The Aesthetic Dialectic of Traditional Balinese and Modern Interior in Mahudara Main Exhibition Building

Maintaining the existence of local culture amidst the current of globalization and modernization poses a serious challenge for contemporary public space design. This study focuses on the aesthetic dialectic between traditional Balinese and modern interior design, as well as identifying the implementation of various interior elements at the Mahudara Mandara Giri Buana Main Exhibition Building (Gedung Kriya), Denpasar Art Center. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method, this research gathered field data through direct observations, interviews with building staff, visual documentation, and relevant academic literature reviews. All obtained data were then analyzed descriptively through the stages of collection, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results reveal that the building's interior successfully displays a balanced and complementary relationship between the two design concepts. The traditional Balinese character is strongly manifested through the use of natural materials such as bamboo, wood, exposed brick, and paras stone, integrated with pepatran, kekarangan, patra sari, patra samblung, and patra cina ornaments on columns, ventilation, and kuwadi doors. Meanwhile, the modern approach is applied to meet the functionality and flexibility aspects of contemporary exhibition spaces through grid-patterned terrazzo floors, geometric staircases, modular display panels, glass vitrines, pedestals, and a dual lighting system consisting of clerestory glass openings and track lights. Ultimately, the occurring aesthetic dialectic creates a highly functional exhibition space tailored to modern needs without losing the soul and identity of authentic Balinese culture.