Doctoral students from the Architecture Study Program, Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning (DTAP), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continue to strengthen their academic contributions through research publications in internationally reputable Scopus-indexed journals. Two recent studies highlight different architectural issues, ranging from architectural education to heritage conservation.

The research article titled “Evaluating relationships between hand-drawing ability and design performance: Case of Architecture Study Program UGM” was authored by Kadek Indira Diah Kardina, Labdo Pranowo, Nur Zahrotunnisaa Zagi, and Dijeng Dwi Putri, together with lecturers Mario Lodeweik Lionar, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Harry Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. The article was published in the international journal ARTEKS: Journal of Architecture. This study examines the relationship between hand-drawing ability and architecture students’ design performance. Using a quantitative correlation-based approach, the research demonstrates that visual representation skills play an important role in supporting creative thinking processes and architectural design development while considering the context of architectural education. The full article can be accessed through the following link: https://journal.unwira.ac.id/index.php/ARTEKS/article/view/2841. read more

February 13, 2026 – The Architecture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada hosted the event “99% Abstraksi: Voice of The Village – Eko Prawoto”, organized by the Yayasan Eko Agus Prawoto (YEAP) in collaboration with UGM, the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) DIY, and OMAH Library. The event was held in a hybrid format for approximately three hours and was attended by practitioners, academics, and architecture students from various regions, both onsite and online.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Krisna Thahja, representing the Yayasan Eko Agus Prawoto, who attended in person. Participants also watched a recorded message from Rinawati Adhypranata, the wife of the late Eko Prawoto. Her remarks served as a reflective moment, reminding the audience of Eko Prawoto’s figure and contributions to Indonesian architecture. read more

The rapid pace of urbanization and the growing challenges of climate change require urban planners to continuously seek innovative approaches, particularly in strengthening environmental resilience and managing water resources. Responding to these challenges, the Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully organized an Academic Workshop titled “Nature-based Solutions: Bringing Theory into Practice” on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning. read more

The Urban and Regional Planning Program (PWK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently held a guest lecture exploring both the technical and human aspects of post-disaster management. Featuring Ir. Ashar Saputra, Ph.D., IPM from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UGM, the discussion highlighted the complexity of regional recovery efforts in Sumatra following devastating flood events.

In his presentation, Dr. Ashar emphasized that recovery is not merely about rebuilding what has been damaged, but about implementing the Build Back Better principle. He highlighted real challenges encountered in the field, including logistical constraints, debris removal, and limited access to construction materials in remote areas. One notable aspect discussed was the importance of locality-based approaches, where during emergency situations, flood-drifted wood can be creatively reused to construct environmentally friendly temporary shelters while actively involving disaster survivors in the recovery process. read more

In the first quarter of 2026, the Department of Architecture and Planning Engineering (DTAP), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially graduated 17 undergraduate students. This cohort consists of 11 graduates from the Architecture Study Program and 6 graduates from the Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Study Program. The February 2026 graduation period marks an important milestone for students who have successfully completed their academic journey.

From the Architecture Study Program, graduates achieved a GPA ranging from 3.10 to 3.70, with an average GPA of 3.42. The highest GPA was earned by Raihan Lazuardi Suyono (Class of 2021), who achieved a GPA of 3.70. The average study duration was 4 years and 11 months, while the fastest completion time was 4 years and 1 month, accomplished by Bening Putri Kasandra. The youngest graduate in this period was Chantal Maheeyaridy, aged 21 years and 10 months. read more

The Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), reaffirmed its commitment to delivering globally standardized education through the ASIIN re-accreditation site visit held on February 11–12, 2026. The visit was conducted by ASIIN (Akkreditierungsagentur für Studiengänge der Ingenieurwissenschaften, der Informatik, der Naturwissenschaften und der Mathematik), an independent German accreditation agency.

This visit marked an important moment for the study program to reflect on its educational quality and institutional performance. The assessment team consisted of Prof. Dr. Frank Schwartze, Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth, Dr. Hendricus Andy Simarmata, Aurelia Nadya Utomo, and Tamina Renner, M.A. read more

The Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held a guest lecture focusing on the spatial dynamics of Magelang Regency. The session featured Dhanik Ernawati, S.T., M.Eng., an expert from the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency (BAPPEDA & LITBANGDA) of Magelang Regency. She delivered a presentation titled “Spatial Planning for Enhancing the Competitiveness of Magelang Regency”.

In her presentation, Ms. Dhanik elaborated on the latest spatial policy direction formalized through Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2024 on the 2024–2044 Spatial Plan (RTRW) of Magelang Regency. Often described as a “water bowl” due to its topographical form, Magelang Regency exhibits diverse spatial potentials. The western and northern mountainous areas are designated for agriculture and nature-based tourism, while the central region serves as a hub for trade and industrial activities. Meanwhile, the eastern areas are identified for C-class mining activities. This spatial framework is designed to support the regency’s vision of being safe, comfortable, religious, competitive, and prosperous. read more

On Friday, February 13, 2026, students of the Comprehensive Urban Design Studio participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Spatial Planning for the Low Emission Zone (KRE) of Jeron Beteng. The activity was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Ikaputra and Prof. Bambang Hari Wibisono, and initiated by the Pusat Studi Transportasi dan Logistik UGM. This FGD served as an integral part of the studio learning process, with Jeron Beteng designated as the study object, allowing students to directly engage with real-world urban planning challenges. read more

On this occasion, the Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada, invited Dr. Yetty Setiyaningsih, S.P., M.Eng., Head of the Economic, Infrastructure, and Regional Division of Magelang City, as a guest lecturer. She delivered a presentation titled “Understanding Magelang City: Profile and Current Spatial Issues.”

In her presentation, Dr. Yetty highlighted various development dynamics and spatial challenges currently faced by Magelang City. With a relatively small area of approximately 18.56 square kilometers, the city is confronted with limited land availability, which has driven a high rate of land-use conversion. One of the key issues discussed was the threat to urban food security due to declining agricultural productivity. This is further exacerbated by the conversion of Protected Rice Fields (Lahan Sawah yang Dilindungi/LSD), of which around 34.59% have already been transformed into built-up and other land uses. read more

The new cohort of the Master of Urban Design Program (Batch 9) conducted the Matriculation Program for Urban Design Studio Preparation from February 2–6, 2026. This activity marked an initial stage in entering the academic process for the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. The Salatiga City Center area was selected as the study object for the Urban Design Studio, providing students with the opportunity to directly observe the dynamics of an urban area with its unique characteristics, potentials, and challenges within the context of urban design. read more