The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage and the Council of Deans of Architecture Schools of Thailand (CDAST) jointly organized the “Thesis of the Year Award 2025” or TOY Arch 2025, a national competition to recognize outstanding architecture thesis projects. The initiative aims to encourage students to produce high-quality academic work, provide a platform for public engagement, and promote collaboration among architecture faculties across the country. The event attracted a large number of distinguished academics, instructors, and architecture students from institutions nationwide.
Students from the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, achieved remarkable success, earning seven awards in this year’s national competition. The faculty emphasizes architectural design that addresses social and environmental issues, supported by the close mentorship of experienced academic advisors. This approach has consistently produced recognized, high-quality thesis projects.
Among the seven awards:
Mr. Krityachot Haopan received a Consolation Prize in the Architecture category and Second Prize in the Northeastern Regional category for his thesis titled “The Forest and People Learning Center on a Spiritual Landscape,” under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Kunlasri Thungsakul. His concept centers on reconnecting people with nature through architecture that interprets spiritual beliefs and rituals as “physical ceremonies,” encouraging deep environmental awareness through space, light, and materiality.
“This work aims to restore the broken relationship between humans and nature by placing spiritual beliefs and forest-centered community practices at the heart of the design,” said Krityachot. “The architecture functions as a medium for people to engage deeply with nature through space, light, and material textures, creating environmental consciousness and fostering sustainable coexistence.”
Ms. Phanwasa Noithammarat won First Prize in the Northeastern Regional category for her thesis “Moss Architecture,” supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chantanee Chiranthanut. Her work introduces an innovative approach to mitigating urban air pollution through the integration of moss into architectural structures.
“This project offers a sustainable solution to urban pollution and climate change using moss—a plant with a unique ability to filter PM2.5, absorb carbon dioxide and toxins, and reduce urban heat,” Phanwasa explained. “The integration of moss into architectural design creates a new type of green space that improves air quality and urban living while offering educational and relaxing environments in dense cityscapes.”
Third Prize was awarded to Ms. Natthida Sornsakul for her thesis “Learning and Research Center for Forest Ecosystem Conservation,” supervised by Lecturer Anat Watanesk, emphasizing environmental conservation through architecture.
Three Consolation Prizes were also awarded to the following works:
“Vertical Community Living Study Center” by Ms. Pattamaporn Uthap, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr.
“Conservation and Restoration Center for the Lower Songkhram River Wetland, Nakhon Phanom” by Ms. Phannawipha Areeua, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noppadon Thungsakul.
“Learning and Promotion Center for Economic Reforestation” by Ms. Napatsawan Chanakanthakul, supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanun Srithongchai.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitapatr Dhabhalabutr, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, remarked that the faculty is committed to guiding students toward creating architecture that addresses environmental and social challenges. With expert mentorship, students have consistently delivered thesis work of exceptional quality and relevance. This achievement reflects a critical step forward in inspiring the next generation of architects and elevating architectural education standards in Thailand.
This success not only demonstrates the outstanding potential of KKU architecture students but also highlights the important role of academic institutions in Northeastern Thailand in producing nationally recognized work of high quality and impact.
Reporter: Kannaphat Sirikiat
Photos: THESIS OF THE YEAR AWARD 2025
