BANGKOK – A second-year architecture student from Khon Kaen University will present her academic paper on interior design for retired couples at an upcoming international conference.
Pharittaporn Banhanbut, a student in the design program at the Faculty of Architecture, is set to present her paper, “Interior Design Strategies for Condominium Living among Retired Elderly Couples,” at the International Convention on Nation-Building, Wellness, and Peace upon Morality (ICNWP) 2025. The event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from June 25-27, 2025.
The research focuses on creating living spaces that cater specifically to the needs of retired couples, emphasizing the enhancement of their quality of life beyond mere accommodation. The design concept promotes holistic well-being—addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health. Key features of this design approach include open, comfortable spaces with ample natural light and fresh air circulation, dedicated relaxation areas for physical rejuvenation, small garden corners to foster mental tranquility, and quiet zones for reflection, all complemented by natural color palettes and warm materials.
Pharittaporn emphasized that her design process was rooted in a deep understanding of the end-users. “In our design, we prioritized gathering data from interviews with retired couples because we believe that real problems stem from user experience, not from what we imagine,” she stated.
Her work re-envisions the urban condominium as a “space for life,” where retired couples can live happily and with a high quality of life. She reflected on the broader role of designers in an aging society, noting, “Architectural design is not just about creating buildings; it’s about creating a better quality of life. The elderly don’t just need a place to live; they need an environment that supports a safe, comfortable, and happy life in physical, mental, and social dimensions.”
The opportunity to present at an international forum highlights the potential of Khon Kaen University’s architecture students to contribute new knowledge in the field of wellness. The achievement is seen as an inspiration for other students and a reflection of an educational standard capable of producing researchers and innovators who can address societal needs.
