The Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (DA FTUI), once again hosted the prestigious biennial event, AFAIR (Architecture Fair) UI 2024. Taking place from January 18 to 28, 2024, at the Museum of National Awakening, Jakarta, AFAIR UI 2024 collaborated with over 117 universities across Indonesia and curated an impressive collection of 93 works. The exhibition also featured more than 300 works by DA FTUI students, including entries from architectural design competitions, photography, and posters woven into a comprehensive exhibition narrative.
“With the theme ‘From Us, Tomorrow,’ AFAIR UI 2024 depicts the journey of humanity, from learning from nature, facing global challenges and issues, responding with architectural knowledge, to ultimately achieving stability. Each stage showcases different works, inviting visitors to feel and reflect on the important agenda of building the world through contemplating what we have, what we have done, and what if,” explained Shinta Annisa Anadela, Project Officer of AFAIR 2024.
In addition to the public display of works, AFAIR UI 2024 also featured a series of events, including talk shows and student presentations. The exhibition demonstrated the extent to which architecture can adapt to technological advancements, changes in time, and social adaptations. It encouraged visitors to think critically about how aesthetics and functional forms in architecture can transcend human thought limits, to raise awareness about creating architecture with a positive impact on society and the environment.
FTUI Dean, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, ST., M.Eng., IPU, responded positively to the event, stating, “We highly appreciate the AFAIR 2024 event: From Us, Tomorrow organized by the Department of Architecture. AFAIR UI 2024 is not just about the results but also explores the strength derived from the struggle process. As modern humans, we often focus on victories and outcomes, but AFAIR 2024 invites us to reflect on an inspirational journey, where humans can rise again after facing difficulties. May this event inspire and provide new perspectives on resilient and adaptive architecture in the face of all challenges.”
Dr. Ir. Hery Fuad, M. Eng., Head of the Department of Architecture FTUI, conveyed, “Through AFAIR UI 2024: From Us, Tomorrow, it invites us to rethink and continually question architecture from yesterday, today, and the future. This exhibition is expected to produce profiles of architecture alumni who are not only critical of architectural issues but also capable of being creators, designers, collaborators, and communicators. By honing students’ social skills, it is hoped that they can contribute to addressing challenges in the industry.”
The chosen theme for AFAIR UI 2024, “From Us, Tomorrow,” carries profound meaning. It reflects the spirit and resilience of architects in facing challenges, finding inspiration in unexpected places, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. AFAIR 2024 is not just an exhibition of works by architecture students; it introduces us to how students at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, perceive, think, and question architecture through their creations.
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Office of Public Communication
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia