IIT’s MTBVU Takes Educational Travel to Bangkok

The Masters of Tall Buildings and Vertical Urbanism (MTBVU) program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in collaboration with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), embarked on an extensive exploration of Bangkok’s evolving urban and architectural landscape in January 2025 as part of their semester curriculum. This immersive experience, kindly sponsored by Dusit International, took students through developments such as Dusit Central Park, MahaNakhon Tower, and One Bangkok, where they engaged directly with industry leaders, architects, and developers. From hard-hat construction tours, helipad visits atop skyscrapers, visits to architectural practice offices and in-depth discussions on sustainable urbanism, the trip provided unparalleled insights into the complexities of designing and developing high-rise environments in a rapidly growing metropolis.

The trip blended high-rise innovation with cultural heritage, offering the students firsthand insight into both the modern and historic aspects that make up the city of Bangkok. Students were able to walk through tall building construction sites and newly completed developments. They also experienced the city’s rich landscape of historic temples and local traditions, providing a holistic understanding of Bangkok’s architectural identity.

An emphasis on sustainable and integrated urban design was a critical part to the travel program and many of the site visits and pioneering projects demonstrated this. Meetings with renowned architectural firms, including A49 and Somdoon Architects, provided valuable perspectives on the intricacies of contemporary high-rise design, from environmental strategies to cultural influences. Additionally, the trip fostered professional connections and enriched the students’ understanding of global urbanism, leaving them inspired.

Thank you to all the groups and firms who made this an inspiring and successful trip for the MTBVU students and the program:

– Dusit International
– Central Pattana (CPN)
– Vimarn Suriya Co Ltd
– Frasers Property Limited
– One Bangkok
– King Power International
– A49 Architects
– Somdoon Architects
– WOHA Architects

Students engaged with executives and designers from Vimarn Suriya Co Ltd, a joint venture between Dusit Hotels & Central Pattana (CPN), to understand the vision behind Dusit Central Park. The project is the driver behind a tall building design exercise for the students that will occur afterward. The session covered the project’s master plan, followed by an exclusive site visit through the under-construction office and residential towers. The day concluded with a tour of the newly completed Dusit Thani Hotel.

The day commenced at King Power MahaNakhon, where students explored its high-end hospitality and residential spaces before ascending to the observation deck, with its incredible projecting glass floor. After, the students returned to the ground and took a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and led to experiencing the cultural immersion of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The evening ended with a visit to Khao San Road, including a traditional Thai massage experience!

On this day, the students took a guided tour of One Bangkok developed by Frasers Property and learned about  the city’s largest integrated development, emphasizing urban planning and sustainability. Russell Kim, Chief Design and Innovation Officer of One Bangkok, led the students and shared his insights of the complex and included visiting a helipad atop one of the skyscrapers. The day also included a visit to A49 Architects, followed by a study of the historic Jim Thompson House, a fusion of traditional and modern architecture. The day concluded with an evening at Ratchadamnoen Stadium for a Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) match.

The day was spent going out around Bangkok with Somdoon Architects, led by founders Punpong Wiwatkul and Puiphai Khunawat, and reviewing projects focused on sustainability-driven designs. Formerly with WOHA Architects (Singapore), Punpong and Puiphai gave personal tours of The Hansar Hotel, The Met Residences, and Ideo Morph 38. Discussions centered on innovative approaches to urban greenery and passive cooling strategies. The trip concluded with a final discussion session at the Somdoon Architect’s studio.

On the final day, the students visited Wat Arun to admire its intricate architecture and rich history. In the evening, they explored the lively Chatuchak Market, experiencing local crafts, street food, and the vibrant night market scene. The time in Bangkok ended with student’s relaxing before their departure from the city.

OTHER CITIES: Once the trip to Bangkok ended, the students had the opportunity to experience a second high-rise city on the return journey to Chicago and learn about that city’s architecture. Those who took this opportunity went to the locations like Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, as below.