Biomorphic elements in the preservation of Sarawak Bidayuh cultural heritage interior
Main Article Content
Abstract
The Bidayuh community in Sarawak is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional interior designs that reflect deep connections with nature. However, globalization and modernization pose significant threats to the preservation of these unique cultural elements. Traditional Bidayuh interiors are increasingly at risk of being overshadowed by contemporary designs that often neglect the cultural and aesthetic values inherent in biomorphic elements. This research identifies key biomorphic elements in traditional Bidayuh interiors, such as natural motifs, organic shapes, and traditional materials, and explores their integration into contemporary design to ensure cultural continuity. A qualitative research approach involves analyzing and find out the elements of Bidayuh cultural interior and develop aspect of biomorphic design through visual documentation and architectural analysis to provided guidelines for designers to sustain the legacy of Bidayuh cultural. The findings highlight the adaptability of biomorphic elements in modern interiors, demonstrating that traditional aesthetics can coexist with contemporary design without compromising cultural integrity. This culturally responsive approach fosters cultural pride and continuity among the Bidayuh people, offering a pathway to maintain their unique heritage amidst modern changes. The study provides a framework for designers and cultural practitioners to collaborate in preserving the Bidayuh cultural legacy for future generations.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Article Details
How to Cite
Mohd Rizal, Mohamad Hafizudin, and A Ghafar Ahmad. 2025. “Biomorphic Elements in the Preservation of Sarawak Bidayuh Cultural Heritage Interior”. ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur 10 (1), 93-102. https://doi.org/10.30822/arteks.v10i1.3575.
Section
ARTICLES-RESEARCH
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: (1) Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal; (2) Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal; (3) Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
References
AlAli, Mariam, Yara Mattar, Mhd Alzaim, and Salwa Beheiry. 2023. ‘Applications of Biomimicry in Architecture, Construction and Civil Engineering’. Biomimetics 8 (2): 202. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8020202.
AnDarach. 2024. ‘The Magic of Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors for a Healthier Living Space’. Silvotherapy. 2024. https://silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/biophilic-design.
Asif, Nayeem, Nangkula Utaberta, Azmal Bin Sabil, and Sumarni Ismail. 2018. ‘Reflection of Cultural Practices on Syntactical Values: An Introduction to the Application of Space Syntax to Vernacular Malay Architecture’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 7 (4): 521–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2018.08.005.
Bredenoord, Jan. 2024. ‘Bamboo as a Sustainable Building Material for Innovative, Low-Cost Housing Construction’. Sustainability 16 (6): 2347. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062347.
Browning, William, Catherine Ryan, and Joseph Clancy. 2014. ‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment’. In Terrapin Bright Green 1.
Cosma, Mattia Pancrazio, and Roberto Brighenti. 2023. ‘From Responsiveness in Biological Matter to Functional Materials: Analogies and Inspiration towards the Systematic Design and Synthesis of New Smart Materials and Systems’. Applied Materials Today 32 (June): 101842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101842.
Curk, Ana, Ana Momčilović Petronijević, Ivana Cvetković, and Dušan Stajić. 2025. ‘Preservation of Vernacular Knowledge and Skills as a Form of Architectural Heritage Protection in Serbia’. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, February, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2466793.
Devina, Angela, and R. Asep Ahadiat Gandawijaya. 2023. ‘Biomorpic Approach In Interior Design of Health and Organic Food Center’. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1169 (1): 012063. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1169/1/012063.
Elsayed, Nader, and Sameh Ammar. 2020. ‘Sustainability Governance and Legitimisation Processes: Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill’. Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal 11 (1): 253–78. https://doi.org/10.1108/SAMPJ-09-2018-0242.
Guri, Catohrinner Joyce. 2015. “Bidayuh Baruk.” Https://Asianitinerary.Com/Bidayuh-Baruk/. October 20, 2015.
Jamei, Elmira, and Zora Vrcelj. 2021. ‘Biomimicry and the Built Environment, Learning from Nature’s Solutions’. Applied Sciences 11 (16): 7514. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167514.
Karci Demirkol, Ahenk, and Ayşe Kalayci Önaç. 2024. ‘Integratıng Bıophılıc Desıgn Elements Into Offıce Desıgns’. Ain Shams Engineering Journal 15 (10): 102962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2024.102962.
M., Aulia Fikriarini, and M. Ishomuddin. 2016. ‘BIOMORPHIC ARCHITECTURE APPROACH IN BUILDING FORM BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN’. Jurnal Teknologi 78 (5). https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v78.8281.
Mba, Emeka J., Francis O. Okeke, Ajuluchukwu E. Igwe, Chinelo A. Ozigbo, Peter I. Oforji, and Ikechukwu W. Ozigbo. 2024. ‘Evolving Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Architectural Design; a Practice Perspective’. Heliyon 10 (20): e39400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39400.
Md Rian, Iasef, and Mario Sassone. 2014. ‘Tree-Inspired Dendriforms and Fractal-like Branching Structures in Architecture: A Brief Historical Overview’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 3 (3): 298–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2014.03.006.
