Bangkok, January 31, 2018 -- The Siam Architects Association and TTF International Co., Ltd. announced the launch of Architect Expo '61 (Architect Expo 2018) themed 'Beyond Ordinary' which emphasizes the creativity of local architecture in the contemporary lifestyle of Thai society. The event will take place from May 1-6, 2018, at Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani.

          Mr. Atchaphol Dusitnanont, President of the Siam Architects Association under Royal Patronage, stated, "The Architect Expo is the largest exhibition of architecture, materials, and construction technology in the ASEAN region, initiated by the Siam Architects Association since 1986. This year's event marks the 32nd edition, attracting over 350,000 visitors annually, with increasing interest each year. The main objective is to showcase the potential and present advancements in architecture across all professional fields, featuring innovative products and construction technologies, as well as materials related to architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Architect Expo '61 will include numerous exhibitions and interesting activities, international seminars, and various services prepared by the Siam Architects Association for its members and the general public."

          In previous years, the organizing committee has set different themes aimed at creating a vision for professionals in architecture to keep pace with global changes and new construction technologies. This year, the theme is 'Vernacular Living', focusing on the role and transformation of local architecture and design in the contemporary lifestyle of Thai society. It is believed that this event will benefit architects, related professions, and the general public who participate in the exhibition."

          During the press conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apiradee Kasemsuk, Chair of Architect Expo '61, discussed the details of this year's event, stating, "The theme for this year is Vernacular Living under the title 'Beyond Ordinary', emphasizing the creative process of local architecture and design in the contemporary lifestyle of Thai society."

          Currently, local architecture is being challenged by globalization, climate change, and the transition from rural to urban society. Architect Expo '61 'Beyond Ordinary' focuses on how local architecture responds to these changes through various exhibitions and activities within the event."

          This year marks the first time that the Siam Architects Association has opened up space for architects, designers, craftsmen, and knowledgeable individuals from various generations to collaboratively question and interpret local architecture in contemporary life through the design of five main pavilions: Living Space Pavilion, Working Space Pavilion, Meeting Space Pavilion, Moving System Pavilion, and Introduction Pavilion. Additionally, there will be over 18 other pavilions designed by leading architects and designers from Thailand. The highlights of this event will consist of two parts: 'Pavilion Design' and the 'Content' of the exhibition under the theme Vernacular Living, which includes the following five main exhibition pavilions:

  1. Living Space Pavilion This exhibition showcases the evolution of traditional houses from ancient times to modernity, highlighting that mass-produced housing does not meet the true needs of living. The exhibition is presented through photographs, lighting design, and a model of a traditional stove, designed by Mr. Boonlert Hemvijitpan from Boon Design.

  2.  Working Space Pavilion This exhibition illustrates the transformation of occupational space usage, from the past where it overlapped with living spaces to being separated during the industrial era, until modern technology allows work and personal spaces to merge again, presented through furniture arrangement combined with multimedia displays. The pavilion is designed by Ms. Jiriyawadee Lekhathawattana and Mr. Luke Yeung from ARCHITECTKIDD.

  3. Meeting Space Pavilion This exhibition addresses the overlap of social activities in public spaces and online spaces, questioning how the interaction of physical spaces in the real world and virtual reality (AR) can coexist and how it will change the role of public spaces in cities. The exhibition will be presented through a game on an application, designed by Mr. Suriyah Amphanserirat from Walllasia.

  4.  Moving System Pavilion   This exhibition presents stories about transportation systems, questioning the creative processes behind local transport systems such as motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, express boats, and songthaews. It explores the development of transportation systems using new communication technologies and online systems to enhance the exchange of goods and services, and the transformation of urban areas. The pavilion is constructed from wood using a nail-free structure, designed by Prof. Dr. Veera Inpanthang and Mr. Pitch Poshayanont.

  5. Introduction PavilionThis exhibition provides an overview of the event's theme, highlighting the role and importance of local architecture, and the stories of key figures who laid the foundation for local architectural education in the country. The pavilion structure is built using a pneumatic system that changes shape according to environmental conditions, reflecting the uniqueness of local architecture created without architects, designed by Ms. Sawitree Paisalwattana and Mr. Jakub Gardolinski from PAGAA, along with Mr. Methas Srisuchat from MAGLA.

          Additionally, Architect Expo '61 will feature a central area for various recreational activities, such as workshops  offering practical knowledge, a central stage  as a public space for relaxation, allowing attendees to enjoy performances and interesting activities throughout the event, ASA Sketch  a space for youth and those interested in drawing, the ASA House  providing design and construction consultation services for the general public by volunteer architects, and the international design competition, ASA International Design Competition 2018, held under the theme VEX: Agitated Vernacular, challenging traditional definitions of local architecture. A highlight of the event is the ASA Forum 2018  featuring academic seminars by architecture experts from both Thailand and abroad, including renowned architects such as Han Tümertekin from Turkey and José María Sánchez García from Spain.

          Mr. Suphaman Makha, Deputy Managing Director of TTF International Co., Ltd., the organizer of this year's event, revealed, "Architect Expo '61 remains the largest exhibition of construction materials innovation in ASEAN, attracting exhibitors and interested visitors from around the world. This year, there will be a pavilion showcasing construction innovations from exhibitors such as IMAG GmbH, a subsidiary of Messe München in Germany, which organizes the world's largest architecture, products, and construction systems exhibition, BAU. This presents an opportunity for designers in Thailand and the ASEAN region, as well as attendees, to experience high-level construction product technologies at this event."

          Alongside showcasing diverse construction material innovations from various countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, the USA, Vietnam, etc., over 800 companies have already confirmed their participation, occupying more than 75,000 square meters. It is expected that the total transaction value during and after the event will reach tens of billions of baht.

          "The expansion of the real estate and construction product business shows clear positive signs due to the improved economic growth from public investment this year. This should provide opportunities for construction operators to receive projects in line with improved consumption from both domestic and international markets. Therefore, Architect Expo '61 serves as an indicator of economic trends, and we are confident that this year's event will receive positive responses and feature a variety of innovative construction works. It will present outstanding construction design innovations from Europe and America for attendees to choose the best construction products. Architect Expo '61 is an event not to be missed," he concluded.

Thank you for the information from http://asa.or.th/homepage-th/