Bandung, June 2025 — First-year students in the Joint Preparatory Stage (TPB) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) presented their innovative ideas and solutions through a final exhibition and project presentation for the Introduction to Engineering and Design (PRD) course. This event is a key component of ITB’s project-based learning implementation, which emphasizes not only theoretical understanding but also practical, hands-on experience in addressing real-world societal challenges.

As a compulsory university-wide course for all first-year students across faculties and schools, PRD is designed to introduce the foundational principles of engineering and design in an interdisciplinary context. Students are guided through the design thinking process—from problem identification and idea exploration to prototyping, testing, and iterative refinement. Over the course of the semester, students actively engaged in interactive learning sessions, group discussions, and collaborative activities, culminating in team projects and public presentations.

According to the activity reports submitted by the School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development (SAPPK) and the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FITB), the PRD exhibition was held in a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere involving students, lecturers, and members of the academic community. At SAPPK, students showcased creative urban solutions, such as the development of public spaces, inclusive area planning, and sustainable settlement design. Meanwhile, FITB students participated in an event titled Earth Expo, presenting projects on strategic themes such as disaster mitigation education, geospatial mapping, and community-based earth resource management.

The exhibited works demonstrated not only students’ understanding of course material, but also their achievement of key learning outcomes targeted by PRD—including interdisciplinary thinking, teamwork, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing. The exhibition served as an essential platform for students to experience how ideas and designs can be applied in real social contexts, while also providing an opportunity to develop collaboration, leadership, and shared responsibility.

This activity also contributes to the broader mission of “ITB for Impact”, encouraging first-year students to become active participants in innovation and problem-solving ecosystems from the very beginning of their academic journey. Through a contextual and applied learning approach, students are empowered to create meaningful contributions to society—even at the introductory stage of their university experience.

PRD exhibitions across faculties and schools demonstrate that learning at ITB extends beyond the classroom. It evolves into an educational movement that fosters empathy, creativity, and a commitment to meaningful contribution. By presenting their work to the campus public, students gain a deeper understanding that design is not merely about form, but about purpose, relevance, and impact on the social and natural environment.