IDEA: Integrated Design in Emerging Architecture

21/07/2026

IDEA Year 3 Studio: PHASE 1: Biomimicry & Tectonic Systems
Studio Brief: Learning from Natural Intelligence
Academic Year: 1/2026-27

Phase 1 introduces natural systems as a primary source of architectural thinking. Rather than imitating natural forms directly, students observe and analyse how nature organises structure, material, environmental adaptation, and spatial systems—extracting core principles to translate into tectonic ideas.

In this first pin-up, students apply these natural principles to selected sites within Chiang Mai University (and familiar local contexts). Based on site conditions and opportunities, they present initial architectural proposals and programs that demonstrate how natural intelligence can inform context-responsive design.

These conceptual frameworks and tectonic explorations serve as the foundation for future design development throughout the semester. Stay tuned!

Course tutor:
Rattapong Angkasith
Julian Huang

Photographs:
Prite - Chatpimook Makontawat

19/07/2026

IDEA Year 1 Studio: First pin-up
Studio Brief: "I am Object, and Not"
Academic year 1/2026-27

The phrase "I am Object" invites students to explore the relationship between themselves, objects, and the surrounding spaces. While we often perceive ourselves as the subjects who control objects and environments, this perspective may not always hold true.

A foundational question for each student thus could be, "Am I being objectified in some way?"
“Am I object?” or “Am I subject”

The "I am Object" phase marks the beginning of this semester. During this phase, students will learn essential academic skills known as research processes to investigate the complexities of objects and their impact on our bodies. By the end of this phase, students are expected to construct their own arguments in written form and translate those arguments into initial design proposals. These proposals will serve as the foundation for developing their designs in the second phase -after the midterm.

Course tutor:
Raphaël Belhache
Damneon Techamai

Photographs:
Sharon - Chayanun Limsukon, Manna - Manna Laila Bishop and Fong - Fongkamdao Suvagondha

15/07/2026

IDEA Pre-Studio 2026 for IDEA Year 1: “The White Chair”
"Making" - Representation and Presentation

Here is a wrap on the final presentation showcases “The White Chair” through the sixteen chairs pieces - very well done everyone!

1. Unaesthetic - “Reimagine “
by Sharon - Chayanun Limsukon

2. Restricting - “Decision Fatigue”
by Mo - Thanadol Paparkun

3. Ruin - “Disasterpiece of Ruination”
by Val - Ye Yint Shwe

4. Angle - “POV”
by Kit - Kittipitch Ditsathan

5. Class - “The Carbonite Cinderella”
by Toby - Jingxi Wu

6. Necessary - “Stone Serenity”
by Orgar - Warinrampai Punpong

7. Plain - “Plain to Na(turz)”
by Fong - Fongkamdao Suvagondha

8. Limited - “Breaking the Mold”
by Juliet - Ingyin Phyu

9. Cramp - “Celebrete”
by Yelly - Rujira Suyarum

10. Hardness - “Cloud 999“
by Win - Apiwit Tanjapatkul

11. Common - “Uncommon but very common”
by Victoria - Viktoria Ignateva

12. Limited - “Smile”
by Korn - Kornpapat Lungtu

13. Painful - “The Cut”
by Phoo - Thet Ngone Phoo

14. The Look - “The Orbit Chair“
by Yaw Han - Redang Yaw Han

15. Un/Reliable - “Emotional Relialde”
by May Me - May Me Linn

16. Lame - “Celebrete”
by Nat - Nathalie Jade Troxler

The chair will be used to organise the IDEA programme's teaching and learning events throughout the entire academic year. Let's enhance the identity and personality of the chair, as well as the programme as a whole, by joining us at the events!

Photographs : Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite)

10/07/2026

lIDEA Pre-Studio 2026 for IDEA Year 1: "The White Chair"
Day 2 - "Making" - Representation and Presentation

Day 2 of the IDEA Pre-Studio 2026 challenged our creative limits with an intensive "Making" process that focused on the key principles of Representation and Presentation. The goal was to translate our arguments into design and effectively present them to the public.

This day was not just about constructing a piece of furniture; it was about transforming arguments and abstract concepts into tangible, physical structures. By the end of the day, each white chair evolved into a distinct design, each representing its own argument and concept.

This also marked the first design project for our freshman students. Each chair and its designer presented their projects to the public, showcasing their thoughts and creativity developed over the two days.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in this two-day workshop, especially our IDEA Year 2 students. The workshop would not have been a success without their invaluable contributions. Special thanks to Aye Chan Myint Mo (Flower), Joel Thawng Tha Ceu (Joel), Naw Angelin Zin (Angel), Myint Myat Thuzar Htun (Maple), Thet Htet Yu Ya Aung (Helen), Kaung Hset Wai (Gerard), Lahpai Bu Ra Lu (Bura), and the ARCH CMU staff.

The workshop was hosted by Raphaël Belhache, Damnoen Techamai (IDEA Year 1 Tutor), and Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite), our Programme Teaching Assistant.

Photographs: Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite)

09/07/2026

“LLAANN” - ARCH CMU Lifelong Education A Lifelong Learning Space at the Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University.

"LLAANN" - ARCH CMU Lifelong Education invites everyone to follow the lessons from the Faculty of Architecture Lifelong Education Unit. These lessons introduce learners to the fundamentals of architecture and design through content that covers key topics and is easy to understand.

