Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – The Architecture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held another collaborative class as part of the Sustainable Materials and Construction elective course. The session, titled “Expert Talk – Sustainable Construction Materials: Rubberised Interlocking Bricks,” was conducted online from 10:00 to 12:00 WIB and featured Assoc. Prof. Ir. Bashar S. Mohammed from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia as the keynote speaker.

Initiated by the course lecturer, Dr. Yani Rahmawati, S.T., M.T., this event aimed to broaden students’ understanding of environmentally responsible and sustainable building materials. The initiative also reflects a tangible academic contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

In his lecture, Prof. Bashar explored in depth the concept of rubberised interlocking bricks, an innovative construction material that combines recycled rubber—primarily from used tires—with concrete aggregates to create a durable, eco-friendly building block. The session covered essential topics including the manufacturing process, material testing results, and performance comparisons between conventional concrete and rubbercrete (rubber-based concrete).

The use of waste tires in construction stems from the environmental challenges posed by their disposal. Tires are non-biodegradable, often accumulate in landfills, can serve as breeding grounds for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents due to their hollow structure, and may release harmful toxins. Innovative solutions like rubberised bricks not only reduce solid waste but also support energy-efficient construction practices through their interlocking feature, which eliminates the need for mortar and simplifies the assembly process.

According to the World Economic Forum (2023), over 1 billion used tires are generated globally each year, with most ending up in landfills or being incinerated—both of which contribute to air pollution and carbon emissions. Utilizing recycled rubber in construction offers a practical, scalable solution to this issue.

This approach is in line with the goals of SDG 12, which emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption, waste reduction, and extending the lifecycle of materials. Through this class, students were encouraged to think critically and creatively about the potential of alternative materials around them that could be repurposed into sustainable design solutions.

Furthermore, the innovative use of recycled materials provides insight into how climate issues can be addressed through thoughtful architectural design—directly supporting SDG 13: Climate Action. By integrating recycled content into construction materials, carbon emissions from production processes can be significantly reduced, advancing more climate-resilient practices in the built environment.

UGM’s Architecture Study Program remains committed to advancing sustainable architectural education and playing an active role in supporting the global agenda for a greener future. This class did not only teach students the technical aspects of sustainable materials but also instilled a deeper understanding of how architectural design can become a meaningful tool for ecosystem resilience and environmental stewardship.

Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati

The Doctoral Program in Architecture, Department of Architecture and Planning Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully organized a series of events titled Doctorate Program in Architecture Guest Lecture & Workshop: Strategies for Publishing in International Journal #2. The event featured Prof. Dr. Mark Hampton, a senior lecturer at the University of Kent, United Kingdom. This event series was held on Monday and Tuesday, May 5–6, 2025, in a hybrid format offline at the Seminar Room, 2nd Floor of DTAP FT UGM, and online via Zoom Meeting Room and was attended by doctoral students of the Architecture Study Program.

The first day of the event (Monday, May 5, 2025) began with the singing of the national anthem Indonesia Raya and the Gadjah Mada Hymn, followed by a guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Mark Hampton on Strategies for Publishing in International Journal #2, which included a Q&A session. The lecture concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Ir. Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto, M.Eng., Ph.D., IPU., representing the doctoral program faculty, followed by the presentation of a certificate and souvenir to the speaker, and a group photo session. The event then continued with a workshop on writing manuscripts for international journals. During this session, several doctoral students of the Architecture Program presented their manuscript drafts, which were then reviewed and discussed by Prof. Dr. Mark Hampton. The workshop continued into the second day (Tuesday, May 6, 2025) and concluded with another group photo session.

The Doctorate Program in Architecture Guest Lecture & Workshop provided significant benefits for the doctoral students of the Architecture Study Program at DTAP FT UGM—many of whom are lecturers from various universities across Indonesia—particularly in enhancing academic capacity and scientific publication skills at the global level. Through this series, students gained in-depth understanding of the structure of academic writing that meets international standards, techniques for constructing strong academic arguments, and strategies to get published in reputable journals. This not only strengthens the students’ scientific contributions in their respective fields but also promotes a culture of high-quality and impactful research. These benefits align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4: Quality Education, by supporting the creation of a higher education environment that fosters innovative research, lifelong learning, and the improvement of lecturers and researchers for the future.

