ANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 10TH JUNE 2026 – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is showcasing the intersection of Islamic heritage, artistic expression, scientific research, and sustainable development through a multidisciplinary exhibition at the Islamic Architecture Symposium (IAS) 2026, held from 10th to 14th June 2026.
Organised by Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), the symposium gathered scholars, practitioners, and institutions to explore the significance of Islamic architecture and its contemporary relevance. As part of the exhibition, UBD presented contributions from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and the Faculty of Science (FOS) under the theme ‘Barakah of Building: Architectural and Sustainable Practices in Brunei Darussalam.’
The exhibition demonstrates how diverse disciplines can work together to promote more resilient and sustainable approaches to the built environment. By integrating perspectives from the arts, heritage studies, environmental science, and sustainability research, the showcase reflects UBD’s commitment to interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation.
Representing FASS, three student artworks inspired by Islamic artistic traditions and architectural motifs were featured in the exhibition. Through contemporary creative practice, the works explore themes of spirituality, craftsmanship, sacred spaces, and Islamic aesthetics.
Among the featured pieces are a series of copper-tooled Islamic calligraphy panels by Amal Hana Rizal; a handcrafted Quran cover design by Nur Hanisa Nasyirah Noorizam; and a spatial mihrab installation by Nur Zuhairah Zepri. Collectively, the artworks highlight the enduring influence of Islamic artistic heritage and the role of design in shaping meaningful spiritual and cultural experiences.
Complementing the artistic showcase, FOS presents a research-based exhibition titled ‘Building Resilience: Sustainable Living with Geological and Climatic Hazards in Brunei Darussalam,’ led by Dr Afroz Shah.
The exhibit explores how geological and environmental sciences can contribute to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure in hazard-prone tropical environments. Through digital visualisations, remote sensing imagery, and three-dimensional models of Brunei Darussalam’s terrain and geological features, visitors gain insights into the factors influencing flood, landslide, and earthquake risks, and the importance of integrating scientific understanding into planning and development.
Together, the artistic and scientific exhibits underscore the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary societal and environmental challenges. They also illustrate how Islamic principles of stewardship, knowledge, and sustainability can inform both architectural practice and environmental resilience.
Through its participation in IAS 2026, UBD continues to advance knowledge, preserve Islamic heritage, foster innovation across disciples, and contribute to sustainable development efforts in Brunei Darussalam and beyond.