The Evolution of Surabaya: How Modern Architecture is Shaping the City

Source: VISEO
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is undergoing a transformation. Once known for its colonial-era buildings, the city is embracing modern architecture with a unique twist. Here are some examples of Surabaya's modern architectural marvels:
- The Ciputra World Surabaya
Source: Ciputra World Surabaya
Ciputra World Surabaya is a massive development by Ciputra Group, covering an area of almost 10 hectares. Built with a superblock concept, this project is a mini-city that has everything you need: from a huge mall, fancy apartments, hotel, and even office spaces
Basically, Ciputra World lets you live, work, shop, and play all in one place! It's perfect for anyone who wants a convenient and stylish lifestyle in the heart of the city. Plus, it aims to make Surabaya even more international and modern city by combining a variety of architectural styles, including modern, traditional, and futuristic. Pretty cool, right?
- The al-Akbar National Mosque
Source: SINDOnews
The Al-Akbar National Mosque, also known as Masjid Agung Surabaya, is the second-largest mosque in Indonesia. Located on Pagesangan Street in the Jambangan sub-district of Surabaya, this building stands out for its captivating modern architecture, featuring a large vertical dome alongside four smaller blue domes. It also has a minaret with a height of 99 meters, an ode to the 99 names of Allah.
Inaugurated on November 10, 2000, by President Abdurrahman Wahid, the grand mosque offers a variety of facilities. These include a spacious prayer hall, a multi-purpose hall, a library, and an event space for educational purposes. This comprehensive offering makes Al-Akbar National Mosque a center for religious, cultural, and social activities for Muslims.
Undeniably beautiful and grand, the mosque has become an important landmark that represents the strong Islamic spirit in Surabaya
- Grahadi State Building
Source: Radar Surabaya
The Grahadi Building was designed by a Dutch architect, W. Lemci, and built around the year 1794-1798 during the Dutch reign of Dirk Van Hogendorp. At that time the building was known as Huis van Simpang, and it faced North to the Kalimas River, which at that time was the main transportation route in Surabaya. The building initially functioned as a residence where occupants enjoyed tea while overlooking the river traffic.
Daendels, the governor-general who directly managed Surabaya as the center of the defense city, remodeled and renovated Huis van Simpang to face South to Jalan Simpang as part of Jalan Raya Pos. This renovation was carried out in 1810. The building was then used as the official residence of the Resident. Now it functions as the official residence of the Governor of East Java. In addition, this building is also often used for ceremonies and other events.
- Suramadu Bridge
Source: setkap.go.id
Jembatan Suramadu (translated as Suramadu Bridge) is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Surabaya on the island of Java and the south of Bangkalan Regency on the island of Madura in Indonesia. Opened in June 2009, this 5.4-kilometre-long (3.4 mi) bridge is the longest in Indonesia and the second longest in the southern hemisphere. It is the first bridge to cross the Madura Strait. At early construction the bridge was inaugurated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri on August 20, 2003 and its opening was inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 10 June 2009
- Tunjangan Plaza
Source: Situbondo Network
Tunjungan Plaza, a leading retail mall since 1986, is located in the heart of Surabaya and has become an iconic shopping center ever since. Tunjungan Plaza consists of six extended malls on a site more than 175,000 square meters and has more than 600 outlets. These impressive features have solidified Tunjungan Plaza's position as the second-largest mall in Indonesia.
This success is attributed to the seamless integration offered by the Pakuwon Jati superblock development. Extending beyond the mall itself, the superblock provides a comprehensive environment with a business hub featuring office spaces, a luxurious hotel, modern living areas, and a condominium complex
Conclusion:
Surabaya's modern architecture is a reflection of the city's changing identity. As Surabaya continues to grow and develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting architectural projects emerge.
References:
https://ciputradevelopment.com/id/detail-properties/ciputra-world-surabaya/
https://www.masjidalakbar.or.id/
https://www.detik.com/jatim/berita/d-7017807/10-tempat-bersejarah-di-surabaya
https://www.eastjava.com/tourism/surabaya/suramadu.html
https://dispusip.surabaya.go.id/virtual/sk-7?lang=us
https://www.eastjava.com/tourism/surabaya/grahadi.html
https://www.palmpark-surabaya.co.id/
https://www.pakuwonjati.com/id/superblocks/3/superblok-tunjungan-city