School of Architecture, Bangkok University, organized "The Shape of Tomorrow: Bangkok Art & Architecture," opening a space for knowledge and experience exchange among academics and architecture experts focusing on design concepts that address sustainability and adaptive reuse of building spaces to create new value. The event transformed existing spaces into the creative venue Dib Bangkok, a new museum for contemporary art exhibitions. K.Purat Osathanugrah– President of Bangkok University and Founder and Chairman of Dib Bangkok – spoke about the project's origin: "Dib Bangkok is a project born from transforming existing structures into a space for artists and art enthusiasts to present their work and exchange inspiration. It represents another new destination for Bangkok residents, providing opportunities for people to view artwork, learn about creative processes, and experience art closely. Furthermore, Dib Bangkok aims to be a central hub for exhibiting and disseminating art knowledge, reflecting our mission to promote contemporary art and sustainably support artists' growth."
The event featured a panel discussion on "Adaptive Reuse & Sustainability Design" by Mr. Kulpat Yantrasast – Principal of WHY Architecture and Mr. Pichai Wongwaichaivana – Dean, School of Architecture, Bangkok University, both designers of Dib Bangkok. The design adheres to existing structures on-site, transforming the form to fit the surrounding community and environment, creating an old structure into a contemporary museum that addresses all functional and emotional usage needs.
Additionally, Dr. Miwako Tezuka – Director, Dib Bangkok – discussed Art & Architecture regarding museum space design, viewing museums as important in both structure and exhibition space. Artists can use the space to fully express emotions and the beauty of their work, while viewers can truly experience and access the exhibited works.
Within the event, student teams from School of Humanities and Tourism Management and the International College collaborated to create exquisite Bite-Sized Treats menu, starting with a Welcome Drink to refresh and awaken the senses, followed by Pani-Puri filled with Nam Prik Num (Northern Thai chili paste) and organic vegetables, Caprese Salad on a Skewer drizzled with balsamic sauce, Chicken Liver Pâté - smooth liver mousse on crispy French bread, and concluding with Banoffee Tartlets filled with caramelized banana in Thai coconut sugar caramel, creating a well-rounded and multi-dimensional taste experience that left guests with unforgettable impressions.
This project is part of elevating Academic Reputation, aiming to create academic networks among architects, students, and the business sector, strengthening Employer Reputation, while reflecting the role of the Faculty of Architecture, Bangkok University, in driving innovation for future sustainable cities, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, emphasizing quality education development and creating an innovation ecosystem in the architecture sector.
