UGM Architecture Students Expand Knowledge through Archilecture: PERAFI and Asahimas, Support SDGs with Innovations in Facades and Building Materials

Yogyakarta, Friday, April 11, 2025 — The Undergraduate Program in Architecture and the Professional Program for Architect (PPAr) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continue to support student learning by organizing educational events that stay in tune with industry trends. One such event, Archilecture, is an academic forum held by the UGM Architecture Department. This time, it was held in collaboration with PERAFI (Perkumpulan Ahli Fasad Indonesia) and Asahimas Flat Glass. The forum featured expert speakers: Fibra Reelianto (Chairman of PERAFI), Timothy Soebroto (Regional Director of Meinhardt Facade Technology), and Leonardo Pranata (Strategic Product Sales at PT Asahimas Flat Glass). The session was moderated by UGM Architecture lecturer, Kadek Indira.

This Archilecture event was required for students taking the Contextual Architecture Studio, Final Project, and PPAr, but was also open to all undergraduate architecture students. The event started with presentations about building facades, the different types, and real project examples. The session also discussed building materials, especially glass products from Asahimas, with a focus on sustainability and design innovation. At the end of the forum, there was an open Q&A session where students actively engaged with the speakers. Their enthusiasm showed how important it is for universities and industries to work together. The event closed with a group photo.

This activity supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 4 – Quality Education, by involving industry professionals in student learning; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by introducing new facade technologies and materials; and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, by highlighting the role of sustainable building materials in urban development. Through this forum, students not only learned technical knowledge but also gained a deeper understanding of the architect’s role in building a sustainable future.