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Small Space, Big Ideas — Highlights from room x Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 Vol. 1
The first session of the room x Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 took place earlier this week as part of the BaanLaeSuan Fair Midyear 2024 at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok.
Under the theme (Re)Thinking Inside the Box: Vol. 1 – Living in Small Urban Spaces, the discussion invited audiences to explore the challenges of dense urban living — and how good design can transform limited space into places of comfort, function, and beauty.
Featured Speakers from Across Asia
The session brought together four distinguished voices from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam/Japan, all of whom specialize in small-space residential design:
Lee Cherng Yih and Caleb Ong, Formzero (Malaysia)
This architectural duo is known for crafting clever spatial solutions in tropical urban settings, blending sustainability with inventive use of form and structure to overcome site constraints.
Dr. Hyunju Jang, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
An expert in shophouse architecture, Dr. Jang presented case studies on how traditional shopfront buildings can be repurposed into livable homes that are affordable, legal, and cozy — even within dense urban cores.
Sanuki Daisuke, Sanuki Daisuke Architects (Vietnam / Japan)
With deep experience designing for Southeast Asia’s climate, Daisuke shared methods for creating naturally ventilated, compact homes and transforming underutilized urban pockets into vibrant public spaces.
A Dialogue on Living Better in Less Space
More than just architecture, the conversation revolved around urban adaptability, community connection, and the pursuit of well-being within compact living conditions.
Whether it’s rethinking the function of walls or opening homes to shared spaces, each speaker offered strategies to turn constraints into creative opportunities.
Asst. Prof. Supitcha Tovivich, from Chulalongkorn University, moderated the panel, helping the audience navigate key ideas and inspiring reflection on how design can directly impact quality of life in Southeast Asian cities.
Watch the full session here: