The Master’s Program in Architecture and the Doctoral Program in Architecture and Urban Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), held a public lecture entitled “Sustainable Architecture and Urban Futures: Knowledge, Values, and Ways of Thinking” on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the FT USU Hall. The event was organized in collaboration with the Undergraduate Program in Architecture, the Center of Excellence for Green Buildings and Urban Environmental Quality, and the Urban Morphology and Society Scientific Cluster.

The event was opened by the Head of the Master’s Program in Architecture and the Doctoral Program in Architecture and Urban Studies, Prof. Ar. Ir. Hilma Tamiami F., S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., GP., IAI, and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of FT USU, Zaid Perdana Nasution, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. The public lecture, which also served as the inaugural lecture for both study programs, featured Prof. Johanes Widodo from the Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, with Dr. Salmina Wati Ginting, S.T., M.T., serving as moderator.

Through the presentation and discussion, participants were invited to understand architecture and cities as parts of complex systems that connect people, the environment, culture, technology, the economy, and social dimensions. The discussion emphasized the importance of systemic, critical, adaptive, collaborative, and transformative approaches in responding to future challenges in the development of the built environment.

The academic gathering brought together students, academics, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to exchange ideas on the future direction of sustainable architecture and urban development. The activity supports SDG 4: Quality Education by expanding knowledge and academic learning, as well as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the development of perspectives on resilient and inclusive built environments.

Collaboration among study programs, centers of excellence, scientific clusters, and international academics also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this activity, FT USU reaffirms its commitment to strengthening education, knowledge exchange, and academic networks that contribute to sustainable development.