The Architect Council Aims to Accelerate the Recovery of the Design and Construction Industry

         The COVID-19 pandemic, which has lasted nearly a full year, has significantly impacted the economy, with the construction industry alone estimated to be worth 1.29 trillion baht (Source: Economic Intelligence Center, Siam Commercial Bank). The widespread social effects are incalculable, prompting the Architect Council to expedite the recovery of this industry. Thus, they announced the organization of the ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built, the only major event of the year that will gather knowledge and stories in architecture covering all fields, including architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning, as well as trends in design and innovative construction products from leading brands both domestically and internationally. The event will take place from November 18-22, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Challenger Hall 3
Impact Muang Thong Thani

 

 

'Architects Share Happiness' to Alleviate the Crisis

         The concept of “Architects Share Happiness” for this year's event arises from the desire to collaborate in revitalizing the architecture, design, and construction sectors by delivering happiness through knowledge, expertise, technology, and innovation, leading to the development of future lifestyles in line with new norms.

          Mr. Pakit Pananurat, Chairman of ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built  stated, “This year's event is set against a challenging backdrop, as architects and designers must adapt to a rapidly changing world, facing new design challenges that align with the altered lifestyles post-pandemic. This includes not only residential spaces but also other public areas such as hospitals, parks, urban planning, and even prisons. Additionally, there are pressing issues that the industry is focusing on, such as the circular economy and sustainability, and how to repurpose abandoned spaces or structures for beneficial use, which will change the design landscape.

          The construction material manufacturers also face challenges in creating innovations that meet the needs of modern living. Therefore, this year, we aim to create a space for learning, sharing knowledge, experiences, and new innovations among professionals in architecture, design, and construction, while also passing these insights on to society to help alleviate the crisis we face together, ultimately fostering “happiness,” which is a fundamental aspect of humanity.”

 

A Powerhouse of Knowledge

         To revive the design and construction industry, it is essential to rely on new knowledge. ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built has invited world-class speakers to share their experiences and knowledge, including Kate Orff, Jon Charles Coe, Marina Tabassum, Lyndon Neri, Jan Gehl, as well as nationally and internationally recognized Thai speakers such as Prof. Emeritus Dr. Surapol Virulrak, Mr. Chatpong Chuenruedee, Mr. Pongtep Sakulku, Mr. Ruslan Toparee, and Mr. Kotchakorn Woraakorn.

         In addition, over 40 other speakers will share their knowledge and inspire attendees throughout the five days of the event, covering interesting topics across all areas including design, restoration, management, business, law, and future skills such as Landscape and Urban Planning Architect, architects in the New Normal era, new innovations in hospitals, designing hotels and condominiums during COVID-19, what new graduates should do, experiences in managing architectural offices during economic crises, professional liability insurance, how to design to avoid lawsuits, professional development and promotion requests, Urban Management in Thailand's World Heritage Cities, the charm and potential of small community areas, urban planners and city planning in Narathiwat Province, urban reforestation, World Environmental Design, Modular House, Biotechnology Design, Proxemics Diagram for Architects, prisons and strategies to alleviate overcrowding, revitalizing abandoned urban structures, new quality of life in worker housing, inspecting and renovating old buildings and extensions, energy conservation building assessors, Circular Economy in Architecture, Service Design with architects, and professional organizational management.

Those interested can view seminar topics and book tickets at www.ActForumExpo.com/2020/forum

 

Comprehensive and Intensive… on Design and Construction

        ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built, with the name ACT derived from the Architect Council of Thailand, is distinguished as an international architectural conference and exhibition showcasing construction product technologies across all four architectural disciplines: architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. This year's event marks the second occurrence after the first event was highly successful, attracting over 25,000 visitors and garnering interest from over 300 construction product manufacturers and distributors from 30 countries worldwide.

    Mr. Supaman Markha, Project Director of Arya Expo Co., Ltd., the organizer of ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built revealed, “This year, the event maintains its comprehensive and intensive nature, featuring over 300 exhibitors from leading brands in Thailand and abroad, showcasing innovative construction products. Additionally, there will be construction products under the concept of New Normal Technologies to meet the needs of residents in the new era, such as:

  • The launch of products under the concept “NEW LIGHT FOR NEW NORMAL” from Lighting and Equipment Co., Ltd. (Public)
  • The launch of laminated surface materials under the concept “EXPLORE THE NATURE” from Wilson Art Thailand Co., Ltd.
  • The launch of products catering to modern users in both digital and new lifestyle aspects from Hafele (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
  • A showcase of tool technology from Makita and Milwaukee, giants from Japan and America, unveiling new batteries specifically for this event.

In addition to the highlighted construction products mentioned, this year we have developed the event format to align with current circumstances, including:

  • A hybrid conference seminar format for the first time this year.
  • Enhanced security and hygiene standards to ensure participant confidence.
  • The launch of the ACT FORUM Digital Showroom to extend business opportunities online for construction product operators alongside the offline event, compiling comprehensive product and service information for construction materials and design.

It is anticipated that this event will be a crucial factor in stimulating and revitalizing the construction industry, creating opportunities for both large and small businesses after a significant downturn in recent months. Furthermore, it will help propel Thai architects and designers to develop their potential to an international level.”

The ACT FORUM '20 Design + Built event is scheduled to take place from November 18-22, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Challenger Hall 3, Impact Muang Thong Thani.

For more details, visit www.ActForumExpo.com