Pedagogy 2025
Abstract
The study explores the pedagogical potential of transnational design education through collaborative courses between LUCA School of Arts, KU Leuven, and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) during the 2024–2025 academic year. These courses addressed climate change and urban housing issues, using Bandung’s kampongs—dense, informal settlements—as a living laboratory for situated learning. The pedagogical framework emphasized intercultural empathy, contextual awareness, and reflective design thinking. Belgian students engaged with kampong life through storytelling, mapping, and virtual immersion, guided by Indonesian peers who acted as cultural informants. This mutual exchange revealed the layered complexity of local knowledge and the evolving understanding of urban resilience. The methodology employed a qualitative, participatory approach, integrating online studio-based learning, collaborative mapping, and reflective journaling. Students from both countries documented their observations, co-created spatial narratives, and developed design proposals rooted in local context or global relevance. Data were collected through student submissions, interviews, and reflective essays, and analyzed thematically to identify shifts in perception, design strategy, and intercultural engagement. The online format posed challenges in conveying sensory and spatial richness, which were mitigated through structured storytelling and visual documentation. Findings highlight that transnational design pedagogy benefits from slowing down the design process, fostering empathy, and embracing uncertainty. The freedom to choose design directions—whether site-specific or globally oriented—allowed students to connect personally with the material, deepening their engagement. Ultimately, the experience affirms that resilient learning emerges through patient dialogue, shared reflection, and context-sensitive design thinking.
Dr. Allis Nurdini is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development (SAPPD), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and currently serves as Vice Dean for Resources. Her research focuses on housing, urban resilience, and post-disaster settlement design. With a strong interest in transdisciplinary and human-centric approaches, she actively engages in international collaborations and pedagogical innovation, particularly in the context of urban kampong and situated learning. Her work bridges academic theory, community-based practice, and inclusive design.
Caro Van den Hole is a lecturer and researcher at LUCA School of Arts, Belgium, with expertise in participatory design and intercultural pedagogy. Her work explores the intersection of art, education, and social engagement, particularly in transnational learning environments.
Ronny Smedts is a senior lecturer at LUCA School of Arts, Belgium, focusing on visual communication and design education. He brings extensive experience in guiding interdisciplinary design studios and fostering collaborative learning across cultures.
Koen De Wandeler is a professor at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Architecture, Belgium. His research spans sustainable urbanism, housing, and design for resilience, with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asian contexts.
Alvanov Zpalanzani Mansoor is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, ITB. His interests include visual storytelling, cultural heritage, and creative media for social change.
Lusia Marliana Nurani is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, ITB, specializing in cultural literacy and community-based creative practices. She actively contributes to transdisciplinary education and collaborative projects.
Andry Widyowidjatnoko is a senior lecturer at SAPPD ITB, with research focusing on sustainable architecture, building technologies, and housing innovation in tropical climates.
Mochamad Donny Koerniawan is a lecturer at SAPPD ITB, whose work centers on urban climate sensitive, spatial analysis, and regenerative design strategies.
Dibya Kusyala is a lecturer at SAPPD ITB, with expertise in architectural and housing design, vernacular housing studies, and community based technology.