UNU Jogja Welcomes UNDIP Architecture Students' Field Study Visit, Discussing Sustainable Architecture

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Jogja welcomed a Field Study (KKL) visit from students of the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University (UNDIP) Semarang on Monday, June 23. The activity, held at UNU Jogja’s Integrated Campus, was part of a KKL series themed “Design, Materiality, Sustainability.”

A total of 77 students and one supervising lecturer explored and discussed the application of sustainability principles in higher education buildings. The group was warmly received by UNU Jogja’s academic community in the 5th-floor Prefunction Room.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Erni Setyowati, the supervising lecturer from UNDIP, expressed appreciation for UNU Jogja’s openness in sharing insights and practices on sustainable architecture. She emphasized the importance of field studies as a bridge between theory and real-world practice.

“Field studies like this are crucial to equip students with contextual understanding. Architectural design is not only about aesthetics but also about sustainability, comfort, and sensitivity to the environment and local culture,” said Prof. Erni.

She also encouraged students to be critical and proactive during the visit.

“Take this opportunity to learn how UNU Jogja applies green building principles and BIM technology, which align with the sustainability theme we are studying,” she added.

Meanwhile, UNU Jogja representatives conducted a presentation and campus tour explaining the green building concept adopted by the university’s integrated campus. The presentation was delivered by M. Herman Irfany, founder and Managing Director of KREA Architects Jakarta, the firm that designed and constructed UNU Jogja’s Integrated Campus in 2020. He elaborated on the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in planning, cross-ventilation systems, natural lighting, and open green spaces as part of the sustainable design strategy.

Tri Yuliani, Director of Admissions at UNU Jogja, conveyed the university’s enthusiasm for academic collaborations and field visits that support contextual and interdisciplinary education.

“We are pleased to be one of UNDIP’s KKL destinations. We hope today’s discussion enriches perspectives on environmentally friendly architecture rooted in local values,” she said.

Through this visit, students were expected to gain firsthand understanding of how sustainability principles are applied in tropical higher education buildings and to reflect and integrate these concepts into their future design projects. [Latifah]