Hanacara Project: Javanese Alphabet as a Visual Element on Interior Design

Abstract

Ethnic alphabet been replaced by Latin alphabet was a common phenomenon that occured in parts of the world that had literary tradition. Similarly, Javanese alphabet, its role now only as a decorative element to accompany the Latin alphabet on street names, government offices, and schools. The existence of Javanese alphabet was no longer noticed by most of people. This study aimed to experiment Javanese alphabet as visual element in interior. The alphabet in this study was treated not as a mere message medium, but a unity in product design. Experimentation design had several goals. First, as an effort in bringing Javanese alphabet to society in a simple way. Secondly, if people could read simple written sentences they would understand the wisdom that was contained in them. Third, as a design innovation effort. The use of Javanese alphabet on interior elements produced strong characteristic products. The placement of Javanese alphabet in the neighborhood could attract more users. Thus, the Javanese alphabet would re-enter the personal space of the community. This research was a collaborative work between graphic design with interior design. The research used the method of design creation which included the stage of problem identification, research, ideas formulation, prototype, selection, implementation, and review. The research’s result was product of interior elements with Javanese alphabet visual elements that attracted attention and esthetic value.

Keywords: Javanese alphabet, interior element, graphic design