Mr. Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon (left), Chairman of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), the developer of the "WHIZDOM 101" project, and Dr. Benjapol Vethvivorn (right), Head of the STBE project at the Department of Civil Engineering, Kasetsart University.


         • MQDC was honored by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture at Kasetsart University to share knowledge and experiences to raise awareness among over 200 master's degree students in the Environmental Structural Technology program.
         • The aim is to develop the construction industry regarding the conservation of natural resources, energy, and the environment.
         • In construction projects, whether large or small, both positive and negative impacts on the environment occur. Therefore, what must be done is to reduce the environmental impact. The community must benefit from energy reduction and environmental impact mitigation. WHIZDOM 101 has an R&D team studying human and living behaviors to design projects that align with the needs and behaviors of residents, under the design challenge of sustainable innovation, or what is called “Sustainovation.”

         Bangkok, July 5, 2017 – Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), a real estate developer of quality residential and mixed-use projects under the Magnolias and Whizdom brands, was honored by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture at Kasetsart University, led by Mr. Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon , Chairman of MQDC and 8 other project management team members, to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas in managing the "WHIZDOM 101" project with over 200 master's degree students in the Environmental Structural Technology program at the STBE Talk No. 5 under the theme Green Practices: Here… and Now at the Engineering Auditorium, Kasetsart University. The objective is to raise awareness about energy conservation and the development of Thailand's construction industry regarding the conservation of natural resources, energy, and the environment as a whole.

         Mr. Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon, Chairman of MQDC stated that during the opportunity to share work experiences with students and those interested in the Environmental Structural Technology program (STBE) at Kasetsart University under the theme Green Practices: Here… and Now, WHIZDOM 101 aims to select topics and content that are beneficial to students. First, we must acknowledge that construction projects, whether large or small, will have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, what must be considered is construction and design that minimizes environmental impact, ensuring that surrounding communities benefit. We design projects focusing on reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. WHIZDOM 101 must have a team that deeply studies human and various living behaviors. Thus, we must design projects that align with the needs and behaviors of humans and other living beings.

         The residences within the project are based on the concept of “sustainable innovation” or “Sustainovation Design,” which combines Sustainability and Innovation.

         This project is located on Sukhumvit Road between Phunnawithi BTS Station and Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, a mixed-use project with a construction budget of over 30 billion baht, featuring large garden areas, residences, workplaces, and shops on over 43 rai, integrating living, working, and recreational spaces for various social activities. The entire commercial area of the project is designed under a hybrid concept that merges indoor and outdoor spaces in a way that has never been seen before in Thailand. There are three key components in this process and concept:

         1. Utilizing nature for design (Passive Design) – Designing buildings to save energy by reducing sunlight exposure and improving airflow, which can decrease energy consumption and reduce air conditioning usage. Therefore, the construction process or pre-construction concept must involve scenario simulation using digital data management systems to conduct experiments, allowing outdoor activities to be comfortable without heat, including planting trees to help reduce temperature and save energy. The innovative design of WHIZDOM 101 incorporates nature to create sustainability, resulting in the project receiving awards from the Ministry of Energy in the Smart Cities-Clean Energy model project competition to develop community cities into smart cities as per government intentions, as the building can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15,000 tons per year.

         2. Using modern technology, such as 24-hour air supply technology in the project, which keeps indoor temperatures close to outdoor temperatures and utilizes a District Cooling Plant to reduce energy consumption for air conditioning.

        3. Utilizing alternative energy, which plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption. The WHIZDOM 101 project has designed a connecting path at the Skywalk in front of the project to generate energy from vibrations, where each step can produce 5 watts of energy, which is used for lighting the walkway to reduce energy consumption. This means that visitors to the project contribute to energy generation. WHIZDOM 101 will communicate this to visitors, showing how the project design allows everyone to participate in reducing energy consumption and contributing to alternative energy production.

