A collaboration of three students and a lecturer from the Architecture program at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has achieved the top spot in the National Level of the prestigious Saint Gobain Competition (Architecture Student Contest 2023) on April 14, 2023. UPH team, consisted of Jessica Sanusi (2019), Vincent Alexis Sutjianto Tjia (2019), William Ferdinand (2020), and Jacky Thiodore, S.Ars., M.Arch has successfully conceptualized a revitalization project for an area in Lisbon, Portugal. UPH’s success at the national level has qualified them as the sole representatives of Indonesia, competing against representatives from 30 other countries in the international round held in Lisbon from June 26 to 28, 2023. 

The design project presented by the UPH team is titled “DIALO(G)ENERATOR-Playing the Cultural Dialog of Lisbon,” reflecting a dialogue between the past, present, and future. The project includes various elements, including as the revitalization of a historical area, sustainable residential building design for artists with energy efficiency, low carbon footprint, and a comfortable living environment as guiding principles, as well as the creation of better living, working, and recreational spaces in all aspects. 

The team faced several challenges during the design project, from location research to task allocation, as well as the integration of ideas and synergy among team members. However, the UPH team successfully overcame these challenges with unwavering determination to achieve victory. Throughout the competition process, they not only delved into architectural aspects but also delved into history, philosophy, humanistic aspects, spatial planning, city layout, technicalities, and building standards. 

Vincent stated, “After participating in this competition, we gained a deeper understanding of the issues faced by other countries. Furthermore, we proved that the curriculum, theories, and practices provided by UPH Architecture Program can be applied in this competition, and there are many other technical benefits which we can apply in the future.” 

William added that the project took six months to complete, starting from analyzing the land in Lisbon, formulating the design concept, exploring design shapes, to producing drawings. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and compete with students from Indonesia and around the world. Not only that, but I also got to know the ideas of other students with different approaches. This competition has motivated me to continue being creative,” said William. 

The victory of UPH students wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of Jacky Thiodore as their faculty mentor. He consistently maintained team cohesion, ensuring they remained focused on developing the design project. Jacky explained that the assessment criteria that led the UPH team to first place was their strong design and concept that could be further developed and realized. 

Although they did not win at the international level, Jacky hopes that UPH Architecture can once again win at the national level and represent Indonesia in the international round next year. In the past, UPH Architecture has already achieved national success three times in the Saint Gobain Competition, securing third place in 2021 and first place in 2022 and 2023. 

“We need to further enhance our sensitivity in designing in locations that may be unfamiliar to us, especially in four-season countries. Hopefully, we can do better in the next Architecture Student Contest Saint Gobain Competition,” Jacky stated. 

Through this competition, UPH aims to encourage students to actively explore and showcase their creativity, competence, and bring inspiration for the society. The Architecture program at UPH ensures that all students will be prepared and transformed through various initiatives both inside and outside the classroom, preparing them to become impactful leaders of the future. 

About UPH Architecture 

UPH Architecture equips students with fundamental knowledge in artistic, scientific, and humanistic aspects related to building design. Students are equipped with a curriculum that stays relevant to the dynamic discourse and technology of architecture while remaining rooted in fundamental architectural knowledge. Together with UPH, students are processed and prepared to become future professionals who are empowered to bring about transformation for the community and nation. Join us and register now! For more information, you can contact the Student Consultant at 0811-17090-901 or click here