Universitas Indonesia and Tongji University to establish architecture research center in Southeast Asia

Universitas Indonesia (UI) and China's Tongji University (TU), a leading institution in architecture and civil engineering, have initiated a significant collaboration by signing a letter of intent to establish a future-focused architectural research center in Southeast Asia. This partnership aims to create the Tongji-UI Architectural Design Research Institute, envisioned as a hub for architectural research and innovation within the region.

The institute will be a joint effort between UI's Institute of Urban Planning and Smart City (IUS) and Tongji Architectural Design Group (TJAD). Under this agreement, UI will provide the physical space, including work areas and local certification support. TJAD, in turn, will contribute expert personnel, technical standards, and its established design management system, honed through extensive international projects.

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This collaboration is part of UI's effort to expand international collaboration and strengthen its contribution to the development of science that impacts society. The partnership with TU opens opportunities for joint research development, knowledge exchange, and broader global academic networks.

This initiative is designed to confront the complex challenges of future settlements and urban development. Factors such as climate change, land scarcity, and the high risk of natural disasters necessitate novel approaches to planning human living spaces. UI and TU plan to harness cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to pioneer adaptive housing and urban area concepts. These innovations will extend to unconventional locations, such as underground spaces and underwater environments.

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The presence of this institute is directed at addressing the challenges of future settlements and urban development. Climate change, land limitations, and the high risk of disasters necessitate new approaches to planning human living spaces.

According to UI Rector Heri Hermansyah, this collaboration unites two institutions with strong track records in education, research, and innovation. He highlighted the partnership as a key step in UI's strategy to expand international cooperation and enhance its contribution to societal development through scientific advancement. The alliance with TU is expected to foster joint research, knowledge exchange, and broader global academic networks.

Tongji University is renowned for its contributions to architecture, civil engineering, and sustainable urban development, with its architecture programs consistently ranked among the world's best. Its affiliated design firm, TJAD, is a leading consultancy in China and globally, with a portfolio including iconic projects like the Shanghai Tower and the African Union Conference Center. TJAD has also partnered with prominent international firms such as AECOM, Gensler, and ARUP on various global endeavors.

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UI will provide land, workspace, and local certification support, while TJAD will provide expert personnel, technical standards, and a design management system that has been applied in various international projects.