Architect Council of Thailand (ACT) and Its Role in Developing all Fields of Architecture: By Khun Korakoth Kunalungkarn, One of Co-Organizing Chairmen of Architect’23
Architect’23 has officially revealed its concept of “Tum Tad: Time of Togetherness,” which is the first time knowledge from all fields of architecture has been combined with the collaboration of five professional organizations, namely the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA), Thailand Interior Designers’ Association (TIDA), Thai Association of Landscape Architects (TALA), Thai Urban Designers Association (TUDA), and Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). What actions will each organization take? How does each of the professional fields function? All five co-organizing chairmen will share with you in the five following interviews before the exposition will be launched in a few months.
Architect Council of Thailand (ACT) will play a role in the phenomenon of architectural professions uniting at the upcoming Architect’23, despite being only a council among the four Thai Associations of Architects. Khun Korakoth Kunalungkarn, a representative from ACT, went into great detail about the council’s role as a “tray” that unites all professional fields through a variety of activities and the collaboration of architects.
Architect Council of Thailand (ACT) as a tray where all the ingredients are combined to spice things up.
“There should be something different from what we’ve organized before.” Although the Architect’23 is the first time uniting five professional architecture organizations, the Architect Council of Thailand is not new to this. With previous experience organizing ACT Forum-International Architectural Conference and Building Technology Exposition, ACT has several working teams available to organize any events, as well as useful information from previous works on what the problems are and how to proceed with any work effectively. Khun Korakoth said it was fun because each year’s event was unique, with both on-site, hybrid events, or even online events. She also mentioned that personally organizing seminars was extremely difficult because it is a new role that is distinct from organizing parties or events that she is familiar with.
The concept of ‘Tum Tad: Time of Togetherness’ precisely describes the roles of the ACT. According to Khun Korakoth, when comparing ACT to Tum Tad, “we are like a tray that brings everyone together in the same place where the four Thai Associations of Architects are like all the ingredients in a tray.”
“Tum Tad can be interpreted in many ways. Most people believe that Tum Tad only serves Som Tum and can decorates any other ingredients randomly in a tray. Basically, it goes much further than that. It requires a close collaboration to make this dish delicious. As a result, any type of Som Tum can be placed in a tray with care of its taste and creativity. Thus, pork sausage, shrimp, spicy salad, vegetables, boiled eggs, or even rice noodles are included. I believe, the collaboration of all four associations is in our daily lives because architects cannot work on its own but must collaborate with structural engineers, systemic engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, and graphic designers. In fact, we work with a wide range of professional fields. Tum Tad is a clear comparison in the collaboration of our work, which usually requires the collaboration of every agency, including project owners, contractors, or supervisors, and everyone involved. I believe it is quite suitable and pertinent to work in the form of collaboration, where different people work best in their respective roles.”
“Collaboration”
is a key success of architectural work that every architect must realize.
When asked about the content of the work, Khun Korakoth mentioned, “It is the council’s responsibility to disseminate and convey to the public or even designers to gain knowledge more about our four professions.” As a result, we would like society or the general public to understand how we work and what each branch’s responsibilities are, including Architect, Interior Design, Urban Design, Graphic Designer, Lighting Designer. This proves that each profession has its own set of skills but can collaborate.”
The way to think about the seminar topic starts with the project’s concept. “In one project, I may invite all of them, including architects, interior designers, project owners, and contractors, to talk about how this project will happen, what the concept is, and how we can collaborate to make it happen.” Regarding project selection, Khun Korakoth mentioned that it will be based on topics that are that are currently in trend to draw public attention.
In terms of content, the primary objective of this event is to introduce architects from various professions to one another. Understanding each other’s work and the importance of work will enable in the resolution of conflicts that may arise during the work process. For example, if the architect and the interior designer collaborate from the beginning of the project, space planning can be improved because it was the result from working together. It’s not like starting from an architect first and then an interior designer later, which can lead to issues. Another example is the collaboration of landscape architects and interior designers to create harmonious color matching tiles between internal and external works.
“This is the profession’s delicacy. As a council, it is necessary to foster mutual understanding among members of a work team, not from the entire project, but a working group such as this one. It’s as if they’re getting to know each other better. And everything becomes clearer when we discuss about it.”
“Architect’23, One Stop Shop where the updated knowledge and innovations are available”
It’s the 35th anniversary of the Architect Expo. It has been constantly developed and will continue to be developed for many years to come. Khun Korakoth recognized that the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA) could play a role in the development of other related associations, with the council overseeing the overall direction. For example, organizing events in different regions that other branches’ associations may also organize. He also saw Architect’23 as a turning point in his career. For example, he suggests that dress should be casual in order to fit in with the theme “Tum Tad,” which is full of fun and different from previous years.
Here are the list of activities offering in the zone of Architect Council of Thailand (ACT) at Architect’23
- ACT Shop: Books and souvenirs for sales are available
- ACT Service: Provide information and renewal license registration
- Volunteered Architects: Provide consultation service by architects who are in the process of designing projects so that they can gain experience and provide services with friendly and approachable manners.
- ACT Forum: Architectural Seminar
Khun Korakoth describes construction products as “One Stop Shop,” which means “come to one place and get everything,” including, the foundation, interior design, roofs or even the trees. Many materials, such as those used by architects and interior designers, are used in the same way for main work, while specific materials from four different professions are also used for detailing. Thailand Interior Designers’ Association (TIDA), for example, usually organizes an exhibition area for interior-related products such as wallpaper, textiles, laminates, and so on at the Interior Design Exhibition.
“I think it’s fun. I’d like to see all participants truly benefit. For example, when visitors with a construction plan comes to talk to volunteered architects, they can see the real materials or the architects can take them to see what the various materials are like. If you are unfamiliar with any of the tile types, those architects can take you on a tour of the booths. The more exhibitors attend, the more recommendations we can make. If we really make it a One Stop Service, visitors will not go anywhere. Maybe three days in a row, today this and tomorrow that. I think it’s fun and can draw much attention from those who are interested.”
Architect Expo for all
Architect’23 is designed for everyone, whether they are architecture-oriented students, new generation designers, or experienced designers.
Students who are interested in studying architecture can visit the exposition to discover more about the meaning of “architecture” as well as each branch of architecture that has different responsibilities.
Architect’23 will serve as a platform for young architects to update innovations and keep themselves fully updated. You will also have the opportunities to talk to architecture students and assess their knowledge. Experience and have fun on your own at Architect’23.
Experienced architects should attend this event to stay up to date on global trends and meet the next generation of architects.
Architect’23 is a one-stop shop for both industry and non-industry professionals to see innovations, new technology, and meet designers from all fields.
“There will be Speakers who are known by the new generations in the ACT Forum. It will initiate with interesting projects both locally and internationally. We will try to focus on new generation by inviting keynote speakers who come up with new project ideas.”
Architect’23 is scheduled to be held during 25 – 30 April, 2023 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. For those who are interested in space reservation, please visit our website at https://architectexpo.com/2023/en/about-the-expo/#space-reservation or contact us at 02-717-2477 and Email: [email protected]
