2024 AUA
Academic Conference

About

The 21st century has witnessed rapid technological advancements, which in turn have led to multifaceted societal challenges. Today, design holds the power to revolutionize the way societies function and evolve. With the growing responsibility of designers to shape society’s future, it becomes imperative for scholars and practitioners to come together and discuss the broader implications of their work.

Design as a contribution to a better society is essential in addressing the global challenges of our time, including climate change, social inequality, and resource depletion. It can play a vital role in creating environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable products, services, and systems. It is a powerful problem-solving and innovation tool with applications far beyond product and fashion design. Design can be used to shape policies, systems, services, and experiences, making them more effective, efficient, and people-centered.

In 2024, the Faculty of Architecture is honored to host the 7th Academic Conference organized by Chulalongkorn University under AUA frame, “Design for Society.” Through this event, we aim to explore how design can cater to society’s needs, ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and harmonious growth. There are four sub-themes of the conference:

• Public Policy: This sub-theme focuses on the role of design in creating innovative and human-centered public services that meet the needs of diverse populations. Researchers and practitioners may explore novel service systems, design methods, and digital technologies that can enhance public services’ accessibility, quality, and effectiveness.
• Prosperity: This sub-theme centers on the intersection of design and the robust and redundant local economy. Researchers and practitioners may explore how design can help create new economic opportunities while preserving local culture and environmental resources.
• People: This sub-theme focuses on how design can promote social inclusion and equity by addressing diverse users’ needs and aspirations. Researchers and practitioners may explore how design can challenge social norms and power structures, foster empathy and understanding, and create more inclusive and participatory environments.
• Planet: This sub-theme explores how design can contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Researchers and practitioners may explore how design can reduce resource consumption, minimize waste and pollution, and promote a more regenerative and resilient built environment.