To help us prepare for our trip to Bangkok, we were invited to the Royal Thai Embassy, The Hague, where we gained insights into the city, learned about cultural do’s and don’ts, and enjoyed some delicious Thai snacks!
As part of our study-related program, we visited the Dutch Embassy, where we attended several presentations. Christiaan A. Bergwerff from the Embassy provided an overview of their work, Hans van den Born discussed opportunities for companies to do business in Thailand (Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC), Paul Overdijk spoke about the work environment in Thailand (Workplace Pride), and Tjakko Dijk shared insights into his own business venture in Thailand (UrbanSphere Solutions)!
We also had the opportunity to visit the School of Architecture, Art, and Design – KMITL, where we were warmly welcomed by Dean Antika Sawadsri. Martijn Leijten and Leon P.I.M. Hombergen from TU Delft gave presentations on frugal innovations, followed by a talk from Prompt Udomdech, PhD, on the use of BIM in project development in Bangkok. Afterward, we took a short walk around their beautiful campus. During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit three fascinating projects in Bangkok.
Our first stop was the Dusit Thani Bangkok , a major redevelopment in the heart of the city. An existing high-rise is being renovated, while two significantly taller towers are being added to the site. BIM played a crucial role in ensuring precise interior detailing, with all connections meticulously planned.
Next, we visited One Bangkok, one of the largest ongoing projects in the city. Lead architect Russell Kim and his team gave an insightful presentation, complemented by impressive architectural models. They shared valuable perspectives on urban design, covering topics such as open space planning, flood control, and traffic management.
Furthermoe we traveled to the airport to explore the latest infrastructure developments. Phatthana Pansaen and his colleagues provided an in-depth presentation on their work for the new runways Suvarnabhumi airport (CeTeau BV). Afterward, we had the unique experience of walking around the site, an incredible opportunity to see the project up close while standing near some massive aircrafts!
On our final day, we also visited Coral Life, where we gained valuable insights into sustainable building practices in Thailand from Thien Juengwirunchodinan.
A huge thank you to everyone who shared their expertise and insights with us during this incredible experience! This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors, Iv and Heijmans, your contribution is truly appreciated!