Author Guidelines

SCOPE AND TYPES OF MANUSCRIPTS
Jurnal Desain dan Arsitektur (DESA) accepts manuscripts covering the following topics:

  • Architectural design and the design of the built environment
  • Interior design, urban design, and landscape design
  • Architectural technology, structure, materials, and sustainability
  • Theory, criticism, and history of architecture
  • Participatory design, tropical architecture, and social innovation in design
  • Interdisciplinary studies between architecture, culture, and technology

 

TYPES OF MANUSCRIPTS ACCEPTED

  • Research articles (results of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method studies)
  • Design/project articles (including design process explanation, site analysis, spatial programming, and design outcomes)
  • Literature/theoretical review articles that are critical and innovative

 

GENERAL WRITING GUIDELINES

  • Manuscripts must be written in good and proper Indonesian or English.
  • Manuscripts should be typed using Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
  • The length of the manuscript is 8–15 pages (including figures, tables, and references).
  • The article must not have been published previously and not be under consideration
  • Authors are required to upload a declaration of originality and plagiarism-free statement upon submission.

 

ARTICLE STRUCTURE
A. RESEARCH ARTICLE
The article format follows a modified IMRAD structure:

1) Title (maximum 2 lines, clear and informative)
The title should be concise, informative, and reflect the research results, variables, relationships, and theoretical framework used. The title length must not exceed 2 lines in the template.

2) Author Name(s) & Affiliation
Include email and WhatsApp contact for smooth communication during the editing process.
If the author does not wish to publish their WhatsApp number, please inform the editor so it will not be included.

3) Abstract (150–200 words) + Keywords (3–5 keywords)

  • Written in both Indonesian and English
  • Maximum 200 words
  • Contains background, problem, objective, method, findings, and implications/limitations (if any)
  • Font: Ebrima 8 pt, line spacing 15 multiple
  • Keywords: italicized, maximum 5 words, representing the core ideas of the manuscript for indexing purposes

4) Introduction
Includes background, problem statement, objectives, previous studies showing the state of the art, and research implications. The introduction must clearly demonstrate the novelty or contribution of the study.

5) Research Method
The section title may use the name of the theory or method applied.
Describe the theoretical framework forming the basis of the methodology.
Present the research steps concisely and clearly, including sampling methods, analysis techniques, etc.

6) Results and Discussion
Present results concisely and clearly within a scientific framework, not merely as tables or figures.
Use subheadings to organize discussion topics.
Compare findings with existing theories or previous studies and highlight significant insights leading toward the conclusion.

7) Conclusion and Recommendations
Written in three paragraphs:

  • Paragraph 1: Explains the contribution of the study to current knowledge.
  • Paragraph 2: Provides scientific justification, shows applications or limitations of the research, and identifies opportunities for further study.
  • Paragraph 3: Suggests future research directions or ongoing experiments.

Note: The conclusion must not contain images, figures, or references.

8) Acknowledgements (if any)
Used to express gratitude to individuals or institutions (e.g., research funders) who contributed but are not listed as authors.

9) References

  • Minimum 15 scholarly references
  • 80% must be journal articles, conference proceedings, or research papers from the last 10 years; 20% may be books or credible online sources
  • Citation style: IEEE (numbered [1], [2], etc.) in order of appearance, not alphabetical
  • Use reference managers such as Mendeley, EndNote, or Zotero
  • All cited materials (including figures/tables) must appear in the reference list
  • Avoid using Wikipedia as a source
  • Authors are encouraged to cite articles previously published in DESA – Journal of Design and Architecture
  • Verify each reference (author name, volume, issue, year, DOI) against the original source

 

B. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN / DESIGN PROJECT ARTICLE
This type of article emphasizes the design process and design outcomes, supported by analytical and theoretical arguments. The structure includes:

1) Title – concise and informative, following the template

2) Author Name(s) & Affiliation
Include email and WhatsApp contact for communication during editing.
If the author does not wish to display their WhatsApp number, please inform the editor.

3) Abstract + Keywords

  • Bilingual abstract (Indonesian and English), max. 200 words
  • Explains the design context, objectives, approach/method, and key outcomes
  • Keywords: up to 5 words, italicized

4) Background & Design Issues
Explain the site context or design problems that form the basis of the project.
Include issue analysis, challenges, and design opportunities.

5) Design Objectives and Approach
State the main objectives of the project.
Describe the design approach used (e.g., typological, tropical, participatory, minimalist, etc.).

6) Site Analysis & Spatial Program
Present a comprehensive site analysis (environmental, social, cultural, ecological).
Explain the spatial program and functional requirements systematically.

7) Design Concept
Describe the main concept underlying the design.
Include conceptual or schematic diagrams if necessary.

8) Design Development & Visualization
Present design results such as plans, elevations, sections, perspectives, diagrams, or 3D models.
All figures must be numbered and captioned clearly.
Visualizations should effectively communicate architectural ideas.

9) Conclusion
Summarize the main ideas and design findings.
Explain the design’s contribution to its context or architectural discourse.
Include reflection or potential design development.

10) References

  • Follow IEEE citation style
  • Minimum 15 relevant sources, with 80% from scholarly materials (journals, proceedings, technical reports)
  • Use a reference manager for citation consistency
  • All visual materials (images, diagrams, tables) must be captioned clearly and included within the manuscript, not as separate files
  • Use Ebrima font and follow the writing template
  • All images and tables must be high-quality (300 dpi) and properly labeled
  • Design articles must include conceptual analysis and theoretical references, not merely visual documentation

 

FORMATTING GUIDELINES
To simplify writing, please download the Writing Template. The font used is Ebrima. The article structure consists of:

Title
Concise, informative, reflecting research results, variables, their relationships, and theoretical background. Title should not exceed two lines in the provided template.

Abstract
Written in Indonesian and English, containing background, problem, objectives, methods, findings, and limitations/implications (if any). Max. 200 words, Ebrima 8 pt, 1.15 line spacing. Keywords italicized, max. 5 words.

1) Introduction
Contains background, problem statement, objectives, previous research, and implications showing the novelty of the manuscript.

2) Methodology and Theoretical Framework
This section may use the theory or method name as its title. It includes the theoretical framework and explains the methodological process, from sampling to data analysis.

3) Results and Discussion
Results and discussions must be concise and clearly presented, not as mere data tables or figures. Use subheadings to organize discussions and compare findings with existing theories or studies.

4) Conclusion
The conclusion should answer the research objectives in three paragraphs:

  • First paragraph: Explains how your work advances the field beyond current knowledge.
  • Second paragraph: Provides justification, applications, limitations, and suggestions for future research.
  • Third paragraph: Recommends future or ongoing experiments.

Acknowledgements
If necessary, acknowledgements may express appreciation to individuals or institutions (e.g., research funders) not listed as authors.

References

  • Minimum 8 pages per article.
  • Must follow Elsevier guidelines and IEEE citation style.
  • Use reference management software (Mendeley, EndNote, or Zotero).
  • References must include 80% from journals, proceedings, or research papers from the last 10 years, and 20% from books or credible web sources (include URLs and access dates).
  • Avoid Wikipedia.
  • Minimum 15 references required.
  • Authors are encouraged to cite articles from DESA (Journal of Design and Architecture).
  • References are numbered according to appearance (not alphabetical).
  • Unpublished results and personal communications should not be listed unless essential, labeled as “unpublished results” or “personal communication”.