Medan, August 28, 2026 — The Architecture Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), held the second day of Architecture Open Days and Exhibition (ARCODE) 2026. The stage program brought together USU Architecture students, faculty members, and guests.
The professional talk show featured Dani Fadila, S.T., M.T., and Ar. M. Aidifitra Syukri Hadintha, IAI.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of design exploration as part of developing the character and quality of architectural works. The design process is understood not merely as an effort to produce visual and functional solutions, but also as an opportunity to test ideas, understand context, and develop design approaches that are adaptive to users’ needs and the changing times.
Project development was considered important for broadening experience, strengthening team capacity, and creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. By gaining experience in managing projects of various scales and characteristics, studios can build more mature competencies while enriching the learning process for their members.
Through the sessions, participants gained an understanding that a studio is not merely a workplace, but can also be developed into a dynamic, collaborative, and growth-oriented learning space. Design exploration, project expansion, and the strengthening of alumni networks are three interconnected elements that contribute to building a sustainable studio ecosystem.
The event is expected to provide participants with new perspectives on viewing design processes and professional practice as part of an ongoing learning journey. Through collaboration, openness to exploration, and the utilization of strong networks, studios can become spaces that not only produce architectural works but also develop the capacity, character, and professional readiness of the next generation of designers.
This activity most strongly supports SDG 4: Quality Education through contextual learning with professional practitioners. Discussions on public spaces, local identity, and architectural practice are relevant to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, while perspectives on studio development and professional practice contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Through ARCODE, the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, encourages students to connect design knowledge with social, cultural, and economic realities. Engagement with professional practitioners is expected to provide a foundation for developing competencies and preparing students to enter the professional architecture ecosystem.