The Beginning of the Journey: From Instagram to London
Tsania’s interest in IISMA began in 2021, at the start of her university years. A post she saw on a senior’s Instagram sparked her curiosity, prompting her to explore more through UGM’s OIA social media and various other sources. From the beginning, Tsania had always dreamed of joining a student exchange program. So, she began to seriously attend IISMA info sessions and prepare herself to apply in 2024.

That motivation didn’t come out of nowhere. Since high school, Tsania had been interested in student exchanges because she wanted to experience firsthand what education systems and cultures abroad were like. She believed that cross-cultural experiences would enrich her perspective, both personally and academically. Seeing IISMA as a golden opportunity, she committed herself wholeheartedly to the process. read more

Yogyakarta, March 15, 2025 – Wiswakharman Expo (WEX) successfully held a discussion forum titled “Menutur Sajak” with the theme “Placemaking for Interaction and Learning.” The event featured speakers Syam Rachma Marcillia, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., a lecturer from the Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP) UGM, and Dr. Phil. Oki Rahadianto Sutopo, S.Sos., M.Si. an Associate Professor of Sociology Program, UGM. This discussion took place at Titik Nol Yogyakarta, where attendees were invited to engage in conversations regarding the growing concerns of limited public spaces in Yogyakarta. As a city renowned for its title as the “Student City,” Yogyakarta is now facing challenges in adapting to students’ needs for inclusive spaces that support learning beyond the campus environment. read more

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Master of Urban Design Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a public lecture to mark the beginning of the Even Semester 2024/2025. The event was held online in Lecture Room 1, 3rd Floor, North Wing of DTAP FT UGM, and was also accessible virtually via Zoom Meeting for all students and alumni.

The Master of Urban Design Program invited Adrianto Santoso, S.T., M.T., IAI, the President Director of PT PSUD, as the guest speaker. He delivered a lecture on the topic “Architecture and the City: Research in Enriching Contextual Urban Architecture.” Adrianto Santoso provided comprehensive insights into urban design for new students while also offering in-depth perspectives to general urban design students on the importance of research in urban design to create contextually relevant urban solutions. read more

A team of alumni from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully earned an Honorable Mention in the EPOCH45 International Planning Competition, a multidisciplinary competition for students and young professionals in spatial planning for Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). The competition was organized in collaboration between Diponegoro University and MARS Architects, aiming to find innovative solutions for urban and landscape development in the next phase of IKN’s construction. The award announcement took place on March 18, 2025, at Erasmus Huis, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Jakarta. read more

Dr. Ir. Arif Kusumawanto, M.T., IPU., a lecturer from the Department of Architecture and Planning, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently published a scientific paper titled “Simulation Model of Green Open Space on Microclimate Performance in Tropical Coastal Area”. This Scopus-indexed research aims to simulate scenarios of green open space to mitigate heating and improve microclimate performance. The study aligns with SDGs number 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.

The research involves collaboration with academics from various institutions, including: read more

Yogyakarta, 11 February 2025 – Master program for Urban Regional Planning conducted a guest lecture was held in the Development Management course, featuring three remarkable speakers: Prof. Andrew Butt, Dr. Melissa Neave, and Dr. Serene Ho. Prof. Andrew Butt is from RMIT University, he is an expert in rural and regional planning, blending technology with urban planning to create smarter and more sustainable cities. Dr. Melissa Neave is from RMIT University, she is an environmental geographer, focuses on managing natural resources and understanding the environmental impacts of urbanization. Dr. Serene Ho, from The University of Melbourne, known for her work on land tenure governance, shed light on the challenges of managing land data. read more

Yogyakarta, 7 February 2025 – Dr. Sonia Roitman, an Associate Professor in Development Planning at the University of Queensland, recently visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to share her insights on Indonesian Planning in Southern Planning Context, especially her insight on urban inequalities and housing policies. The event brought together UGM students, Paguyuban Kalijawi, and ARKOM, sparking a lively discussion about the unique and complex challenges and opportunities in urban development, particularly in Indonesia. read more

World of Windows is a video creation by the students of the 2023 Architecture Design Concentration, Master’s Program in the Architecture Study Program at UGM, as part of the coursework for Studio 1.

“Windows are an important aspect of architecture with various functions. They are generally used as openings for lighting and ventilation in buildings. However, windows also serve other functions for users, such as for communication, interaction, enjoying views, and even as aesthetic elements. Therefore, we chose the theme World of Windows to explore the functions of windows around us in greater depth. The information presented is not only about windows in an empirical sense, but also conceptually. This theme aims to delve deeper into the function and meaning of a window for humans.” read more

Yogyakarta, February 11, 2025 – The Urban and Regional Planning Study Program (PWK) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a public lecture titled Indonesian Cities: An Introduction for the General Public. The event featured Marco Kusumawijaya, the founder and senior advisor of Rujak Center for Urban Studies, as the main speaker. This lecture was part of the Community Development course and was open to both students and the general public.

The public lecture took place in Room K1, second floor, Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP), Faculty of Engineering UGM. The event was opened by Prof. Ir. Bakti Setiawan, M.A., Ph.D., and accompanied by Widyasari Her Nugrahandika, S.T., M.Sc., the course instructor. read more

As the new semester approaches, the Undergraduate Architecture Program, Department of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a Workshop on Preparation for the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year over two days, on January 17 and 30, 2025. This workshop aimed to ensure a well-prepared semester ahead while also evaluating the activities and programs conducted in the previous semester.

During the event, faculty members discussed issues encountered in the past semester and proposed solutions to address them. In addition to faculty input, semester evaluations also incorporate feedback collected from student learning evaluation forms, which are distributed at the end of each semester. This allows lecturers to directly review student feedback and concerns and discuss appropriate follow-up actions. read more