Pallasmaa, Juahni. 1994. ‘An Architecture of the Seven Senses’. In Questions of Perception -Phenomenology of Architecture, edited by Steven Holl, Special is. Tokyo: A+U Publishing.
Pallasmaa, Juhani. 2009. ‘Space, Place, Memory and Imagination: The Temporal Dimension of Existensial Space’. In Spatial Recall: Memory in Architecture and Landscape, edited by Marc Treib, 268. New York: Routledge.
Rashid, Mamun, and Dilshad Rahat Ara. 2015. ‘Modernity in Tradition: Reflections on Building Design and Technology in the Asian Vernacular’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 4 (1): 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2014.11.001.
Ripley, Renee L., and Bharat Bhushan. 2016. ‘Bioarchitecture: Bioinspired Art and Architecture—a Perspective’. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 374 (2073): 20160192. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2016.0192.
Rui, Liang, and Muhammad Firzan. 2025. ‘Emotional Design of Interior Spaces: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities’. Buildings 15 (2): 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020153.
Steger, Cara. 2023. ‘A Roof of One’s Own: Choice and Access in Global Thatch Sustainability’. World Development Sustainability 3 (December): 100088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2023.100088.
Sunshine Tiki Huts Corp. 2021. “4 Tiki Hut Maintenance Tips to Care for Your Thatched Roof.” Https://Www.Sunshinetikihuts.Com/Tiki-Hut Maintenance/#: ~: Text=Follow%20these%20four%20tiki%20hut, Need%20to%20avoid%20mold%20growth. March 2, 2021.
Thampanichwat, Chaniporn, Tarid Wongvorachan, Limpasilp Sirisakdi, Panyaphat Somngam, Taksaporn Petlai, Sathirat Singkham, Bhumin Bhutdhakomut, and Narongrit Jinjantarawong. 2025. ‘The Architectural Language of Biophilic Design After Architects Use Text-to-Image AI’. Buildings 15 (5): 662. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050662.
V.K. Sulc. 1990. ‘ROOF AND SIDE WALL SHINGLES FROM COCONUT PALM WOOD’. CORD 6 (02): 34. https://doi.org/10.37833/cord.v6i02.238.
Xu, Zihe, Hongyan Qi, Peng Gao, Shuo Wang, Xuanting Liu, and Yunhai Ma. 2024. ‘Biomimetic Design of Soil-Engaging Components: A Review’. Biomimetics 9 (6): 358. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060358.
Yasar, Dilek, and Pınar Öktem Erkartal. 2025. ‘An Inquiry into the Application of Biophilic Design Principles in Contemporary University Designs’. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, March, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2472743.
Yunitha, and Mandarin Guntur. 2020. “Baruk, A Traditional House of Bidayuh in Borneo, Its Space Related to Structure.” In Proceedings of the International Conference of Heritage & Culture in Integrated Rural-Urban Context (HUNIAN 2019). Paris, France: Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.200729.003.
Yunxuan, Wang, Yuan Ruikai, and Nik Lukman Bin Nik Ibrahim. 2025. ‘From Traditional to Modern: Cultural Integration and Innovation in Sustainable Architectural Design Education’. Journal of Ecohumanism 4 (1). https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i1.6030.
Zaini, Atta Idrawani, Bambang Karsono, and Awang Hasim Awang Sulong. 2018. “From Sacred to Secular: Baruk Architecture on Secular Buildings in Sarawak.” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 213 (December):012043. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/213/1/012043.
AnDarach. 2024. ‘The Magic of Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors for a Healthier Living Space’. Silvotherapy. 2024. https://silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/biophilic-design.
Asif, Nayeem, Nangkula Utaberta, Azmal Bin Sabil, and Sumarni Ismail. 2018. ‘Reflection of Cultural Practices on Syntactical Values: An Introduction to the Application of Space Syntax to Vernacular Malay Architecture’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 7 (4): 521–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2018.08.005.
Bredenoord, Jan. 2024. ‘Bamboo as a Sustainable Building Material for Innovative, Low-Cost Housing Construction’. Sustainability 16 (6): 2347. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062347.
Browning, William, Catherine Ryan, and Joseph Clancy. 2014. ‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment’. In Terrapin Bright Green 1.
Cosma, Mattia Pancrazio, and Roberto Brighenti. 2023. ‘From Responsiveness in Biological Matter to Functional Materials: Analogies and Inspiration towards the Systematic Design and Synthesis of New Smart Materials and Systems’. Applied Materials Today 32 (June): 101842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101842.
Curk, Ana, Ana Momčilović Petronijević, Ivana Cvetković, and Dušan Stajić. 2025. ‘Preservation of Vernacular Knowledge and Skills as a Form of Architectural Heritage Protection in Serbia’. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, February, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2466793.
Devina, Angela, and R. Asep Ahadiat Gandawijaya. 2023. ‘Biomorpic Approach In Interior Design of Health and Organic Food Center’. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1169 (1): 012063. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1169/1/012063.
