Unismuh Architecture Students Introduce Design and Architecture to Southern Thai Students

UNISMUH.AC.ID, NARATHIWAT, Southern Thailand — Architecture students from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, Firman Ruandi Zafitra, introduced the world of design and architecture to students at Samanmitwittaya School in Southern Thailand, during an educational event held on June 11, 2026.

The event was part of the 2nd International Community Service Program, organized by the Lembaga Pengkajian, Pengembangan, and Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Unismuh Makassar, through the International Community Service scheme.

Through this event, students were introduced to the field of architecture, the role of architects in construction, and various educational and career opportunities that can be pursued in the future. The education aims to broaden students' understanding of higher education and to provide an understanding of the importance of architecture in modern society.

In his presentation, Firman explained that architecture is not only about visually appealing building designs, but also includes planning safe, comfortable, functional, and environmentally friendly spaces. According to him, an architect has a responsibility to create a built environment that can meet the needs of people while still considering sustainability.

Students were also introduced to various stages of the architectural design process, from brainstorming, sketching, concept development, to the use of modern technology in planning and construction. Through this explanation, students gained an understanding of the process that takes place before a building is realized and used by the community.

To make the material easier to understand, the event was carried out interactively through discussions and Q&A sessions. Students were enthusiastic in asking various questions about the profession of architects, the process of designing buildings, as well as opportunities to continue their education in the field of architecture.

Firman said that the event was designed to open students' minds to various disciplines that can be studied at university.

"Architecture is not just about drawing buildings, but also about creating comfortable, safe, and beneficial spaces for the community. Through this event, we hope that students can get to know the world of architecture and be motivated to continue learning and developing their potential," he said.

In its implementation, the event was supported by Muh. Rusli Unding, a student from the Agrotechnology Program of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unismuh Makassar. The involvement of students from different disciplines is one of the characteristics of the International Community Service program that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in providing contributions to the community.

The Head of the Architecture Program at Unismuh Makassar, Ar. Hj. Citra Amalia Amal, S.T., M.T., IAI, appreciated the initiative of the students to provide architectural education to students in an international environment.

According to her, the event shows that architecture students can play a role as educators in introducing the importance of design, space, and built environment to the community.

"We hope that this international experience can broaden students' perspectives and strengthen their ability to communicate and share knowledge with diverse communities," she said.

She added that introducing young people to the world of architecture is a positive step in fostering creativity, critical thinking skills, and awareness of the importance of well-designed environments.

Similar appreciation was conveyed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Unismuh Makassar, Ir. Muhammad Syafaat S. Kuba, S.T., M.T. According to him, the International Community Service provides a space for students to implement their academic competencies and broaden their global perspectives.

"What the architecture students in Southern Thailand are doing shows that engineering science is not only applied in a professional context, but can also be used as an educational and empowering tool for the community," he said.

The 2nd International Community Service Program was attended by 30 students from various faculties at Unismuh Makassar who were placed in various schools and communities in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces, Southern Thailand. Of these, 11 students came from the Faculty of Engineering, consisting of four students from the Architecture Program, four from Computer Engineering, two from Irrigation Engineering, and one from Electrical Engineering.

Through the introduction of architecture at Samanmitwittaya School, the students of Unismuh Makassar not only shared academic knowledge, but also built bridges of education and culture between Indonesia and Thailand. This event is a testament to the fact that international community service can broaden the horizons of young people and strengthen academic and social relationships between nations.