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The publication commemorating the 25th anniversary of the School of Architecture and Design at Assumption University (AAU) is dedicated not only to celebrating this special occasion but also to reflecting on the significant milestones of AAU over the past 25 years. It aims to inspire and motivate through interviews with prominent figures from the faculty who have achieved success in their professions. The book also highlights key events that have shaped AAU’s international community.

The 36th Architects Expo in 2024, under the theme Collective Language, marks another occasion where the annual theme addresses the concept of “collaboration” since the post-COVID-19 period. This is reflected in the event’s organization, which features a team of four chairpersons from different professional roles. The event also showcases international cooperation, with the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage (ASA) collaborating with over 22 partner nations from the member countries of the Architects Regional Council Asia (Arcasia)

This edition of ASA Journal serves as the report of the event, featuring the ASA Architectural Excellence Awards, ASA Architectural Conservation Awards, a summary of the ASA International Forum by Thai and international architects on the theme of ‘Collective Language: Critical Regionalism in Architecture,’ the ASA Experimental Design Competition 2024 results, and last but not least, the ASA Platform Selected Materials 2024. 

This issue of ASA, Out of the Blocks, focuses on creating and testing different masonry building materials. It showcases the innovative designs of architects, which combine engineering and craftsmanship, as well as advancements in construction technology. The issue features various architectural works, including house designs by Research Studio Panin and Muslim Architect for Community, an office renovation by Studio Miti, a hotel by Ekar Architects, and a mixed-use building by pbm. ASA Professional features an article showcasing the innovative practices of Junsekino Architect and Design, and BodinChapa Architects, an emerging studio that utilizes local materials to construct remarkable modern architecture.

The notion of sustainable development has substantially impacted architectural design and the construction sector in the past few decades. This term refers to a developmental trajectory that ensures the ability of the current generation to fulfill its requirements while safeguarding the future. This has placed significant emphasis on the environmental aspect, with a particular mention of the color green symbolizing this notion. Thus, it has become customary to refer to it as “green architecture” or “green building,” terms initially regarded as addressing the challenges posed by ever-evolving global circumstances such as climate crises, natural disasters, wars, and epidemics. When envisioning the future of architecture, it is therefore inevitable to consider the interplay between the environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

This ASA Journal, A Green Future issue, features architectural projects in Thailand that demonstrate environmental sustainability. These projects encompass both the construction of new buildings and the modification of existing building structures to incorporate social and psychological aspects of the occupants, as well as public benefits at the city level. Additionally, it encompasses articles that discuss forthcoming low-carbon materials.

This issue of ASA Journal, Wood is Good, features contemporary wooden architecture projects by Thai architects, such as a hotel design by Habita Architects, a meditation center by DBALP, an art exhibition building by Sumphat, and a residential project by Yangnar Studio, as well as a church design by Spanish architect Paco Garcia Moro in Tak Province.

In addition to being designed with materials and concepts that respond to the effects of climate change that we will increasingly face in the future, wooden architecture is still considered to create new skills and knowledge in woodworking that both build upon and carry forward the traditional wisdom, incorporating new things from various contexts and cultures. Creating knowledge, craftsmanship, and originality in wooden architecture is essential for keeping up with changing times and human needs.

This edition of ASA focuses on the core theme of the Architect Expo 2023 event, “Tam Taad: Time of Togetherness.” Tam Taad is a famous and delicious Thai dish made from a variety of tasty raw materials and herbs, so the theme is a metaphor for the combination of ideas and designs chosen by co-organizers from all five professional associations: the Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage (ASA), the Thai Interior Designers Association (TIDA), the Thai Association of Landscape Architects (TALA), and the Architects Council of Thailand.

This issue includes an article presenting thematic pavilion designs, an award for the conservation of architectural art for 2023, a summary of the ACT Forum, which the association co-organized for the first time with the Architect Council of Thailand, The ASA Experimental Design Competition: Not Only Human, and an introduction to new interesting products from the ASA Platform Selected Materials 2023.