Visual Character Identification of Bengkulu China-Town

Abstract

Bengkulu has a popular china town area that used as a settlement by localChinese for living. This area has unique visual character that should be preserved, because it has a potential for Bengkulu heritage tourism. This study is to find components that shaped the visual character of Bengkulu China town. Direct observation did to collect the data and information. Buildings, environment, and socio-culture character are the indicators that need to be identified. Result of the study showed that Bengkulu traditional architecture gives important influence for the visual character of shop-house building in Bengkulu China town. The genuine character of Chinese settlement can’t be seen clearly because of the small road and the dense of the buildings. This area also lack on their commercial activity.