         Dr. Benjapol Vethvivorn, Head of the STBE project at the Department of Civil Engineering, Kasetsart University, stated that the university started this project 10 years ago as a program in Environmental Structural Technology. Over the years, it has provided education to clarify how innovation can be applied for better environmental outcomes. There has been much thinking but little action. Therefore, moving forward, creativity in design towards sustainability is everyone's responsibility, not just that of large companies. Personally, I would like to thank MQDC for implementing this in the Thai design industry.

         The STBE Talk event was organized by the Faculty of Engineering, Master's program in Environmental Structural Technology, which was developed through collaboration between the Department of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture to advance the construction industry in terms of sustainable conservation of natural resources, energy, and the environment in the future.

         Mr. Purit Taweejirawut, Senior Manager at MQDC stated that WHIZDOM 101 is a collaboration between MQDC and True Corporation Public Company Limited to develop “True Digital Park,” the first comprehensive Innovation Hub for digital society research and innovation in Southeast Asia, responding to government policies to drive Thailand towards Thailand 4.0. This not only integrates technology for community management but also applies it to daily life.

         True Digital Park will be developed as the first comprehensive Innovation Hub for the digital society in Southeast Asia, representing the first fully integrated digital society funded by the private sector, connecting to a digital city through 4G Plus telecommunications networks, broadband, and Wi-Fi, surrounded by a perfect ecosystem. It will have a Digital Service Platform supporting business operations in Cloud, E-Commerce, and E-Payment, providing business consulting spaces, crowdfunding networks facilitating multinational investments in Thailand, boosting confidence and attracting investment in the Thai economy, creating a digital society, as well as a testing ground for new innovations and model communities, including Prototyping Facilities. True Digital Park will serve as a platform to support the growth of startups, turning ideas into reality, creating a One-Stop Service community, reducing urban traffic, and becoming a new destination for city dwellers, with increased green spaces and Green Buffers for surrounding communities, as well as recreational areas for residents in the project and surrounding communities, stimulating creative thinking.

         “Why do we need to have shops and sports clubs in the project? Because these all come with high costs and low returns. However, when MQDC thinks or designs a project, we consider what benefits the surrounding community will gain to maintain the original community. Therefore, MQDC has improved the canal along the road and even planned additional constructions, such as extending the Skywalk from 300 meters to 500 meters to the entrance of Soi 101/1, allowing the community to benefit from access to the BTS while preserving the community's way of life,” he said.

         Mr. Purit stated that integrating residential projects, hotels, and numerous amenities into one area (Mixed-use) does not yield high profits when compared to revenue, but it is necessary to improve the community because MQDC has a simple principle: whenever we undertake a project, we think as if we are doing it for our family, so we must do our best for our family.

         Additionally, MQDC has interesting and beneficial spaces for the community, with a 24-hour service zone on the first floor to provide convenience for the public to relax, featuring 24-hour shops, lighting, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi for community members to use at all times, connecting the condominium and the BTS.

         Mr. Janwit Pongjareyanukul, Assistant Vice President, MQDC stated that project thinking begins with the design concept, considering the area to be developed. Besides focusing on the community and the environment, which increases costs, we must not forget about revenue and business operations. Therefore, we work with over 10 consultants, including marketers, legal advisors, planners, service experts, etc., as the building occupies a large area.

         The WHIZDOM 101 project consists of three condominium buildings. With high construction costs, it is necessary to stagger the sales timing into phases to generate income for the project developer. Importantly, we must consider how to make the condominium stand out and different. Thus, we initiated research and development, focusing on quality of life and customer needs, under legal regulations, with a 30-year warranty on four aspects: 1. Structural integrity and safety, 2. Waterproofing for both houses and condos, with roofs designed to be particularly strong, 3. Functionality of doors and windows tested for strength, and 4. Waterproofing of electrical and plumbing systems, including the use of innovations, especially for providing fresh air 24 hours a day for residents' health and energy conservation.

