The School of Architecture and Design (SoA+D), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), is proud to announce that our 4th-year architecture program students have received international recognition at the Designing Resilience Globally (DRG) 2025 Symposium and Student Competition, hosted by the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, China. Their project, titled “Rooted Currents,” was honored with the prestigious Climate Resilience Urban Design Excellence Award under the competition theme “A Tale of an Island on Pearl River: Regenerative Urban Design for Changzhou Island.”
The student-led project, developed as part of the academic studio, demonstrated innovative and context-sensitive approaches to urban design in response to climate challenges. The proposal impressed the international jury with its integration of architectural, ecological, and social strategies for building urban resilience. Under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Martin Schoch, the team developed an integrated proposal addressing climate resilience, urban livability, and cultural continuity.
Rooted Currents reimagines Changzhou Island’s vulnerable, low-lying terrain as a self-sustaining urban village that draws strength from ecological design and cultural heritage. Confronting the risks of overdevelopment and flooding, the project proposes a porous land strategy that utilizes dredged soil and preserved canals to manage water dynamically, thereby minimizing environmental impact. At the heart of the design is a pedestrian-oriented urban fabric, inspired by Lingnan vernacular traditions, featuring shaded alleys, cooling courtyards, and vibrant public spaces. Modular, low-carbon architecture constructed from cross-laminated timber and recycled materials supports adaptability and resource efficiency. Innovative systems—including solar rooftops, rainwater harvesting, and centralized greywater reuse—allow the village to function like an ecosystem: resilient, regenerative, and rooted in place. The proposal blends community life, climatic responsiveness, and circular resource flows into a cohesive vision of future-ready urbanism.
This achievement not only underscores the talent and vision of KMUTT’s architecture students but also reaffirms SoA+D’s educational commitment to sustainability, design innovation, and global engagement. The award is a testament to the university’s dedication to shaping architects who are equipped to meet the complex challenges of our time.
Participating Team Members are Phanthira Arjarreepipat, Amornpong Asawapongpullkit, Pranchalee Ashasuthikhun, Mia Clarisse Ignacio, May Thet Khaing, Sarapat Khumkhong, Niracha Limsirisakul, Korphai Nontapaoraya, Ei Thandar Oo, Pruknapon Thongbai, Nattapob Wilawanwajee, and Phanurus Wongtree.
Congratulations to the team on this outstanding success
