The pandemic is not an obstacle to complete scientific studies, research and studies. Imam Santoso, a lecturer in architecture at Universitas Merdeka Malang, who is deepening his studies at the Doctoral Program in Architecture and Urban Studies at Undip Semarang, at least, has done so. This lecturer and researcher was completely immersed in the Covid-19 pandemic situation which actually formed the spirit of defending his dissertation research entitled “Tandha, as a Basis for Transformation from Sacred to Profane in Surakarta Square”.
Keraton Surakarta (in particular) seems endless to be researched, even the more it is explored as a scientific study, the more scientific treasures are obtained. Imam Santoso’s dissertation research, which explores Surakarta Square as a public space, is a very interesting scientific study. The knowledge of transformation in architecture that has developed to date is still a change in the form of visible space. The studies have not been able to explain the process of sacred to profane spatial changes that cause something intangible.
The result of this research is the spatial theory of ‘tandha’ as the basis of sacred to profane spatial transformation built through three concept categories: ajeg, pangayoman and pelipuran. Based on this theory, it is expected to be a contribution to the knowledge of transformation-based local theories, especially intangible spaces in the architectural science family.
Imam’s hard work in research has paid off, through the Doctoral Final Examination conducted by the Manager of the S3 Architecture and Urban Science Study Program (21/6), Imam officially holds the Doctoral Degree (Architecture) with a GPA of 3.83. Under the guidance of Prof. Bambang Setioko (Promoter), Dr. Edward Endrianto Pandelaki (Co-Promoter), Prof. Atik Suprapti (Kaprodi/Co-Promoter) and the Examiners (Prof. Nurdien HK, Dr. Agung Budi Sarjono, Prof. Yulianto Sumalyo) there was a very moving exam atmosphere, because it was conducted online through the Zoom Meeting application.
With his success, PDIAP has produced dozens of doctorates in architecture and urban science, and expected to continue to grow and be useful, especially in their respective institutions.