         When designing products, pricing must be determined, which we set to be close to other projects. However, what customers receive in addition to typical projects is the view, atmosphere, and improved quality of life. The price per square meter is around 100,000 baht, using quality materials suitable for the price, with uniqueness. Customers will experience new conveniences in transportation, building layout, and collaboration with designers. Additionally, the rooms in all three buildings are designed not to obstruct each other, avoiding perpendicular arrangements, emphasizing nature and the environment. Within the 17-rai condominium area, 5.5 rai is allocated as green space for the three buildings to create differentiation, using different color tones while not neglecting the design in terms of Sustainovation that MQDC cares about, along with the addition of technology and innovation.

         Furthermore, MQDC's research and development center considers modern construction technologies, selecting materials that are safe and do not pollute users or the environment. There is also a focus on Universal Design, allowing everyone, regardless of profession, physical condition, or age, to use the space together, and attention to Feng Shui, which MQDC prioritizes, as most customers interested in condos consider the direction of the head of the bed to be favorable, which should not face west. Therefore, all three buildings are designed so that the head of the bed faces east, with entrances and exits not aligned, and air conditioning units positioned for health benefits, ensuring attention from the construction process to customer handover.

         Mr. Parames Thanuwong, Vice President, MQDC stated that the Thai construction industry utilizes technology very little. If technology is applied in construction, it can significantly reduce waste. Misunderstandings in design or inconsistent structural sizes can lead to waste. If mistakes occur in pipe placement or structural steps, it requires demolition and rework. Therefore, it is essential to use BIM technology from the design stage, incorporating all data into a 3D model before construction begins. This helps reduce errors and obstacles during construction. BIM technology can be applied in various aspects, from design, systems, structures, cost estimation, construction planning, to building management once operational.

         Mr. Arttawut Kaewsutthipol, Senior Architect of A49, responsible for architectural work, stated that selling or conceptualizing a project must address all aspects, including aesthetics, functionality, cost-effectiveness, green spaces, and differentiation for marketability. The sales area must be substantial, and green spaces must be ample and large. The design team must think about how to achieve this. It is challenging to present designs to clients, requiring the presenter to be knowledgeable and skilled, as clients today are well-informed. Therefore, the design must be presented in a way that allows clients to choose and find the best solutions.

         Mr. Kritsada Thaeprasatsit, Managing Director of Infra Group Co., Ltd., another responsible party for structural design, stated that project design must select materials suitable for actual use. The design must ensure safety and load-bearing capacity while minimizing costs. In terms of structure, alternatives must be presented to project owners to ensure quality and value for investment. Mr. Anan Khingkhaji, Vice Chairman and COO of ECC Engineering Network Co., Ltd., an expert in sustainable building design, stated that regarding the question of why WHIZDOM 101 should be a model smart city project, we must discuss details, including structure. We must know the thermal properties of steel and design with temperature considerations to prevent heat accumulation in buildings. Knowing that the materials used contribute to heat generation, tall trees are necessary to prevent direct sunlight on concrete surfaces. This large project includes offices and mixed-use spaces, requiring comprehensive planning before construction begins, ensuring it is an eco-friendly project with sustainability, such as avoiding air ducts to prevent dust and mold accumulation. Every area must have self-regulating temperature control to reduce energy consumption.

         Ms. Apiphan Burisuth, Senior Environmental Designer, Atelier Ten stated that to undertake a project, we must be committed to creating a good and sustainable project first, then consider how the design will meet various criteria and challenges flexibly. The work or designs must be adaptable, allowing construction not to alter the environment. If there are water bodies, green spaces, skywalks, and connections to facilitate surrounding communities, it will enhance the project. Additionally, environmentally friendly materials must be selected, with recycling, production, and transportation occurring within Thailand, and local plants that withstand environmental conditions should be planted in the project to reduce costs and transportation distances, thereby minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.

         Mr. Danaiwit Yuakong, Design Director, Lokoh=Co., Ltd. an expert in landscape architecture, stated that the design emphasizes reintroducing nature into the project. The core of the thinking is that nature is essential for humans, which designers must consider because moving forward, concepts for a better world and sustainability must be integrated into project designs.

Thank you for the information from: www.mqdc.com