The lessons also develop skills that can be applied and used to create future works.
The lessons are delivered by three faculty members with expertise in the field, including:
1. Chayaphol Saranyapat
2. Dr.Sasiprapa Srikraiphak
3. Asst. Prof. Dr.Pilaiporn Nunma

They share perspectives and ideas in architecture and design from different approaches.

Join the learning experience and follow the launch of the lessons soon.

Please follow LLAANN at:
Website:
https://www.lifelong.cmu.ac.th/.../cms/architecture_academy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learchcmu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llaann_archcmu/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/?_r=1...

163 Followers, 28 Following, 41 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from ARCH CMU Lifelong Education ()

07/07/2026

The Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University
cordially invites students, faculty members, and the public to attend the opening lecture of the
Bamboo Workshop
Speaker
Dr. Korakot Aromdee
Founder, KORAKOT International
Bamboo Artist and Designer
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University
Admission is free.
Limited to 200 seats. On-site registration is available.
Lecture Program
10:00–10:40 AM — Branding
10:40–11:30 AM — Marketing
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Bamboo Construction and Rope Lashing Techniques
Register at:
https://cmu.to/OpenSeminarBambooWorkshop

ขอเชิญเข้าร่วมการบรรยายพิเศษเวิร์กชอป “ไม้ไผ่สร้างสรรค์” (Bamboo Workshop)

คณะสถาปัตยกรรมศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ ขอเชิญนักเรียน นักศึกษา และผู้สนใจ เข้าร่วมการบรรยายพิเศษและพิธีเปิดโครงการเวิร์กชอป “ไม้ไผ่สร้างสรรค์” (Bamboo Workshop)

โดย ดร.กรกต อารมย์ดี
ผู้ก่อตั้ง KORAKOT International ศิลปินและนักออกแบบงานไม้ไผ่และวัสดุพื้นบ้าน

ในวันอาทิตย์ที่ 12 กรกฎาคม 2569
ตั้งแต่เวลา 10.00 น. - 12.00 น.
ณ ห้องออดิทอเรียม ชั้น 3 คณะสถาปัตยกรรมศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่

รับจำนวนจำกัด 200 ที่นั่ง และสามารถลงทะเบียนหน้างานได้

กำหนดการบรรยาย
10.00 - 10.40 น. การสร้างแบรนด์
10.40 - 11.30 น. การทำการตลาด
11.30 - 12.00 น. วิธีการทำงาน/การมัดผูกเชือก

ลงทะเบียนเข้าร่วมกิจกรรมฟรีได้ที่
https://cmu.to/OpenSeminarBambooWorkshop

------
The Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University
cordially invites students, faculty members, and the public to attend the opening lecture of the

Bamboo Workshop

Speaker
Dr. Korakot Aromdee
Founder, KORAKOT International
Bamboo Artist and Designer

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University

Admission is free.
Limited to 200 seats. On-site registration is available.

Lecture Program
10:00–10:40 AM — Branding
10:40–11:30 AM — Marketing
11:30 AM–12:00 PM — Bamboo Construction and Rope Lashing Techniques

Register at:
https://cmu.to/OpenSeminarBambooWorkshop

04/07/2026

IDEA Sit-(in) No. 7: Overview

Congratulations to all the students who presented their projects during IDEA Sit-(in) No. 7 last Friday. Well done!

We would also like to thank all the students and tutors - Rattapong Angkasith, Umpiga Shummadtayar and Arthur Vergne who attended and engaged in thoughtful discussions throughout the event. Your participation truly reflects the IDEA spirit and fosters an environment for sharing questions and ideas.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Sit-(in) No. 8, which will take place in the first week of Term 2.

Moderator: Raphaël Belhache, Damnoen Techamai
Hosted by the IDEA Programme

Photographs: Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite)

30/06/2026

IDEA Year 1 Studio: Strolling around the Market
Semester 1/2026
Academic Year 2026-27

Theme “I Am Object, and Not”
804111: Fundamental Design in Architecture Studio I

This morning, our Year I design studio visited the local market "Warorot Market" and its surrounding area to observe and examine various objects, people, traces, and items present. During this visit, students were tasked with observing and photographing elements that relate to the studio brief and their selected objects, which is centered on the theme “I Am Object, and Not.”

Course tutor
Raphaël Belhache
Damneon Techamai

Photographs: Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite)

26/06/2026

IDEA Pre-Studio for IDEA Year 1 : “The White Chair”
Day 1 - “Thinking” - Interpretation and Translation

On Day 1, we began our first session by introducing the students to the IDEA Programme, which includes Studio Design and College Life at ARCH CMU. We continued with a discussion about the "thinking process," focusing on two key concepts: "Interpretation" and "Translation." We encouraged students to formulate a series of questions about "the White Chair." The outcome of the first day was to make arguments regarding the white chair and use those arguments to develop a design for the making process on Day 2.

Here are the students' results that will be translated into the design for the making process. We also want to thank our supporting team: Aye Chan Myint Mo (Flower), Joel Thawng Tha Ceu (Joel), Naw Angelin Zin (Angel), Myint Myat Thuzar Htun (Maple), Thet Htet Yu Ya Aung (Helen), Kaung Hset Wai (Gerard), Lahpai Bu Ra Lu (Bura) and the ARCH CMU staff.

The workshop was hosted by Raphaël Belhache, Damnoen Techamai (IDEA Year 1 Tutor), and Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite), our Programme Teaching Assistant.

Photographs: Chatpimook Makontawat (Prite)