BINUS @Bandung Interior Design Students Showcase Agriculture Modern Style Furnitures at the International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026
Tangerang, 9 March – What started as creative exploration in the studio found its way to a global stage as our Interior Design students from BINUS @Bandung participated in the International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026. Guided by their lecturers and the BINUS Entrepreneurship Center, they introduced furniture designs developed on campus at the exhibition, which took place at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, from 5 to 8 March 2026.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al-Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
This participation became a meaningful step for BINUS in bringing students closer to the global furniture industry as their work could be seen, experienced, and appreciated by industry players from around the world, while strengthening our partnership with the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (Himpunan Industri Mebel dan Kerajinan Indonesia, HIMKI) and Dyandra Promosindo, a leading exhibition and event organizer in Indonesia.
By being part of this collaboration, students, lecturers, and staff gained first-hand exposure to better understand industry standards, buyer–supplier relationships, and international market trends. For students, IFEX became a space for students to grow and gain a valuable opportunity for sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and understanding how their designs respond to real industry expectations.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al-Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
Positioning itself as a Creative Technology and Entrepreneurship Campus, BINUS @Bandung uses forums such as IFEX as an opportunity to connect design studies and material technology with real entrepreneurial practice.
“We want students to experience learning beyond the classroom by engaging directly with the creative and design industry. Through IFEX 2026, they are able to see firsthand how design ideas evolve from concept and production to being presented to industry audiences,” explained Dr. Johan Muliadi, Campus Director of BINUS @Bandung.
Centered around the theme Agriculture Modern Style, the exhibition featured works by five student designers: Florensia Karen Tangsul Alam, Samantha Angela Santosa, Dinara Aurelia, Hansel Frederich Majanto, and Casey Karlijn Constantine, who combined modern design approaches with agricultural inspiration to shape the overall spatial experience. Their work represents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary furniture trends, covering everything from material choices and spatial composition to how visitors experience the exhibition booth.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al-Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
“Taking part in the International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026 helped us understand how design works within the industry. We learned that storytelling, technical specifications, and business value are all connected. We hope this experience can help bring more recognition to Interior Design BINUS @Bandung, both in Indonesia and internationally,” said Samantha Angela Santosa, expressing her enthusiasm during the exhibition.
The development of these works was closely guided by academic mentors, from shaping initial design concepts to overseeing their execution on site. These mentors are not only lecturers at BINUS @Bandung but also practitioners in furniture design and creative entrepreneurship, including Imanda Dea Sabiella in creative entrepreneurship, along with Riono Abdullah and Bayu Ramadhan Wardani, who specialize in furniture design.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al-Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
Thanks to the mentors’ commitment in supporting the five students, the final works reflect both compelling design and solid quality in line with industry needs.
“We hope this exhibition can serve as an initial experience for students stepping into the professional world, particularly in gaining direct insight into furniture industry practices. It also creates networking opportunities that will be valuable for their future careers,” said Bayu Ramadhan Wardani, as he encouraged students to stay active in international exhibition platforms.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al-Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
During the exhibition, students engaged directly with visitors while also exploring works by professional designers. This experience encouraged them to adopt a ‘design meets business’ approach by listening to feedback and understanding market responses. Through direct feedback and observation, their furniture works were no longer seen as just studio outputs, but as products with the potential to enter the market.
By fostering strong academic–industry synergy at the international level, participation in IFEX 2026 marks an important step for BINUS @Bandung in supporting the growth of our students as young furniture designers and creativepreneurs. Beyond showcasing our students’ furniture works, this experience builds their confidence and prepares them to step into the creative business ecosystem, both locally and globally.
(Words by: Mita Adhisti/Editor: Aninda Rahmasari)
