Making Merit Through Architecture: The Design Build Program at INDA

Abstract

           Many schools of Architecture around the world allow students to take part in a real-world project by designing and making a small-scale building known as a Design Build project. At INDA, the International Program in Design and Architecture at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, the Design Build program extends across 2 summer semesters.  Students start with a small-scale project to learn about production techniques, then move on to a small-scale building to learn about the social benefits of architecture and how it can support a local community.  This is a reflection of the Thai (Buddhist) ideal of Making Merit, of bringing benefit to both parties through the act of giving.