ASA ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDENT WORKSHOP 2026

ASA
6 hours ago
3 min read

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE + HUMAN CRAFT = DIGITAL CRAFT

Based on the concept of ASA Architect Expo 2026 "SATI : WISDOM : PROMPT - EMBRACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / HONOR HUMAN CRAFT AND TIMELESS WISDOM?", which raises questions about how the architectural profession will move forward amidst global changes and technologies that are replacing human roles.

This design workshop project focuses on learning and practical experimentation under the theme "DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE AND HUMAN CRAFT: DIGITAL CRAFT." It invites students to explore and design small-scale architecture or spaces that respond to community needs—such as pavilions, waiting areas, or bus stops. By utilizing "craftsmanship details" as the convergence point between local wisdom and digital tools, the project aims to produce tangible works that reflect the new value of the profession.

This concept aligns with the grand theme of Architect '69, which questions the relationship between HUMAN WISDOM (CRAFT) and INTELLIGENCE (AI/TECH). Therefore, it opens a space for students to experiment with both traditional craftsmanship and digital technology simultaneously, while expanding perspectives from local contexts to the international stage through creative communication and presentation at the Association's main event.

Under this framework, ASA STUDENT WORKSHOP 2026 intends to "translate the great question of the era" into a new form of design. It blends craftsmanship from human wisdom with the potential of digital artificial intelligence thinking processes. This is achieved through experimentation with local materials, hands-on learning, and the development of 1:1 scale prototypes, coupled with the use of digital AI tools to analyze and communicate concepts. Ultimately, this leads to small-scale designs that answer community contexts and can be extended to the international stage in the future.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

SYMBIOSIS OF DIGITAL & HUMAN: Design born from the collaboration between AI / COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN and human artistic sensitivity.
CRAFT REINTERPRETED: Craftsmanship is not merely traditional handiwork but is reinterpreted through technology such as PARAMETRIC DESIGN, ROBOTIC FABRICATION, 3D PRINTING, or CNC MILLING.
DIGITAL MATERIALITY: Materials and textures designed through digital processes that still retain the unique identity of CRAFT.DIGITAL MATERIALITY วัสดุและผิวสัมผัสที่ออกแบบผ่านกระบวนการดิจิทัล แต่ยังคงความเป็นเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะของงาน CRAFT

ARCHITECTURAL TRANSLATION

1. FORM & GEOMETRY

Using ALGORITHMIC / GENERATIVE DESIGN to create complex forms that resemble handcrafts but are generated through automatic calculations.
GEOMETRY that appears ORGANIC, resembling weaving or carving, but created with COMPUTATIONAL PATTERNS.

2. MATERIAL & SURFACE

The use of natural materials (wood, earth, stone) combined with synthetic materials (composites, BIO-MATERIAL) through DIGITAL FABRICATION techniques.
Building skins that can be "RESPONSIVE" to light, wind, or users, controlled by DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE systems.

3. SPACE & ATMOSPHERE

Spaces where users feel "Humanity" through CRAFT, such as TEXTURE and TACTILE QUALITY.
Yet, the space remains "Smart" through the use of sensors, AR/VR, or adaptive systems.

KEY MESSAGE

"DIGITAL CRAFT IS NOT A REPLACEMENT OF THE HUMAN HAND, BUT AN EVOLUTION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP THROUGH INTELLIGENCE."

OBJECTIVES

To create a process for analyzing the potential of the area, target groups, and the role of the space from the perspective of architecture students.
To present concepts, project details, and design works, leading to a concrete area development process.
To practice collaboration among students and faculty members from 37 architectural institutions, promoting a public mind and volunteering for society.
To practice field studies and design implementation by blending local wisdom with digital tools and sustainable development with related technologies. This includes brainstorming with experts and academics in various sectors to gather suggestions on academic issues and jointly find ways to cope with changes arising from development and technology-driven design trends.
To cultivate a consciousness of eco-friendly design and sustainable development among participants, while exchanging and disseminating knowledge to society. The aim is to raise awareness of the trends in inheriting local wisdom with digital tools and to realize the value of design within the context and language of vernacular architecture, creating a foundation for a sustainable networked learning society and practical application guidelines.

PROJECT RESPONSIBLE TEAM

Asst. Prof. Dr. Rattapong Angkasith – Project Leader

Asst. Prof. Narantai Chansen – Project Committee

Ajarn Songphot Saisueb – Project Committee

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kadaree Kittiwattanawanich – Project Committee

PARTICIPANTS (86 People)

Student Representatives: 3rd-4th year students from 37 Faculty of Architecture institutions nationwide (2 students per institute), totaling 60-74 students.
Faculty Representatives: Lecturers from the Faculty of Architecture, totaling 15-20 people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ms. Thanyapitcha Wijarn Tel: 064-245-1549

E-MAIL: INFO.ASAWORKSHOP@GMAIL.COM