In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at sustainability and community impact, the Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University and Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 27, 2024, at Sim Building, Faculty of Architecture, KKU. This exciting partnership brings together innovation, design, and environmental consciousness to push forward towards a Net Zero future.
The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, and (SPEC CAPT) Dr. Niwat Intarawichian, Director of Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen. Joining the ceremony as witnesses were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yingsawat Chaiyakun, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, and Dr. Pennapha Jampathong, Assistant Director of Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen.
The partnership stems from the innovative project “Design and Development of Nonwoven Products Using the Upcycle Process,” a pioneering initiative to transform waste into valuable, sustainable products. Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen, committed to achieving its Net Zero goal, identified the opportunity to repurpose non-contaminated nonwoven fabric—previously used to wrap medical instruments—into everyday items such as bags, fabric totes, and folding mats. However, these products needed more variety and eye-catching designs to elevate their appeal and value.
Enter KKU’s talented design team, led by Dr. Kesinee Srisongmuang, Dr. Kwanhatai Thada, and Ajarn Montida Lertnimanoradee. These experts stepped in to reimagine and redesign the products, creating a wider range of attractive and sustainable options, adding both beauty and value to what was once considered waste. This partnership breathes new life into discarded materials while promoting environmental consciousness.
Speaking on the collaboration, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr and (SPEC CAPT) Dr. Niwat Intarawichian highlighted the MOU’s goals of fostering education, developing the skills of both students and staff, and driving sustainable innovation. By focusing on environmentally friendly designs, the partnership aims not only to reduce waste but also to create new career opportunities and income streams for local communities. It’s a project that tackles environmental challenges while giving back to society.
Under this partnership, Bangkok Hospital Khon Kaen will provide vital resources, including facilities, equipment, and training, to empower KKU students in their innovation journey. The hospital will also promote health-focused research and product development. Meanwhile, KKU’s Faculty of Architecture will lead research initiatives, develop innovative designs, and provide academic support, ensuring the products created are both functional and impactful. This collaboration not only enhances education and skills for students, communities, and professionals but also paves the way for a future where creativity, sustainability, and community well-being go hand in hand.
