International Network for Tropical Architecture (iNTA)
The International Network for Tropical Architecture (iNTA) is formed as a networking platform for international researchers and practitioners to collaborate and learn from each other about problems and solutions about architecture and urban design in the tropical (and sub-tropical) regions because of the shared climatic imperatives and opportunities in like regions. Tropical Architecture refers to man-made architectural and urban environments relating to the climatic and natural conditions of the tropical (and sub-tropical) regions and interacting with various local specifics of culture, urban fabric and technology.
iNTA was founded in Singapore in 2004 by the National University of Singapore academic staff comprising Philip Bay Joo Hwa, Tse Swee Ling, Wong Nyuk Hien, Malone-Lee Lai Choo, and Johannes Widodo. This founding team steered the initial aims and operational policy of iNTA that the network should remain a versatile network of individuals interested in research on tropical design issues, that there is no necessity to register as a formal society, and that no subscription is necessary. The permanent secretariat of iNTA is at the Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore.
The 1st iNTA conference with the theme “Architectural and Urban Design in the Tropical Regions: Sustainability and Society” was organised on 26-28 February 2004, hosted by the Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore.
The 2nd iNTA conference, “Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design in Tropical Regions: Harmony in Culture and Nature”, was organised on 3-5 April 2006, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta (Indonesia).
The 3rd iNTA conference, “Bridging Innovation, Technology and Tradition: Holistic approaches to (rapid) sustainable architecture and environment,” was organised from 2 to 4 December 2009. It is a joint conference with SEGA (Sustainable and Green Architecture), hosted by the Division of Building Technology, the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok (Thailand).
The 4th iNTA conference, “Tropics 2050” was organised on 12-14 December 2012, hosted by the Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture, Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
The 5th iNTA conference, “Wisdom of the Tropics: Past, Present & Future”, was a joint conference with Senvar (Sustainable Environment and Architecture) and AVAN (Asian Vernacular Architecture Network) on 24-26 November 2015, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru (Malaysia).
The 6th iNTA conference, “Tropical Storms as a Setting for Adaptive Development and Architecture,” was organized from 1 to 3 December 2017, and was hosted by the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida (USA).
The 7th iNTA conference, “Urban Tropicality,” was held on 5-8 December 2019 at the University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia).
The 8th iNTA conference, “Climate Justice & Resilience: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue” was organised on 14-15 March 2024 in Mumbai (India), jointly organised by the University of Florida (USA) and KRVIA (Mumbai, India)
The 9th iNTA conference, “Housing Futures in the Tropics: Resilience, Sustainability, and Action”, and the 1st iNTA Design Competition “Design Innovations for Housing in the Tropics: An International Competition on Climate-Responsive Housing in the Tropics”, Honolulu, Hawaii USA, 5-7 December 2025, co-organised by SHADE Institute Hawaii & University of Florida
All delegates of iNTA conferences will automatically be accepted as network members. The scientific committee members of iNTA conferences are automatically became scientific advisors. All are encouraged to give comments, suggestions, and proposals for initiatives to develop and advance the discourse in tropical architecture in the era of climate change and carbon neutrality. iNTA will continue to build up more affiliations and look into the possibility of working with various international organisations for future conferences, research initiatives, joint programs, and mutual support and publicity of events.
CONTACT:
Network Coordinator/Executive Director e-mail: jwidodo@nus.edu.sg
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14147549/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190072882806