From September 14th to 17th, 2023, an exciting chapter in the world of design unfolded at the ICE BSD (Indonesia Convention Exhibition – Bumi Serpong Damai), as our university’s Furniture Design II: Retail course participated in the International Furniture & Craft Fair (IFFINA). This travel report will take you through our remarkable journey to IFFINA, where we showcased our students’ talents, garnered accolades, and engaged in a vibrant exchange of ideas within the global design community. 

 

Our journey began on September 13th, 2023, when we embarked on the task of setting up our booth at IFFINA. The excitement was palpable as we carefully loaded and arranged our students’ furniture pieces. In total, we proudly displayed 12 exquisite stools at the University Design District booth, each a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of our students. 

One of the highlights of our trip was the privilege of attending the grand opening ceremony. We were honored to be invited to join this prestigious event, where the President of Indonesia graced us with his presence and delivered an inspiring speech. This was not only a moment of pride but also an opportunity to witness the significance of the event on a national scale. 

   

One of the most remarkable achievements of our journey was the recognition received by Nata Calvin Andriesta, one of our talented students. His masterpiece, the “Ratna Bench,” was displayed in the Design Boulevard section. The bench not only captured the hearts of visitors but also secured a first-place victory in the “Most Favorite Design” category, competing against seasoned professionals in the furniture design industry. The judging panel, consisting of HDMI professionals, acknowledged Nata’s exceptional talent and innovation. 

 

On the final day of IFFINA, September 17th, 2023, our students had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the global design arena. They explored collaborations with fellow exhibitors, exchanged ideas with design enthusiasts from all over the world, and absorbed invaluable knowledge that will undoubtedly shape their future careers. The diverse perspectives and creative energy at the event were truly inspiring, and our students left with a broader understanding of the dynamic world of design. 

 

Our journey to IFFINA 2023 was a remarkable experience filled with creativity, recognition, and knowledge exchange. Displaying our students’ work at this prestigious event, witnessing Nata Calvin Andriesta’s triumph, and engaging with the global design community during the event’s final day were all unforgettable moments. This experience has not only enriched our students’ skills and perspectives but also solidified our university’s presence on the international design stage. We look forward to future opportunities to showcase our students’ talents and continue contributing to the vibrant world of furniture design.