Sacred urbanism and cultural resilience: Reinterpreting Catuspatha as a regenerative livable space in Semarapura, Bali

Udayana University, Architecture Department, Bali, Indonesia

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Abstract

This study explores the spatial and symbolic transformation of Catuspatha in Semarapura, Bali, and its reinterpretation through the Regenerative Livable Built Environment (RLBE) framework. Catuspatha, a sacred urban node in Balinese towns, traditionally serves as the cosmological center that aligns with local values and community activities. Through qualitative and spatial analysis, this research examines how the form, meaning, and functions of Catuspatha have changed across historical periods—from the royal-era sacred plaza to a modern urban intersection—while assessing cultural resilience amidst tourism-driven urban development. The results reveal a significant shift from spiritual and communal orientations to vehicular and economic functions, risking the loss of its original sacredness. By proposing a contextual model that integrates sacred urbanism and cultural resilience, this study emphasizes the importance of restoring spatial harmony, socio-cultural identity, and regenerative values in heritage town planning. The model serves as a strategic framework to guide urban planners, architects, and policymakers in revitalizing traditional nodes as livable and meaningful urban spaces.