The Resilient Retreats Exhibition showcases the climate resilient guesthouse designs developed by the architectural students of the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology (FEST), The Maldives National University (MNU). This is an activity carried out under a collaboration between MNU and Small Island Geographic Society (SIGS) titled “Enhancing Sustainable Climate Adaptation Practices (ESCAPE)’.
Students, guided by their lecturers, carried out a field trip to Alif Alif Atoll for data collection and context analysis. Additionally, students were also provided with sessions on climate risks and resilient designs from local and international experts, including technical sessions with the international architecture firm Fosters + Partners.

The Resilient Retreats Exhibition aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing architecture students with experiential learning, field-based research, and expert-led sessions on climate risks and resilient design. It supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by encouraging innovative architectural approaches and climate-resilient design solutions for island environments. The activity contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting resilient, sustainable, and context-sensitive guesthouse designs that respond to local environmental and community needs. It advances SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening students’ understanding of climate risks and adaptation strategies and integrating resilience into architectural design. Finally, it supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between MNU, SIGS, academic staff, students, and local and international experts, including industry professionals, to advance sustainable climate adaptation practices.