Haven

Foreword

A study conducted in Canada found that classrooms can serve as open deliberative spaces, where students are trained to engage in ethical and reflective dialogue (Martineau & Cyr, 2025). By positioning the classroom as a space for discussion, it fosters a sense of safety that allows students to express their authentic thoughts more freely. This atmosphere of learning closely reflects the environment cultivated within the Visual Communication Design program at UPH. By building a safe space for students, DKV UPH has laid a foundation and provided a platform for them to grow and thrive.

The term “haven” was originally used by sailors to describe a place of refuge—a shelter from storms. A haven does not merely offer protection; it also provides a starting point, a moment of rest before setting sail once more into the noise, darkness, and chaos of the open sea. The title “Haven” in this book represents such a safe space for students: a pause before embarking on the next phase of their lives. A classroom is not merely a place to acquire technical skills; it is also a transitional refuge before students take on their responsibilities as emerging agents within society.

This notion resonates with the passage in Mark 4:35–41, where Jesus rises and calms the storm. His presence becomes the source of peace, enabling His disciples to journey forward with greater clarity and calm, eventually reaching their intended destination. In the same way, a safe and nurturing learning ecosystem provides a vital foundation for creative individuals to hone themselves, to grow, and to pursue their aspirations.

The title “Haven” does not only represent the role of the institution as a harbor for its students; it also serves as a projection, an expectation, and a hope that these very students may become havens in society. Education is not solely about skill acquisition; it is also a process of maturity. We hope that the graduates of the Visual Communication Design program will grow into individuals who are capable of offering calm, clarity, and orientation amid the many storms present in the world around us.

For nine years, the Visual Communication Design Program at Universitas Pelita Harapan (DKV UPH) has been archiving the final projects of its students. What began nine years ago marked a new beginning, an attempt to understand students not merely as learners, but as individuals who enrich the very existence of the program itself (Hananto & Kartaatmadja, 2018). This reflective practice has since developed into a tradition (Hananto, 2018, 2019), one that affirms the uniqueness and excellence of DKV UPH students (Hananto, 2020). Even in the face of challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality and spirit of DKV UPH students remained undiminished. They persevered and successfully completed their studies, an achievement that deserves recognition (Hananto, 2021). Obstacles did not deter these students from looking forward and demonstrating their capabilities (“See – Saw: Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects,” 2022). The actions taken by DKV UPH students—both inside and outside the classroom—are a manifestation of their purpose and existence (Hananto, 2023), forming what can be described as a distinct epoch in their academic and creative journey (Hananto, 2024).

After nine years and nine publications, the Visual Communication Design Program at Universitas Pelita Harapan has shifted its focus not only to be a center for learning and growth, but also to become a center of service, by cultivating new havens in the form of its alumni.

We pray that our graduates, as they begin a new journey through the world, will continue to be a light, bringing positive impact through both their actions and their creative works. Our prayer is simple: that what they have experienced and learned may not only equip them for their own path, but also become something they can share with others—especially with those who may not yet have had the same opportunities.

Lastly, we hope that this book will serve as a map for its readers: a guide through which they may see and discover new havens in the shape of the students of DKV UPH, who are ready to step forward and become a haven for others in society.

Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Department Chair of Visual Communication Design
Universitas Pelita Harapan

Other Readings

Hananto, B. A. (2018). Telah & Telaah: Kumpulan Karya Tugas Akhir DKV UPH 2017/2018. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2019). Look: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communication Design Students 2018/2019 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2020). Salience: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communicatin Design Students 2019/2020 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2021). Salute: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communication Design Students 2020/2021 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (2023). “Foreword.” In B. A. Hananto, E. Melini, & K. M. Suwanto (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 6, pp. 8–9). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (2024). “Foreword.” In B. A. Hananto & J. Laurencia (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 7, p. 7). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A., & Kartaatmadja, M. (Eds.). (2018). Rangkaian Fajar. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Martineau, J. T., & Cyr, A.-A. (2025). Redefining Academic Safe Space for Responsible Management Education. Journal of Business Ethics, 196(3), 581–601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-024-05690-3

see – saw : Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects. (2022). In B. A. Hananto, E. Melini, & K. M. Suwanto (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 5). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Credits

