IDCollaboration and Innovation at the "Arka Askara" Thesis Exhibition by Universitas Pembangunan Jaya
Bintaro, South Tangerang, July 10, 2024 – Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing architectural education through the "Arka Askara" thesis exhibition. This annual event, held from July 1 to July 9, 2024, in the Lobby of Building A at UPJ, showcased the best works of architecture students, highlighting their creativity and innovation.
This year's event was particularly special with the presence of several prominent figures in the field of architecture who provided evaluations of the students' works. Among them were Ar. Achmad Noerzaman, IAI from Arkonin, Ar. Aditya W. Fitriyanto, IAI from Alien DC, Robin Hartanto, PhD from Columbia University, and Ar. Dwi Siswi Hariyani, IAI from Mahawastu Kharisma Krida. Their presence provided valuable and realistic perspectives in evaluating the students' works, enriching their learning experiences.
Aditya from Alien DC stated that this thesis exhibition was very interesting because it involved input from external professionals. "The final project is not only reviewed by internal lecturers, but also receives input from outside. Thus, the feedback given can be more contextually realistic. The spatial experience gained from this journey is very important," he said. According to Aditya, a good work is one that maintains the natural existence without excessive changes, showing strong and realistic concepts. "A good work is one that maintains the existing nature and does not change too much," he added.
Noerzaman from Arkonin also praised the creativity and innovation shown by the students in their designs. According to him, these works are not only exploratory and innovative but also demonstrate a mature understanding of architecture. This, he said, is very impressive and can inspire other students who will undertake their final projects. "The students are able to present designs that are exploratory, innovative, and show an understanding of architecture. This is very impressive and can inspire students who will undertake their final projects," he said. He hopes these works can become references for better development in the future.
In addition to evaluations from architectural experts, the exhibition also involved voting from visitors to choose the best works, further adding to the competitive spirit and giving the public an opportunity to appreciate the students' hard work. The Best Design Award was given to Gabrielle Ekapitta for the innovative and stunning design of the Transportation Hub and Transit Hotel, while the Visitors' Choice Award went to Nandini Aziza, whose unique concept of Nivasa Bhumi Airport was a crowd favorite. Bayu Dwicky Nugroho received the Most Promising Award for his potential shown in the Omnigene Research and Development Center, while I Made Iwan Karmawan won the Best Visualization Award for his impressive visualization of Serenity Tower. Ananda Aurelia was awarded the Most Sustainable Award for her commitment to the sustainable design of Verticulture Edu Hub.
This year's "Arka Askara" exhibition not only served as an appreciation event for the winners but also inspired all students to develop increasingly high-quality and relevant works. Through collaboration between the industry and the educational world, both nationally and internationally, UPJ shows a strong commitment to producing graduates who are ready to compete and contribute positively to the environment and society. It is hoped that in the future, architectural works produced will not only be innovative and creative but also sustainable and capable of making a positive impact on the world of architecture and the broader community.
Written by: Kharisma Fajar Umbara (2022101025) | Student of Architecture Department