Source: https://s3.archiplan.ugm.ac.id/2025/05/07/doctorate-program-in-architecture-guest-lecture-workshop-strategies-for-publishing-in-international-journal-2/

Yogyakarta, May 5, 2025 — As part of efforts to anticipate strategic issues and shape the long-term development direction of Yogyakarta City, the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) held a foresight session from May 5 to 7, 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen BPKP’s role in ensuring accountable and responsive governance, especially amid the challenges of the VUCA era (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) and within the STEEPV framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, and Values).

One of the invited speakers was Prof. Bakti Setiawan, commonly known as Prof. Bobi, who shared his insights as an academic and expert in urban and regional planning. During a two-hour session, he provided strategic perspectives on Yogyakarta’s urban development direction.

He identified four key development drivers that should be central to the city’s strategy: leadership, innovation, social capital, and information technology. According to Prof. Bobi, these drivers are essential for building an adaptive and sustainable city in the face of future uncertainties.

The session also underlined BPKP’s function in monitoring and evaluating local government policies, particularly in Yogyakarta City and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, to ensure alignment with development objectives. Through foresight approaches, BPKP aims to design more anticipatory oversight strategies and adaptive roadmaps.

The session is expected to result in a comprehensive identification of strategic issues in each STEEPV dimension, a set of development scenarios, a long-term roadmap, and a list of priority programs for BPKP oversight.

Ir. Adi Utomo Hatmoko, M.Arch., a lecturer at the Department of Architecture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and an architect with decades of professional experience, was one of the featured speakers at the ARCHMEP Meet & Talk held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Swiss-Belinn Ballroom, Cawang, East Jakarta. The event brought together professionals from architecture, healthcare, and engineering under the main theme, “Design Failures in Hospital Planning.” Pak Adi, as he is affectionately called, reaffirmed his commitment to sharing knowledge and practical insights, especially on designing better, more functional, and sustainability-oriented healthcare facilities.

During his session, Pak Adi shared his thoughts on material selection policies and hospital design. He began by explaining the basics of healthcare facility planning, emphasizing that a hospital is not just a functional building, but a critical space that directly affects human health and safety. Because of this, choosing the right materials is extremely important. Even small mistakes in material choices can have major consequences for both patients and medical staff.

He explained that materials used in healthcare facilities must be selected with careful consideration for technical performance, user health and safety, and sustainability. For example, in Emergency Departments (EDs), the recommended flooring is seamless vinyl sheet of the heavy-duty type, designed specifically for hospitals. This material is hygienic, resistant to chemicals, easy to clean, and has minimal joints, reducing the buildup of dirt or germs. For walls, using stopsol or sunergy glass helps maintain thermal comfort while still allowing natural light in—an approach that supports energy efficiency.

Pak Adi also gave practical examples, explaining the importance of matching wall materials to their function. Exterior walls should use red bricks, which are more resistant to weather, while interior walls can use lightweight bricks for better efficiency. Roof areas must be coated with waterproofing to prevent leaks that could disrupt hospital operations. For air conditioning systems, he recommended using VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) units, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional split AC units.

All of these approaches align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Choosing the right materials helps protect building users, improve building durability, conserve energy, and reduce environmental impact. Pak Adi’s insights highlight the architect’s critical role in designing not only functional and aesthetic spaces, but also spaces that contribute to long-term sustainability.

Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati

As the even semester of the 2024/2025 academic year reaches its midpoint, the Studio Profesi II of PPAr has successfully held its first display session to present students’ design works, which will later be submitted to the C40: Reinventing Cities competition. This first display, held on Monday, April 14, 2025, also served as the Mid-Semester Examination (UTS) assessment for the students. Each student group presented their design ideas for the Marconi District Student Housing project.

In this display session, student works were reviewed by architects Rezza Rahdian, S.T., and Widi Cahya Yudhanta, S.T., M.Sc., who also acted as the main mentors for each group in Studio Profesi II. The works were also evaluated by other faculty members of DTAP, including Ir. Adi Utomo Hatmoko, M.Arch., and Dr. Eng. Alexander Rani Suryandono, S.T., M.Arch. The assessment by Ir. Adi Utomo Hatmoko took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Meanwhile, the final deadline for submitting entries to the C40: Reinventing Cities competition is set for May 20, 2025. Students of Studio Profesi II PPAr are now continuing to refine and develop their projects based on the feedback received during the first display session.