Elsayed, Nader, and Sameh Ammar. 2020. ‘Sustainability Governance and Legitimisation Processes: Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill’. Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal 11 (1): 253–78. https://doi.org/10.1108/SAMPJ-09-2018-0242.
Guri, Catohrinner Joyce. 2015. “Bidayuh Baruk.” Https://Asianitinerary.Com/Bidayuh-Baruk/. October 20, 2015.
Jamei, Elmira, and Zora Vrcelj. 2021. ‘Biomimicry and the Built Environment, Learning from Nature’s Solutions’. Applied Sciences 11 (16): 7514. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167514.
Karci Demirkol, Ahenk, and Ayşe Kalayci Önaç. 2024. ‘Integratıng Bıophılıc Desıgn Elements Into Offıce Desıgns’. Ain Shams Engineering Journal 15 (10): 102962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2024.102962.
M., Aulia Fikriarini, and M. Ishomuddin. 2016. ‘BIOMORPHIC ARCHITECTURE APPROACH IN BUILDING FORM BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN’. Jurnal Teknologi 78 (5). https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v78.8281.
Mba, Emeka J., Francis O. Okeke, Ajuluchukwu E. Igwe, Chinelo A. Ozigbo, Peter I. Oforji, and Ikechukwu W. Ozigbo. 2024. ‘Evolving Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Architectural Design; a Practice Perspective’. Heliyon 10 (20): e39400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39400.
Md Rian, Iasef, and Mario Sassone. 2014. ‘Tree-Inspired Dendriforms and Fractal-like Branching Structures in Architecture: A Brief Historical Overview’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 3 (3): 298–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2014.03.006.
Pallasmaa, Juahni. 1994. ‘An Architecture of the Seven Senses’. In Questions of Perception -Phenomenology of Architecture, edited by Steven Holl, Special is. Tokyo: A+U Publishing.
Pallasmaa, Juhani. 2009. ‘Space, Place, Memory and Imagination: The Temporal Dimension of Existensial Space’. In Spatial Recall: Memory in Architecture and Landscape, edited by Marc Treib, 268. New York: Routledge.
Rashid, Mamun, and Dilshad Rahat Ara. 2015. ‘Modernity in Tradition: Reflections on Building Design and Technology in the Asian Vernacular’. Frontiers of Architectural Research 4 (1): 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2014.11.001.
Ripley, Renee L., and Bharat Bhushan. 2016. ‘Bioarchitecture: Bioinspired Art and Architecture—a Perspective’. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 374 (2073): 20160192. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2016.0192.
Rui, Liang, and Muhammad Firzan. 2025. ‘Emotional Design of Interior Spaces: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities’. Buildings 15 (2): 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020153.
Steger, Cara. 2023. ‘A Roof of One’s Own: Choice and Access in Global Thatch Sustainability’. World Development Sustainability 3 (December): 100088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2023.100088.
Sunshine Tiki Huts Corp. 2021. “4 Tiki Hut Maintenance Tips to Care for Your Thatched Roof.” Https://Www.Sunshinetikihuts.Com/Tiki-Hut Maintenance/#: ~: Text=Follow%20these%20four%20tiki%20hut, Need%20to%20avoid%20mold%20growth. March 2, 2021.
Thampanichwat, Chaniporn, Tarid Wongvorachan, Limpasilp Sirisakdi, Panyaphat Somngam, Taksaporn Petlai, Sathirat Singkham, Bhumin Bhutdhakomut, and Narongrit Jinjantarawong. 2025. ‘The Architectural Language of Biophilic Design After Architects Use Text-to-Image AI’. Buildings 15 (5): 662. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050662.
V.K. Sulc. 1990. ‘ROOF AND SIDE WALL SHINGLES FROM COCONUT PALM WOOD’. CORD 6 (02): 34. https://doi.org/10.37833/cord.v6i02.238.
Xu, Zihe, Hongyan Qi, Peng Gao, Shuo Wang, Xuanting Liu, and Yunhai Ma. 2024. ‘Biomimetic Design of Soil-Engaging Components: A Review’. Biomimetics 9 (6): 358. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060358.
Yasar, Dilek, and Pınar Öktem Erkartal. 2025. ‘An Inquiry into the Application of Biophilic Design Principles in Contemporary University Designs’. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, March, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2472743.
Yunitha, and Mandarin Guntur. 2020. “Baruk, A Traditional House of Bidayuh in Borneo, Its Space Related to Structure.” In Proceedings of the International Conference of Heritage & Culture in Integrated Rural-Urban Context (HUNIAN 2019). Paris, France: Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.200729.003.
Yunxuan, Wang, Yuan Ruikai, and Nik Lukman Bin Nik Ibrahim. 2025. ‘From Traditional to Modern: Cultural Integration and Innovation in Sustainable Architectural Design Education’. Journal of Ecohumanism 4 (1). https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i1.6030.
Zaini, Atta Idrawani, Bambang Karsono, and Awang Hasim Awang Sulong. 2018. “From Sacred to Secular: Baruk Architecture on Secular Buildings in Sarawak.” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 213 (December):012043. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/213/1/012043.