A student demonstrates a Virtual Reality (VR) headset available at Surabaya Design Center

Surabaya, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is making strides not only in the fields of science and technology but also in the field of artistic innovation. In a collaborative effort led by the Community Service team (Abmas) comprising lecturers from the Faculty of Creative Design and Digital Business (FDKBD), ITS has successfully established the Surabaya Design Center (SDC).

Located on Jalan Kayoon in Surabaya, SDC serves as a contemporary co-working space dedicated to fashion design, jewelry making, accessory creation, and multimedia production. The project, officially launched on Saturday (17/6), was coordinated by the ITS Center for Public Policy, Business, and Industry Studies (PKKPBI).

Head of ITS PKKPBI Dr. Ir Arman Hakim Nasution MEng (standing) explained the concept of the Surabaya Design Center (SDC) in front of invited guests during the launching

Dr. Ir Arman Hakim Nasution MEng, Chairman of ITS PKKPBI, emphasized that SDC is not limited to students and experts but also welcomes high school and vocational school students, as well as members of the general public interested in design. Arman expressed his hope that this collaborative workspace would attract creative millennials, both students and non-students, fostering artistic synergy. “Our aim is to further promote art and culture within society,” stated the lecturer from the ITS Business Management Department.

To cater to the creativity of millennials, SDC is equipped with cutting-edge tools that integrate technology with art, including 3D printers and virtual reality (VR) headsets. These resources are expected to enable users of the co-working space to materialize their artistic visions both physically and virtually.

The entirety of the SDC showcases a comprehensive interior and technological equipment.

As part of its community service initiatives, SDC offers event-based educational programs to the general public, with the objective of providing in-depth knowledge of design. Additionally, SDC hosts various engaging events, such as batik-making and coloring workshops, to enhance local community understanding of the art of design.

Although currently an outcome of the community service (Abmas) program, Arman envisions SDC evolving into a self-sustaining business franchise, operating independently without external funding.

The 3D Printer and several products that have been produced are also displayed in the SDC

To accomplish this goal, ITS plans to establish similar design centers in other cities across the country, through collaborations with various higher education institutions. This endeavor is spearheaded by the Village Integrator Lecturer Association (Adides), composed of lecturers from several universities outside of ITS. “Currently, our focus is on development in Java and Bali,” Arman explained. (ITS Public Relation)

Reporter: Kevin Bahari Pratama