Balinese ethnic houses in the tourist area of Ubud reflect the dynamic negotiation between inherited cosmological design principles and the demands of the contemporary economy driven by tourism. Rooted in traditional texts such as Asta Bumi and Asta Kosala Kosali, these spatial and architectural codes have historically governed the harmonious relationship between man, nature, and the divine. This study is qualitative and descriptive-interpretive, using Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice—with a focus on habitus, as well as cultural, social, economic, and symbolic capital—and the theory of cultural identity to analyze adaptation in the architectural landscape of Ubud. The findings show that adaptation is not just a market response, but a strategic negotiation in the meeting between the architectural and tourism fields. Economic and social capital facilitates functional and stylistic transformation, while cultural and symbolic capital limits change in order to preserve Bali’s architectural identity. The collective habitus reinforces this identity in the midst of ever-evolving demands, resulting in a built environment that simultaneously showcases tradition and innovation. The study recommends integrative policies, community engagement, sustainable tourism planning, and contextsensitive architectural practices to balance preservation and development. These findings contribute to the theoretical discourse on cultural reproduction as well as a practical framework for preserving architectural heritage in the context of tourism.
Keywords: Balinese ethnic houses, Ubud tourism area, spatial concepts, architectural adaptation, cultural capital, habitus, architectural identity