Architecture Experts Highlight Steel Exploration and "Life Cycle Thinking" for Indonesia’s Urban Future

Jakarta, April 30, 2026 – Amidst the opening of the Indonesia Steel Architectural Award (ISAA) 2026 registration, a number of architecture experts emphasized that future design innovation is not only about visual aesthetics but also focuses on responding to climate challenges and sustainability. The selection of materials, such as coated steel, is considered to have a direct impact on the quality of urban environments through a "Life Cycle Thinking" approach.

In an expert discussion titled "Innovation and Sustainability with Coated Steel" at ARCH:ID 2026, Ar. Doti Windajani, IAI, AA, a judge for ISAA 2026, highlighted the importance of architects understanding Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). According to her, steel is a sustainable material because it is 100% recyclable and plays an important role in the urban circular economy. The proper selection of facade materials is crucial for improving urban quality, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and the Urban Heat Island effect.

Ir. Budi Sumaatmadja, IAI, AA, a finalist for the Steel Architectural Award 2024, added that strong design is born from the ability to respond to project realities holistically. Through the Summarecon Mall Bekasi 2 project, Budi explored metal roofing to create a dynamic roof shape resembling a koi fish that also functions as a public space. "Steel provides the flexibility to create complex three-dimensional shapes while remaining structurally strong," said Budi. 

The "Resilient Futures" Theme and Future Challenges

The year 2026 marks the 4th Steel Architectural Awards in Indonesia. Collaborating with the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI), this event carries the theme “Shaping Resilient Futures – Timeless Design with Coated Steel” as an invitation to respond to future challenges through resilient, relevant, and environmentally responsible design.

Ar. Dill Raaj Singh, IAI, Head of the Architecture Awards Body of the IAI and an ISAA 2026 Committee member, asserted that this event is a momentum to show that Indonesian works have the quality to stand alongside international standards. "Steel is not just about function, but also a medium for adaptive and sustainable design expression," he added.

Diversity of Work and 60 Years of COLORBOND® Innovation

ISAA 2026 celebrates the diversity of innovation across various project scales through four main categories:

• Residential Buildings: Includes private houses, condominiums, and apartments.
• Commercial Buildings: Shopping centers, hotels, resorts, office buildings, cafes, and large-scale mixed-use complexes.
• Industrial Buildings: Factories, warehouses, and logistics centers.
• Public, Infrastructure & Institutional Buildings: Airports, train stations, universities, schools, hospitals, and government buildings.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the COLORBOND® journey. As a form of appreciation for the collective achievements of architects, ISAA 2026 presents a special category, Special Recognition: Lasting Beauty of COLORBOND®, for buildings that have been operational for at least 5 years and continue to maintain their aesthetics and visual durability.

Bringing Indonesian Works to ASEAN

Registration for the Indonesia Steel Architectural Award (ISAA) 2026 is now open as a national selection (Country Award). The best works that win the ISAA will automatically represent Indonesia to compete at the regional level in the ASEAN Steel Architectural Awards (SAA) 2026 in Thailand.

This regional initiative is a cross-border collaboration involving four ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Winners at the ASEAN level will later receive an exclusive opportunity for a one-week study trip to BlueScope facilities in Australia.

ISAA: A Space for Inspiration and Collaboration

On the same occasion, Monika Frederika, Marketing Manager of PT NS BlueScope Indonesia, explained the grand vision behind this event. "In many developed countries, steel has become an essential part of adaptive and sustainable architecture. Through this program, we as a pioneer in coated steel aim to encourage similar exploration in Indonesia—together with architects who understand the local context, climate, and the needs of its people," Monika stated.

Monika emphasized that ISAA is more than just a competition "It is not about who is better, but about how the architectural community can inspire one another and move forward together," she concluded.

ISAA 2026 Registration Information

The submission period is open until May 30, 2026. The main requirement is that the project must be completed and fully operational by February 2026 at the latest. Further information and registration can be accessed through the official website: https://steelarchitecturalaward.com/.