AITBOTANICALGARDENCAMPUS BUILDINGDESIGNGUIDELINE
ApprovedbyAITManagementTeam(AMT)
Dated:13November2024
DRAFTEDBYOfficeofSustainableCampus(OSC)
1. Introduction
2. ObjectiveoftheGuidelinesandPrinciples
3. DesignPrinciples
3.1. HeightsofStructuresandSpaceAllocation.
3.2. PredominantMaterials
3.3. BuildingOrientation
3.4. Landscape,StreetscapeandSignage
3.5. Commitmenttodisability,equalaccessibilityandpracticality
3.6. BuildingsthatPromoteHealth,WellbeingandSocialExchange
3.7. ArchitecturalStyle
3.8. RespectforCulturalResources
3.9. Flooding-disasterpreventionandlandsubsidence
4. ResponsibleUseofEnergyandNaturalResources
1. Introduction
Asian Institute of technology (AIT) is located 40 km north of Bangkok on Phaholyothin Road, Klong Luang district, Pathum Thani province which has evolved over time as an international institution for higher learning with each new buildingaddedinawaythatexpressesitsparticular time. The building styles found within AIT campus are mostly the international style (modernism) with theuseofmaterialslikeconcrete,steel,glassesandlaminatedwoodwithmany different materials which may be found side by side Nonetheless, the campus has acquired a special character: it is an “academic crossroads” where peoplefromallthesevencontinents,40+ countries and 50+ postgraduate programs and many disciplinesrubshouldersandshareideas Its character is set by the density of its people, diverse cultures, schools, offices and residential buildings, the scale, materials, and proportions of its older structures, and the green matrix of landscape extending outward from the golf club and science parkbuildinglocatedatThammasat university.
2. ObjectiveoftheGuidelinesandPrinciples
The following document outlines the core principles applicable to all buildings and sites within the AIT Campusrecognizedasagreencampus,offeringguidingprinciplesandrecommendations for future development as it aims to become a sustainable botanical garden campus These guidelines are closely aligned with the institute's mission to develop highly qualified and committed professionals who will play a leading role in the sustainable development. These guidelines are also designed to align with most of the guidelines of Thailand Green Building Index (TGBI). They are intended to be an integral part of the current and future campus developmentplan
The guidelines emphasize that buildings and open green spaces should consider neighboring structures and serve the intended population. They also describe AIT design principlestoensure that the specific surroundings and the campus as a whole are considered in all future building projects. Each new building and site improvement project is recommended to be consistentwith thisplan,supportingthevisionofaBotanicalGardenCampus.
3. DesignPrinciples
For systematic and smooth green building design and construction process in AIT, theprojectin charge is recommended to prudentlyconsiderthefollowingguidelinestoefficientlymaintainand fulfill the greenbuildingrequirementsthroughoutcampusprojectexecution.Theprinciplesinthe documents include the guidelines that promote health, wellbeing and social exchange,heightsof structure and space allocation forresidentialandofficespaces,dominantmaterialusedwithinthe campus, building orientation, landscape and streetscape, commitment to equal accessibility and architectural style, and most importantly responsible use of energy and natural resources on campus
3.1. HeightsofStructureandSpaceAllocation
Creating a green campus involves adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the university community. A crucial aspect is ensuring that building heights align with the tree canopy When buildings are kept lower than the tree canopy, the biodiversity within the canopy contributes to a healthier environment, supports ecological balance, and providesnaturalshadethatreducestheneedforenergy-intensiveairconditioning
Agreencampusaimstoharmonizewithitsnaturalsurroundings Bymaintainingbuildingheights below the tree line, thecampuspreservesavisualconnectiontonature.Thisintegrationenhances the overall aesthetic and promotes a sense of well-being among students, faculty, and visitors AIT campus with its current buildings structure and landscape plan maintains a balance of building height and space allocation, with greenery as its essential aspect for its sustainable, vibrant environment Every future building heights, structures, and space allocation should bein scale with the surrounding structuresandtheadjacentstreetsandpublicways.Eachnewbuilding andsiteimprovementprojectisrecommendedtobeconsistentwiththisplan
3.2. PredominantMaterials
Over the years, a variety of materials have been effectively utilized on the AIT campus. The numerous white concrete buildings, such astheadministrationbuildingattheentrance,showcase an international architectural style incorporating concrete, steel, glass, and laminatedwood.This is complemented by the library buildings The dormitories, cafeteria, and school buildings all embodymodernismandinternationalarchitecturalstyles Allfuturebuildingsandconstructionon campusarerecommendedtoreflectthesematerialsintheirdesignandconstruction.
While the current material selection and architectural style contribute toaunifiedvisualidentity, the predominant use of bright white concrete and other reflective materials warrants reconsideration due to potential microclimatic and visual discomfort issues Specifically, during summer days, the excessive brightness and glare caused by sunlight reflection off thesesurfaces can create significant visual discomfort for students, faculty, and visitors. Additionally, these reflective properties can exacerbate urban heat island effects, thereby impacting the campus microclimateadversely Followingguidelinesarerecommendedforfutureconsideration
➢ Instead of bright white concrete, using concrete with a matte finish orinearthytonessuch as beige, terracotta, or light grey can reduce glare. These colors blend more harmoniously withthenaturalsurroundingsandabsorblessheat.
➢ Laminated wood and composite materials with natural textures can create a visually appealing and thermally comfortable environment. These materials have lower reflective propertiesandcontributetoawarmer,moreinvitingaesthetic.
➢ Integrating green facades and roofs can provide shading, reduce heat reflection, and enhance the campus's overall environmentalquality.Plantsabsorbsolarradiation,lowering thetemperatureofthebuildingsurfacesandtheirsurroundings.