Students

Andrea Gabriella
Azariel Isaiah Layantara
Carla Christina
Cecilia Novin Shellycia
Charissa Myandra Amirah
Dorothy Tanaka
Elbert Nathanael Jaya
Eloysius Sahat Martua Sinaga
Faye Alicia
Felicia Krieski
Filbert Oscar Setiawan
Filbert Timothy Hartawidjaja
Fiony Alveria Tantri
Grace Swarnapati
Heidy Widodo
Jaselyn Harianto
Jeniffer Angelica Podung
Joy Celine Santoso
Juan Paskalis
Kalista Nathania Lee Dotulong
Kezia Glenaldo
Laetizia Ananya Abbygale Siregar
Manaka Yoshida
Mikhaella Destany Aurelia
Mihammad Hasan Mujtaba Nasution
Nadya Aisha Zahra Zaurantie hermiandy
Natashia Lim
Patricia Thelysandrina
Sabilah Amalia Omar Fadli
Tata Talia
Valen
Vania Sagita Lie

Lecturers

Ade Maradhona Shantio Wijaya, S.Sn.
Alfiansyah Zulkarnain, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Chandra Djoko Zuki, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Donny Ibrahim, S.Sn., M.Ikom.
Ellis Melini, S.Sn., M.T.
Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Hady Soenarjo, S.Sn., M.Ds.
J. Baptista Anton, S.Sn., M.Ikom.
Jeffrey Rachmad Gunadi, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Juliana Suhindro Putra, S.Sn., M.Ed.
Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds.
Naldo Yanuar Heryanto, S.Sn., M.T.
Noor Wirama, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Dra. Rerry Isfandriani
Shannon Glenda Tenardi, S.Ds., M.Ds.
Silvi Lim, DcM
Siswanto Sidharta, B.Sc., MBA.
Drs. Winoto Usman
Zulvan Zein Zulkarnain, S.Sn.

The Publication

August 2024 Gathering

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, VCD UPH held a gathering at Yugo Restaurant, Hotel Vega, Gading Serpong. This event was organized to launch the latest Final Project book, EPOCH, and also to celebrate the graduation of VCD UPH students who completed their studies in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Epoch

Foreword

Highlights of an undergraduate student’s studies are their final projects. A student’s final project is a culmination of their interest and mastery of a certain aspect they wish to explore and pursue. Therefore, this archive is more than just images of visuals that the students have created; it is a representation of their existence as visual communication design students. The tradition of archiving students’ final projects is a testament to the department’s aspiration to appreciate all the work that the students have done, each unique in its own time.

Epoch” represents the beginning of a distinctive period in the history of someone or something. The term was selected as this book describes the transition, or perhaps the new beginning, of the students’ journeys as visual communication design graduates. As the students complete their final projects, they embark on a new epoch in life: as designers in the outside world. As designers who have graduated, we hope that each of our students may be able to be a blessing in their light and their new world.

Leaving school has always been a prominent change for all students. Many look forward to it, but some may feel that they aren’t ready for it. Dear students, life is full of various seasons, and each season or era is an opportunity to grow in its own way.

Epoch also marks a new era for the department. The previous final project archive showcased the three concentrations: graphic design, cinematography, and animation. In this archive, we also showcase the first graduates of the illustration concentration, which may provide a new nuance to the diverse projects shown in these archives.

Not just about the new concentration, Epoch also marks the end of the ‘pandemic’ era of final projects. Previous archives (“Salute,” “See-saw,” and “Book of Acts”) showcased works that were completed during the COVID-19 pandemic or by students who spent more than half of their study online and in quarantine. We hope that the return to a more optimal learning experience correlates with higher quality projects in this book.

