Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the types and semiotical meaning of
the historical heritage buildings in the city of Medan, especially in Maimun
Palace, The Grand Mosque Al-Mashun, and Shri Mariamman Temple. This study
employed a qualitative approach in accordance with Charles Sanders Pierce's
theory and was based on semiotic fields, including culture codes such as
architecture and ornament. The data was analyzed using a descriptive analysis
technique, which involved locating and interpreting the symbol in the historical
heritage buildings. The data was obtained from the guardian or guide who guards
the heritage sites at Maimun Palace, The Grand Mosque Al-Mashun, and Shri
Mariamman Temple by observation and interview. The findings of this study
revealed that there are 31 semiotics signs found in the three historical heritage
sites in the city of Medan that characterize the sign in accordance with the
meaning of the ornamentation and architecture. The 31 semiotics signs that found
in the three historical heritage sites are: Maimun Palace (11), the Grand Mosque
Al-Mashun (11), and Shri Mariamman Temple (9). The dominant types of
semiotics in the three historical heritage buildings are symbols. It can be
concluded that the interpretive meaning of signs in historical heritage buildings is
a form of cultural symbol that reflects the cultural values in the historical heritage
building.