This first display activity in the Studio Profesi II agenda aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

As part of the implementation of spatial planning policies in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), the Department of Land and Spatial Planning (DISPERTARU DIY) organized a Dissemination of the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW DIY 2023–2043) and the Strategic Development Plan for the Special Spatial Units (SRS) of the Kasultanan and Kadipaten Areas 2023–2043. The event took place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Adhikari Meeting Room, DISPERTARU DIY, featuring Prof. Ir. Bakti Setiawan, M.A., Ph.D. (Prof. Bobi) from Universitas Gadjah Mada as the keynote speaker.

In his presentation, Prof. Bobi emphasized the significance of spatial planning as a key instrument for sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted regional development. Guided by the local philosophical principle of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana, he explained that spatial planning in DIY involves not only spatial arrangements but also the cultural and historical foundations that define Yogyakarta’s unique identity.

Prof. Bobi highlighted the need to treat spatial planning as the backbone of development, encouraging all government programs to align with the established spatial framework. Spatial planning, he noted, should address strategic regional issues such as spatial inequality, disaster risk reduction, and cultural heritage protection.

The establishment and development of Special Spatial Units (SRS) for the Kasultanan and Kadipaten are essential efforts to enhance the region’s spatial distinctiveness. These units are envisioned as models for collaborative, adaptive, and culturally integrated spatial planning practices.

The event served as a platform to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and reaffirmed the commitment to a development path that is sustainable, future-oriented, and deeply rooted in local values and traditions.

To support the implementation of spatial planning policies in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), the Department of Land and Spatial Planning of DIY (DISPERTARU DIY) organized a Socialization Event for the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW DIY 2023–2043) and the Regional Development Strategy for Strategic Spatial Units (SRS) of the Kasultanan and Kadipaten 2023–2043. The event was held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Adhikari Meeting Room of DISPERTARU DIY, featuring keynote speaker Prof. Ir. Bakti Setiawan, M.A., Ph.D. (Prof. Bobi) from Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In his presentation, Prof. Bobi emphasized the importance of spatial planning as a key instrument for sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted regional development. Highlighting the fundamental philosophy of *Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana*, he reminded the audience that spatial planning in DIY is not solely about spatial arrangements, but also involves cultural and historical values that shape the unique identity of Yogyakarta.

Furthermore, Prof. Bobi highlighted the urgency of positioning spatial planning as the driving force of development by integrating all sectoral programs within the established spatial framework. He emphasized that spatial planning must be capable of addressing key regional issues such as spatial inequality, disaster risk, and the protection of cultural heritage areas.

The designation and development of Strategic Spatial Units (SRS) for the Kasultanan and Kadipaten serve as a crucial effort in realizing the distinctiveness of DIY’s spatial planning. The SRS are expected to become a model of spatial arrangement that is synergistic, participatory, and adaptive to social dynamics and future challenges.

This event is expected to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and serve as a momentum to ensure that development in DIY is always grounded in a long-term, sustainable vision imbued with cultural values.

The participation of Ir. Adi Utomo Hatmoko, M.Arch., a lecturer at the Department of Architecture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and a practicing architect, as a speaker at the Hospital Series on April 24, 2025, reflects the vital role of academics in bridging knowledge and real-world practice. Held at the Kapoposang Meeting Room, Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center from 09:00 to 15:00 WITA, the event saw Pak Adi—his common nickname—share his insights on the growing trend of smart hospitals.

This regular event, organized by P.T. Global Rancang Selaras in cities across Indonesia, is especially relevant given the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing demands of modern healthcare systems. In this forum, Pak Adi covered key aspects of hospital design, including design concept development, feasibility studies, hospital zoning, and the basic types of spaces in hospital layouts. He also elaborated on what makes a hospital “smart,” starting from its definition to its practical implications. Some of the smart hospital concepts he presented included: patient-centered care, operational efficiency, advanced diagnostic tools, enhanced communication, AI and data-driven decision making, smart infrastructure and sustainability, robotic assistance, cybersecurity and data protection, smart supply chain management, and patient empowerment and engagement. He emphasized that hospital architecture should support or even help drive the transformation toward these concepts. During the session, Pak Adi shared more than eight case studies from his past and ongoing projects to give participants a clearer understanding of smart hospital implementation.