And so, we hope that Epoch may continue to inspire readers through the diverse works showcased. We also hope that the end of an era can teach us to move forward in a better direction: to pursue the best, remember the good, and leave out the rest.

Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Head of Visual Communication Design Department
Universitas Pelita Harapan

Credits
Students
  • Abigail San Giva Jose
  • Aileen Aprillia
  • Ananda Angelia Ivan
  • Angelina Kalinda Eka Putri
  • Angelyn Aurelia
  • Azzarine Jovita Varianty Yulizar
  • Caitlyn Kunanda
  • Carren Miquella Chen
  • Cathy Chang
  • Chelsey Suwandi
  • Christine Kurnia
  • David Hizkia Doringin
  • Dio Indo Chisundjoyo
  • Dominikus Muliawan Salim
  • Dylan Arthur
  • Fay Arietta Yapputri
  • Felicia Karen Rawung
  • Frederick Christoper
  • Grace Indahyanty Lie
  • Graciella Handersen
  • Gusniaty Edyson
  • Heidi Maurina Atira Marbun
  • Irvine Wirawan Jamesie
  • Jessica Pricilia
  • Jessica Valencia
  • Jonathan Sebastian Iwan
  • Josephine Madeleine
  • Justin Laurent
  • Kaysha Bernadette Soelistyo
  • Kheivlen Cunsuela
  • Lidya Josephine Saragi
  • Melissa Bok
  • Melissa Feby Chandra
  • Natasha Wijaya
  • Patricia Aurelie Bernice
  • Patricia Frite Tanaka
  • Priscilla Gunarso Yusna
  • Rachel Williams Darmana
  • Rhema Adithya Kusuma
  • Ria Melati
  • Richo Richardo
  • Sean Michael
  • Sharon Hardjono
  • Sherina Lie
  • Tio Alfandri
  • Valensia
  • Yessica Angelina Santoso
  • Yolanda Ruth Theophanie Taruli Tumilisar
Lecturers
  • Ade Maradhona Shantio Wijaya, S.Sn.
  • Alfiansyah Zulkarnain, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Anastasia Callista Winata, S.Sn.
  • Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Chandra Djoko Zuki, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Christo Wahyudi Rahardjo, S.Sn.
  • Donny Ibrahim, S.Sn., M.I.Kom.
  • Ellis Melini, S.Sn., M.T.
  • Dr. Ernest Irwandi, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Ferdinand Indrajaya, S.Sn., M.Hum.
  • Hady Soenarjo, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • J. Baptista Anton, S.Sn., M.I.Kom.
  • Jessica Laurencia, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Juliana Suhindro Putra, S.Sn., M.Ed.
  • Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds.
  • Dr. Lala Palipi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.
  • M. Adhi Suryabuana, S.T.
  • Naldo Yanuar Heryanto, S.Sn., M.T.
  • Rizky Nawai Putra, S.Sn., MFV
  • Dra. Rerry Isfandriani
  • Sabrina Sidharta
  • Siswanto Sidharta, B.Sc., MBA.
  • Drs. Winoto Usman
The Publication

Gallery Walk Final Project

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Visual Communication Design (VCD) department at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) held a Gallery Walk at the Pelita Gallery for final project students from the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. The event was inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Design and the Head of the VCD department.

During the event, several final project students from each concentration within VCD UPH presented their works to first-year students, aiming to familiarize them with the various concentrations available. This activity was designed to give first-year students a concrete understanding of what they will experience in their chosen concentrations and to foster connections among VCD UPH students across different year groups.

Cinematography Students Presenting Di Balik Mata Final Project
Fay Arietta Yapputri, from the Illustration Concentration, Presenting at the Gallery Walk
Participants of the Final Project Gallery Walk

UFF 2024: “Urbanity”


On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the UPH Film Festival 2024 was held at XXI Aeon Mall BSD. The event proceeded smoothly and joyfully, with students, alumni, and invited guests filling the XXI studio throughout the afternoon until evening. The event commenced with welcoming videos from the Dean of the UPH Faculty of Design and the Chair of the Visual Communication Design Program at UPH. Following this, the event continued with a talk show featuring speakers Wregas Bhanuteja and Inarah Syarafina, who shared their experiences and perspectives on the current film industry.

