DIGITAL HERITAGE AS A HERITAGE CONSERVATION EFFORT: DIGITAL MODELING WITH SEQUENCE DIAGRAM OF KARANGSUWUNG SUGAR FACTORY

Abstract

The Karangsuwung Sugar Factory, a colonial-era industrial site in Cirebon, holds significant historical and architectural value. However, over time, the building has experienced physical deterioration and lacks proper documentation, particularly in digital form. This research aims to address that gap by digitally documenting and modeling the factory as part of a cultural heritage conservation effort. The approach involves using sequence diagrams to reconstruct the geometric formation of the building, enabling a better understanding of its historical and architectural significance.

Each architectural element is simplified into basic geometric forms, points and lines, then parameterized to retain the essential characteristics of the structure. The modeling process employs Rhino 3D software and the Grasshopper plugin, which are selected for their capacity to produce precise and flexible parametric geometries. Through Grasshopper’s parametric system, the research generates a sequence-based representation of the factory’s geometry, explaining the building’s form, proportion, and structure based on historical records.

To support the digital modeling process, a combination of literature study, field observation, and interviews was conducted. The literature review provides insight into the factory’s historical and architectural context, while field observations document the current physical state, which informs the digital reconstruction.

This study contributes to the advancement of digital heritage documentation in Indonesia. It not only helps preserve the legacy of the Karangsuwung Sugar Factory but also lays a methodological foundation for future research in the conservation and management of historic architectural sites.