Reinforcing Regional Identity Through Facade Design: The Case of Government Office in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Office buildings in Banda Aceh serve a vital role as the administrative and governmental centers of Aceh Province. Therefore, these buildings are expected to reflect the regional identity of 'Aceh.' The facade serves as both the face and the identity carrier of the building but also conveys impressions and characteristics that embody the identity of a place. Tengku Mohammad Daud Beureueh Street is a key corridor that connects the commercial, service, and governmental centers of Banda Aceh. However, design changes along this corridor have resulted in a lack of unity among the buildings. In fact, visual harmony between buildings is essential to create a strong and meaningful urban character. Despite their symbolic importance, the facades of government buildings in Banda Aceh have received limited attention, as reflected by the absence of architectural regulations governing the visual quality of urban areas. This highlights the need for a study on the arrangement of government building facades as a means of reinforcing the identity of Banda Aceh. This research aims to evaluate the characteristics of office building facades in creating a representative urban image. A descriptive qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing physical aspect analysis through observation of facades, visual assessments, and expert interviews. The findings reveal that the Tengku Mohammad Daud Beureueh corridor features diverse architectural styles, with 38% of buildings incorporating local architectural values. While some buildings display traditional Acehnese ornaments, many lack visual coherence, resulting in disharmony. Interviews with experts suggest the need for more specific facade design guidelines to promote the integration of local architecture. Design recommendations include the use of Acehnese elements to establish a harmonious visual rhythm. Urban planning should strive for a balance between modern architectural expression and the preservation of local cultural values in order to build a strong and distinctive identity.