Architecture as Communication System with Semiotic Theory (Case Study: Tjong A Fie’s House)

Architecture is an object that can be related to a communication system. In
communication systems called Semiotics is needed to examine the object being studied.
Semiotics is a guide in finding the meaning of an architectural project, for this article
emphasizes the search for architectural meanings of architectural projects that are appreciated
by observers. The method used is descriptive qualitative by observing and finding the facts in
the site. The object of the study was Tjong A Fie's house in the Kesawan area of Medan City.
The results of this object study were analyzed based on the semiotic theory to draw conclusions
about its role in the figure of the building. The analysis results of buildings show that there is
someone role for building figures in presenting the expression of his power to a building or
living environment in colonial era, that is representing of Tjong A Fie.