Socio-Spatial Pattern Transformation of Historic Urban Settlement

The Case of Kampung Batik Laweyan, Surakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Historic urban settlements have physical structures, where all cultural expressions, architecture, and the entire physical area reflect the social and cultural life of the people over time. Changes and continuity of social values affect the spatial pattern of settlement and gradually cause the socio-spatial transformation of the area. This study aims to document the socio-spatial pattern transformations of Laweyan historic urban settlement in Surakarta city by examining the relationship between the social activities of the community in batik business and its spatial configuration. This qualitative research obtained data from field exploration, in-depth interviews, and document studies. The identification of current physical and social conditions and the document studies were verified by the results of the community memory of their past socio-spatial conditions. The result shows that Laweyan experienced three periods of batik business, which are the early period, glory period, and decline period until current period. The dynamics of the development of batik business have triggered the transformation of the socio-spatial pattern in each period of development. The social transformation occurs in the employment orientation, social relations, and social strata of the residents, which affects the spatial transformation, including the spatial patterns, functions, land use, and accessibility. These transformation of Laweyan that can still occur will affect its sustainability as a historic urban settlement in Surakarta.