From Left to Right: Inarah Syarafina, Wregas Bhanuteja, and Dr. Lala Palupi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.
From Left to Right: Inarah Syarafina, Wregas Bhanuteja, and Dr. Lala Palupi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.

After discussions with the speakers and a Q&A session with the audience, the UFF event proceeded with the presentation of appreciation to the speakers by the Chair of the UPH Film Festival 2024 and the Chair of the Visual Communication Design Program at UPH. Subsequently, works by alumni and students from VCD UPH were showcased, including those in cinematography, animation, and graphic design.

Appreciation to UFF 2024 Speakers
Appreciation to UFF 2024 Speakers

VCD UPH and the entire UPH Film Festival 2024 committee extend their gratitude to the speakers, sponsors, and media partners for their support in this edition of the UPH Film Festival 2024. It is hoped that UPH Film Festival 2024 can become a new monument in visual communication design education, especially within VCD UPH.

The UFF 2024 Committee in XXI Aeon Mall BSD City
The UFF 2024 Committee in XXI Aeon Mall BSD City

See you at UFF 2025 and other events organized by VCD UPH. For more about UFF, visit UFF’s Instagram page.


Photo Credits: Hizkia Kustiawan & Louis Alexander Setiabudi

Raymond Ahari

Photo of Raymond Ahari.

My name is Raymond Ahari, and I’m an alumnus of DKV UPH, class of 2010. After graduating in 2014, I started a Production House business named “Jendela” along with some of my friends.

My four years at DKV UPH were undoubtedly a pleasant experience. The comfortable campus environment and complete facilities helped me study better, not to mention the competent lecturers and wonderful friends whom I got to know and learn from. Many things I know and implement in my work today, I picked up from my time at DKV UPH.

Although every class equipped me with different things that helped me become who I am today, I would say that the Videography class particularly left a mark on me. I didn’t initially plan to take the class, but I had a close relationship with the lecturer, and he told me about a great project that I could work on if I took his Videography class—and yes, of course, I ended up taking it!

One of the most important things that I learned from my days at DKV UPH is the significance of good teamwork. Choosing the right teammates will highly affect your results; it will help you finish the assignment right on time, with excellent quality.

As an alumnus, I recommend DKV UPH to those who are looking for a good place to learn and pursue their degree. I am always grateful for the opportunity to study at such a fine campus and faculty.

Alumni: Gilbert March

Photo of Gilbert March. Photo Provided by Gilbert March

Gilbert March, class of 2013 in Visual Communication Design with a specialization in Cinematography, works as a Director for Music Videos and Advertisements.


My experience at UPH’s Visual Communication Design (Dkv UPH) has given me an unforgettable journey. The guidance, professors, mentors, and other staff members were incredibly helpful in helping me understand the importance of relationships and communication. Not only that, but a comfortable environment plays a significant role in allowing us to focus on our work. The excellent facilities enabled us to practice and create, and equally important, the friendships that supported, assisted, and taught me how to collaborate in completing tasks.

Many things left an impression because all the Cinematography courses heavily relied on teamwork. We were highly encouraged to tolerate and respect each other’s opinions. This made our work not just a personal endeavor but a collective creation.

Learning at UPH has been immensely beneficial to my career in the industry because it has enabled me to provide solutions to problems, particularly in film production. It has honed my ability to think creatively and swiftly, allowing me to seamlessly incorporate idealistic elements into video presentations.

I recommend this program to those who want to develop their talents and find their identity. Everything taught here has a significant impact on those who want to enter the workforce. It’s not just about readiness for work; it will also refine your identity. Thank you to UPH for educating and honing me to this point.