Importantly, Pak Adi also highlighted the critical role of sustainable architecture in modern hospital design. Through the smart hospital approach, designs must respond to environmental challenges, such as using renewable energy, safe medical waste management, and optimizing natural ventilation and daylight. This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Another essential point is the emphasis on efficiency and user comfort, which ultimately contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by improving patient health outcomes and overall well-being.

This forum served not only as a knowledge-sharing platform but also as a space for interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, healthcare professionals, property developers, and other stakeholders. Events like this help broaden public awareness—especially among those in the architecture and healthcare sectors—of the importance of smart and sustainable design approaches. This initiative reinforces the commitment of Universitas Gadjah Mada and its academic community to support the global agenda through innovation in architecture and healthcare.

Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati

On Friday (March 21), Dr. Ir. Tri Mulyani Sunarharum, S.T., IPU., was a guest lecturer at the Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP) held at the Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP), UGM. This event was part of the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), a course program for university students from Australia to gain educational experience in Indonesia.

During the program, Dr. Tri Mulyani delivered a lecture to four student delegates from the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney participating in the DSIP program. Through her presentation titled “Sustainable Development and the Environment,” Dr. Tri Mulyani discussed Indonesia’s development challenges as well as global threats such as climate change and natural disasters. She emphasized the importance of development policies contributing to poverty alleviation (SDG 1), sustainable and disaster-resilient urban planning (SDG 11), and integrated climate change mitigation strategies across various sectors (SDG 13).

Furthermore, Dr. Tri Mulyani outlined Indonesia’s potential in enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate change and disaster management through spatial planning aligned with the SDGs. She also presented the government’s roadmap and strategies that have been and will be implemented to achieve a disaster-resilient Indonesia.

This program is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge transfer and collaborative learning. Through direct discussions and interactions with academics and students in Indonesia, participants are anticipated to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable development. Additionally, this program strengthens academic collaboration between Indonesia and Australia, opening opportunities for future joint research.

In preparation for the submission period of research and community service proposals at BIMA Kemdiktisaintek 2025, Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat (LPPM) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri (UNUGIRI) organized a webinar series titled “Ngabuburit BIMA Series.” Held every Monday and Thursday during Ramadan, the series featured various speakers, including Dr. Yani Rahmawati, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP), Chief Editor Indonesian Journal of Community Engagement (JPkM UGM), and Managing Editor of the Journal of Community Service, Research, Creativity, Innovation, and Appropriate Technology (Parikesit Journal, UGM), who spoke in Series #5 on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The webinar, conducted online via Zoom, welcomed participants from the general public and academic institutions. Dr. Yani’s first presentation focused on “Writing Scientific Articles for Community Engagement Activities.” She covered the entire writing and publication process, from preparation and crafting key components to strategies for enhancing visibility and publication opportunities. Dr. Yani emphasized that articles should not merely report activities but offer in-depth analysis on community impacts, program sustainability, obstacles, and their alignment with broader national development agendas. This aligns with SDG 4 on Quality Education, which promotes enhanced academic and community capacity to produce impactful knowledge. Ethics and integrity were highlighted as essential in maintaining article quality and safeguarding the dignity of the community involved. A lively Q&A session wrapped up the first presentation.

The second presentation, “Managing SINTA-Accredited Community Engagement Journals,” drew on Dr. Yani’s experience as Chief Editor of UGM’s Jurnal Parikesitl. She shared insights on forming editorial teams, peer review processes, maintaining article quality, and increasing visibility and citations. These strategies are crucial for journal managers aiming to achieve SINTA accreditation, a benchmark for credibility in Indonesia. This discussion supported SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through improved scientific publication management and SDG 17 on Partnerships for Goals by fostering collaboration between academics and institutions for broad societal impact. Dr. Yani also addressed common challenges and solutions in journal management.

Concluding before breaking the fast, the webinar offered participants valuable insights and inspiration to refine their abilities in scientific writing and journal management. By building capacity in these areas, attendees are empowered to contribute impactful knowledge and support scientific advancement in Indonesia. (SDGs 4, 9, 17).