Ā鶹ֱ²„

With a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00, Kelvin completed a thesis entitled ā€œDesign Review of Coastal Climate City Using a Climate Sensitive Urban Design Approach.ā€ His research addresses a fundamental question: how should coastal urban centers in Indonesia be designed based on climatic considerations, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics or economic functions?

1. Addressing the Challenges of Indonesiaā€™s Coastal Cities

Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation, has many rapidly developing coastal cities, including areas along the coasts of Jakarta and Banten. However, the distinctive characteristics of coastal climatesā€”such as stronger sea breezes, high humidity levels, and the dynamics of landā€“sea wind circulationā€”have not been fully integrated into urban design practices.

Kelvin highlights that without an appropriate design approach, coastal areas may in fact feel hotter and more humid. Such conditions can increase dependence on air conditioning and reduce the comfort of outdoor activities, particularly for pedestrians.

Through the Climate Sensitive Urban Design approach and microclimate simulations using ENVI-met, Kelvin developed a configuration for a coastal urban center capable of reducing air temperature by approximately 2Ā°C. In a tropical climate context, this reduction is significant, as it directly influences thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and the overall quality of public spaces.

2. Why Coastal Cities?

Kelvin explains that coastal cities possess climatic characteristics that differ from inland cities. Proximity to the sea brings relatively stronger sea breezes, distinct landā€“sea wind dynamics, and higher humidity levels. These characteristics offer opportunities to create cooler and more energy-efficient environments, yet they also present challenges if not addressed through climate-responsive design.

ā€œIf coastal cities are poorly designed, instead of becoming more comfortable, pedestrians may feel even more uncomfortable due to higher humidity compared to inland cities. In addition, excessively strong winds can also create discomfort for pedestrians,ā€ Kelvin stated.

The study area analyzed represents a developing coastal urban center in the Jakartaā€“Banten coastal region. As a growing area, it provides opportunities for evaluation and refinement through scientific, microclimate-based approaches.

He also shared a field observation: ā€œMy friend once opened an umbrella in the coastal area, and it was blown away by the strong wind.ā€

3. Climate-Based Urban Design Beyond Aesthetics

In his research, Kelvin examined how building forms, vegetation, water bodies, paving materials, and open spaces such as parks influence air temperature, wind speed, and humidity within an urban environment.

Through microclimate simulations, specific building configurations were identified as capable of generating wind speeds that are more comfortable for pedestrians, allowing the area to remain cool without losing the benefits of coastal breezes. The presence of trees, small open green spaces, and water features such as fountains and water misting systems also contributes to regulating humidity and ambient temperature.

These findings affirm that the physical form of a city directly influences its urban microclimate, ultimately determining the level of comfort experienced by residents and users of the space.

4. Recognized in Academic and International Forums

The quality and relevance of this thesis have been recognized not only within itbā€™s academic community but also in broader academic and international forums.

The research was presented at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) SAPPK Ā鶹ֱ²„ 2025 competition, which challenges researchers to communicate complex research in a concise and engaging manner. The work was also selected for presentation at the international Urban Design Lab ā€“ UDL Thesis Publication 2025 forum, which curates outstanding urban design research from various countries.

In terms of scientific publication, part of the research findings has been published in Jurnal Teknosains Universitas Gadjah Mada (SINTA 2 accredited) under the title ā€œOptimization of Urban Thermal Environment for Indonesia Coastal-Climate Urban Area: A Microclimatic Modelling.ā€ This publication strengthens the studyā€™s contribution to the fields of urban microclimate and coastal urban design based on simulation.

Beyond academia, the research findings are also planned to be presented to stakeholders involved in urban development in Indonesia. This demonstrates the practical potential of the proposed approach as a strategic input for coastal and waterfront urban planning.

5. To Be Developed into an ISBN-Registered Book

As a continuation of this academic achievement, the thesis is currently being developed into an ISBN-registered book in collaboration with his thesis supervisor, Dr. Eng. Mochamad Donny Koerniawan, S.T., M.T. The book is intended to serve as a reference for academics, urban planners, government institutions, and other stakeholders in designing coastal cities that are adaptive to tropical climates and sustainable in the long term.

6. Inspiring the Next Generation of Urban Designers

Currently, Kelvin serves as Manager of Masterplan & Business Development at a private industrial estate development company in Indonesia. In this role, he is involved in the preparation of industrial and infrastructure masterplans, feasibility studies, and large-scale urban development projects that integrate design, business strategy, and sustainability.

Looking ahead, he remains committed to further exploring renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure as integral components of Indonesiaā€™s future urban development.

This achievement demonstrates that urban design research does not end as an academic document but can evolve into impactful knowledgeā€”scientifically tested, internationally recognized, and applicable in real-world practice. Kelvinā€™s work is expected to inspire the next generation of Indonesian urban planners and designers to produce adaptive, sustainable, and forward-looking contributions to the nationā€™s urban future.

Reporter: Mely Anggrini (Meteorology, 2022)