UMS Architecture Students Fly to Singapore and Malaysia to Study Sustainable Architecture

A total of 33 students from the Architecture Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), accompanied by two lecturers, Dr. Ir. Nur Rahmawati Syamsiyah, S.T., M.T., and Fadhilla Tri Nugrahaini, S.T., M.Sc., conducted an academic visit to several leading architectural institutions in Singapore and Malaysia from February 17-21, 2025.

This activity is part of the Field Study Program (KKL), which aims to explore the concept of sustainable architecture through the innovation of building, environmental, and urban design.

The visit included study sessions at WOHA Architects (Singapore), Hijjas Kasturi Associates (Kuala Lumpur), and two renowned universities: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

The Head of the Architecture Program at UMS, Dr. Ir. Nur Rahmawati Syamsiyah, S.T., M.T., stated that this visit is part of the internationalization efforts of architectural education at UMS.

“Through direct field experience, students not only understand the theory of sustainable architecture but also see how this concept is implemented in various real projects in Singapore and Malaysia,” she said on Wednesday (5/3/2025).

With this visit, she continued, students are expected to adapt sustainable design principles in their academic and professional projects in the future.

This program also opens opportunities for research collaboration and academic exchange between UMS and related institutions in Southeast Asia. The student credit transfer collaboration, which has been running for a year with UTHM, seems to have paved the way for further cooperation in the future.

A picture of UMS Architecture students participating in the 2025 Field Study (KKL) in Singapore and Malaysia. 

This activity aligns with UMS vision of equipping students with a global perspective and readiness to face future architectural challenges. As environmental and sustainability issues become increasingly complex, hands-on experiences like this serve as valuable preparation for future architects to create innovative, contextual, and environmentally responsible designs.

In Singapore, students had the opportunity to visit WOHA Architects, an architectural firm known for its innovative approach to creating green buildings that harmonize with the tropical environment. They learned about sustainable urban design principles, the integration of vegetation in high-rise buildings, and the application of eco-friendly technology in urban architecture.

WOHA Architects’ buildings served as key study sites during the visit, including the Park Royal Hotel and Kampung Admiralty, both of which strongly embody the concepts of sustainability, community, and nature. Students received a comprehensive explanation from a young architect at WOHA Architects, deepening their understanding of sustainable architectural design.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, students engaged in discussions and direct observations at the Hijjas Kasturi Associates office, located on the 23rd floor of KH Tower Malaysia. This influential architectural firm has produced iconic works that integrate sustainability principles with local wisdom.

A golden opportunity arose when students had a three-hour discussion with senior architect Hijjas bin Kasturi, who, at 88 years old, shared his invaluable insights. He emphasized the importance of maintaining identity in architectural works.

“Aspiring architects should take pride in their local identity because Indonesia is rich in culture, including its architectural heritage,” he stated.

Additionally, visits to UTHM and IIUM provided academic insights into research and the implementation of eco-friendly architecture within university environments. Students were introduced to various student projects, including building and urban area designs. The studio spaces, which offered private workspaces for each student, provided a unique perspective on architectural education.

Beyond gaining professional insights from renowned architects, students also participated in academic discussions with faculty members and students from UTHM and IIUM, broadening their perspectives on teaching and implementing sustainable architecture at an international level.

Writer: Fika

Translator: Rizal