
Subscribing to the project newsletter and updates
Contacting the project team directly for more information

Q: What is the budget for the hotel boutique design project?

A: The budget for the hotel boutique design project is expected to be around IDR 10 billion (approximately USD 700,000), which will cover the costs of design and construction, as well as community engagement and outreach activities.

Q: Who are the stakeholders involved in the hotel boutique design project?

A: The stakeholders involved in the hotel boutique design project include:

The Medan City Government
The Indonesian Institute of Architects
Local businesses and community groups
Tourists and visitors to the Kesawan area
The project team and consultants

Note: The list of stakeholders may be subject to change and may include additional parties as the project progresses.