AFX 2026 Architecture Seminar Discusses Architecture's Role in Sustainable Urban Development

FT.UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Architecture Student Association of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (HMA-FT Unismuh Makassar) held the Architecture Seminar as part of the Architecture Festival Exhibition (AFX) 2026 activities at the Makassar Muhammadiyah University Conference Hall on Friday, October 16, 2026. Under the theme “Humanizing Sustainable Development”, the seminar served as a discussion platform on the role of architecture in realizing a sustainable, innovative, and community-oriented future city development.

The event was officially opened by the IV Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Alamsyah, S.Pd.I., M.H. The seminar proceeded after Friday prayers, moderated by Ir. Andi Yusri, S.T., M.T.

The seminar featured three speakers with diverse professional backgrounds and expertise, namely Ar. Muhammad Karyadi, S.T., M.T., IAI., Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) South Sulawesi Province; Dr. Ir. Ar. H. Muh. Fuad Azis DM, S.T., M.Si., IAI., IAP., Head of the Makassar City Spatial Planning Agency; and Dr. Ir. Darhamsyah, M.Si., from the South Sulawesi PWM Environmental Council.

The discussion was divided into three sessions: Architecture Sustainable Future, Spatial Planning Policy and Law, and Environmental Innovation. These three topics offered complementary perspectives in addressing urban development challenges, ranging from sustainable architectural design, spatial planning policies and regulations, to environmental innovation.

One of the main ideas highlighted in this seminar was the importance of architects and designers being able to generate creative innovations to support sustainable city development. Architecture is not only required to produce buildings with aesthetic and functional value, but also to respond to environmental issues, community needs, and urban development dynamics.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Ir. Muhammad Syafaat S. Kuba, S.T., M.T., IPM., emphasized the importance of academic activities that connect classroom knowledge with real-world development challenges. Architecture students are expected to have broad knowledge, critical thinking, and sensitivity to environmental issues and community needs when designing spaces and buildings.

He also encouraged events like the AFX 2026 Architecture Seminar to serve as a platform for students to broaden their perspectives, develop creativity, and understand that architecture is not just about building design, but also about providing beneficial solutions for the community. Supporting such academic activities is part of the Faculty of Engineering's efforts to foster innovative, integrity-driven, and environmentally conscious future architects.

General Chairman of HMA-FT Unismuh Makassar, Muhammad Hizbullah, stated that the seminar is expected to broaden students' understanding of architects' professional responsibilities. Students are encouraged to view architecture not merely as a building design process, but as an effort to deliver creative solutions that positively impact the community and urban sustainability.

Meanwhile, AFX 2026 Committee Chairman A. Muh. Rayhan Abbas explained that the event was designed to bridge academic concepts with practical experience in architecture and urban development. The seminar is expected to serve as a learning and idea-sharing space for participants, while also fostering new perspectives in designing built environments that are more innovative, adaptable, and sustainable.

The Architecture Seminar is an important component of the AFX 2026 series organized by HMA-FT Unismuh Makassar. Through this event, students are expected to develop a more critical and creative outlook on contemporary architectural challenges, while preparing themselves to contribute to urban development that is not only physically progressive but also sustainable for future generations.