UI and Tongji University to Establish Architecture Research Centre in Southeast Asia
Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Tongji University (TU), one of China’s top universities in architecture and civil engineering, have initiated a new step in developing future architectural research. Through the signing of a letter of intent (LoI) on 15 June 2026, the two institutions agreed to explore the establishment of the Tongji-UI Architectural Design Research Institute, which will serve as a centre for architectural research and innovation in Southeast Asia.
The institute will be developed through collaboration between UI’s Institute of Urban Planning and Smart City (IUS) and Tongji Architectural Design Group (TJAD). Under this partnership, UI will provide land, workspace, and local certification support, while TJAD will contribute expert personnel, technical standards, and design management systems that have been applied in various international-scale projects.
The presence of this institute is directed at addressing future challenges in human settlements and urban development. Climate change, land scarcity, and high disaster risk necessitate new approaches to spatial planning for human habitation. Consequently, UI and TU plan to utilise advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to develop adaptive housing and urban area concepts, including for non-conventional locations such as underground spaces and underwater areas.
According to UI Rector Heri Hermansyah, the collaboration brings together two institutions with strong track records in education, research, and innovation. “This cooperation is part of UI’s efforts to expand international collaboration while strengthening its contribution to scientific knowledge that impacts society. The partnership with TU opens opportunities for joint research development, knowledge exchange, and a broader global academic network,” said Heri.
TU is one of China’s leading universities, widely recognised for its contributions to architecture, civil engineering, and sustainable urban development. Its architecture programme consistently ranks among the world’s best and is supported by a research ecosystem closely linked to industry. This strength is reflected in TJAD, a design consultancy firm affiliated with TU. Established in 1958, TJAD is now ranked among the top three consultancy firms in China and the top ten globally. Its portfolio includes several iconic projects, such as the Shanghai Tower—China’s tallest building—the African Union Conference Center in Addis Ababa, and various public facilities across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In executing global projects, TJAD also partners with leading planning and design firms worldwide, including AECOM, Gensler, and ARUP.
Vice President of International Cooperation at TU, Li Xiangning, expressed hope that the implementation of various cooperation programmes, including increasing the number of Chinese students studying at UI, could be accelerated. To this end, a delegation from Tongji University will visit UI in October. Li also revealed TU’s long-term plan to establish an Indonesia Campus. As a mutually reinforcing partnership, TU also opens the opportunity for UI to develop a UI China Campus. This idea reflects both institutions’ commitment to building closer academic ties and expanding the space for Indonesia-China collaboration.