GAIN INSIGHT INTO THE DIRECTIONS OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FROM PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN AT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY THROUGH THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BOOK
TEXT: SURAWIT BOONJOO
(For Thai, press here)
AAU 25+25: The Road Ahead
Montfort del Rosario School of Architecture and Design, Assumption University (AAU), 2024
172.5 x 250 mm
246 pages
ISBN 978-616-7695-37-2
AAU 25+25: The Road Ahead is a book celebrating the 25th anniversary of the School of Architecture and Design at Assumption University (AAU). In addition to commemorating this special occasion, it reflects on the significant milestones of AAU over the past 25 years. The book aims to inspire and motivate through interviews with key figures associated with the School, successful alumni in their professions, and pivotal events that have shaped AAU’s international community until now.
The book features two main sections: 25 Inspirations: This section includes interviews and quotes from 25 individuals, sharing their experiences, insights, and challenges regarding AAU’s past, present, and future. It alternates with the next section to provide a comprehensive view. And 25 Stories: This section narrates 25 important events and stories that have defined AAU’s identity and character. It includes details about various activities and projects, both national and international. For instance, the Asian Coalition for Architecture and Urbanism (ACAU) project is a collaborative workshop involving architecture universities from across the Asian region, focusing on important topics in architecture and urbanism. The aim was to provide AAU students, representing Thailand, with the opportunity to develop knowledge through diverse frameworks and perspectives. This story is just one of the 25 stories, reflecting AAU’s potential and opportunities for learning. Another example is the workshop on ‘Transcending a (mere) Void,’ which featured guest critic Astrid Klein from Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) in Japan, who also gave a special lecture on ‘Joyful Architecture: Another Form of Sustainability.’
There are interesting interviews with key figures, such as former instructors and those involved with AAU, that provide insights into the School’s evolution. For example, when asked what she expects the AAU to do in the future in response to the rising professional market, Pilasinee Rattarangsi, an AAU alumna and founder of Rangsi Atelier, discussed the importance of both mindset and skillset in adapting to the evolving professional market. Her perspective highlights the need for business acumen and flexible working styles for future success.
While Prof. Pisit Viriyavadhana, the founding dean of AAU from 1996 to 2013, shared the challenges of establishing the School and its early operations, Asst. Prof. Suparath Valaisathien, another former dean, spoke about future directions, emphasizing the goal of becoming an international community of scholars and integrating business aspects to enhance students’ future opportunities.
Stories that provoke thought and reflection intertwine with inspirational quotes and interviews from successful alumni and faculty members throughout the book. In addition to providing insight into Assumption University’s School of Architecture and Design, AAU 25+25: The Road Ahead serves as a valuable resource for learning and self-reflection, appealing to both professionals in the design field and the general public, regardless of their affiliation with AAU.