3.3.
BuildingOrientation
Proper building orientation maximizes natural sunlight during winter and minimizes excessive heat exposure in summer. This thoughtful design reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, conserving energy and lowering greenhouse gasemissions Whenpositioningabuilding
during the construction stage, the orientation should avoid direct heat from the east and west whileembracingnaturalcross-ventilationfromthenorthandsouth.
Buildings are recommended to be oriented at a 45-degree angle Office spaces should be zoned towards the west to avoid heat stress during the day, while residential areas should be zoned towards the east to remain cooler during the day and more comfortable at night The design should also ensure that building entrancesarevisibletothosearrivingoncampus,contributingto the vibrancy of streets and walkways. Buildings fronting main streets should feature public entrances and an attractive, open streetscape, including necessary parking facilities All future developments are recommended to reflect these principles during the design and construction phases.
3.4. Landscape,StreetscapeandSignage
To promote the consistent and orderly maintenance and development of the campus landscape, streetscape, and signage, addressing functional, aesthetic, ecological, and management needs these guidelines are designed. The landscape design should create functional spaces for circulation, access, socializing, recreation, and gathering, catering to the needs of students, faculty,staff,andvisitors
Key civic open spaces on campus should include areas such as the stretch from themaingateto the Administration Building, the surroundings of the library, various schools, dormitories, and other significant locations. Streetscapes and major pedestrian walkwaysarealsoconsideredcivic spaces. Campus streets, while serving as primary routes for vehicular traffic, should also accommodate pedestrians Sidewalks should ideally be separated from street curbs bypathways, creating a physical and psychological separation between pedestrians and vehicles. Shaded sidewalks, providedbytreesplantedoutsidethesidewalks,shouldmaintainaconsistentscaleand aestheticthatenhancestheoverallcampuslandscapeexperience
The design and placement of signs, plaques, and banners should be consistent throughout the campus Signage should be provided for all buildings and facilities for venue identification, wayfinding, regulatory purposes (such as for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian movement, and parking), and temporary events and announcements. This also applies to donation plaques, memorial plaques, historical markers, and banners The recommended campus palette is green withwhitetextforallpublicspacesignage.
Every project should include secure bicycle parking with shaded bicycle ports, covered car parking to reduce heatstress,andampleopengreenspaceswithblueinfrastructure,suchaswater retention areas, storage areas, retentionponds,andbioswales.Parkingspacesshouldbesufficient in size for each vehicle, including those for vans and trucks, with appropriate turning radii All main roads within and leading to the campus should be pavedandwideenoughtoaccommodate traffic.Theintroductionofrainguttersforwatercapture,storage,anduseisalsorecommended.
To mitigate the creation of heat islands, which can occur due to extensive use of hard surfaces like concrete and paved tiles, the campus should consider replacing these materials with permeable surfaces, such as porous concrete, permeable pavers, and gravel These alternatives allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing surface temperaturesandalleviatingtheburden
on stormwater systems. These materials can be used in pathways, parking lots, and recreational areas,promotingacoolermicroclimateandreducingtheriskofflooding.
Strategicplacementoftreesandshrubsiscriticalformaximizingshadingpotentialandecological benefits. Selecting appropriate species based on growth patterns, canopy density, and maintenance requirements ensures long-term sustainability and effectiveness Trees should be planted at suitable distances and positions to provide maximum shade to sidewalks, streets, and openspaceswhileallowingforaircirculationandlightpenetration.
All areas within the campus should consider theserecommendedguidelinesforfuturelandscape, streetscape,andsignagedevelopmentswherepossible.
3.5. Commitmenttodisabilityandequalaccessibility
Ensuringequalaccessibilityandinclusivityoncampusisessentialforaccommodatingindividuals with disabilities. Designing spaces that are functional and marketable to people with diverse abilities is crucial AIT is dedicated to providing equal access to all buildings in a dignified manner. This includes the implementation of ramps, staircases, permeable walkways, curbs, interlockingpathways,lifts,andescalators
When designing or modifying physical spaces, it is important to plan ahead and consider the diversity of the campuscommunityatallstagesofaproject.Addressaccessibilityneedsfromthe outset in a manner that aligns with campus building guidelines and preserves historic integrity Ensuring equal accessibility and creating a sustainable campus environment for individuals with disabilitiesarekeygoalsinfosteringaninclusivecampus
3.6. BuildingsthatPromoteHealth,WellbeingandSocialExchange
Buildings in AIT campus bring together diverse people and their ideas in an environment that creates potential for intellectual and social exchange While the physicalcharacterandqualityof a campus is defined by both its buildings and its open space, it is the open space which has the greatest potential for unifying and equalizing the shared space of the campus are streets, walkways, greens,courtyards,dormitories,studentvillage,staffhousing,academicbuildings,and office building, library, conference center, AIT square and open playfields. Individual buildings should also be designed to maximize the opportunities for social and intellectual exchange, however, thereshouldbebalancebetweenneedandidealdesign,andallfuturedevelopmentmust reflecttheinternationalarchitecturalstylefoundwithinthecampus.
3.7. ArchitecturalStyle
Buildings on the AIT campus exemplify international modernism, a movement that emerged in the early 20th century in response to societal changes, technological advancements, and a desire to move away from traditional architectural styles. This architectural approach emphasizes functionality, simplicity, and a forward-looking vision, prioritizing practical use over decorative elements Common materials include steel, glass, concrete, and wood The architectural style of thecampusbuildingsreflectsboththeirintendedpurposeandtheeraoftheirconstruction.
Notable examples of international modernism on campus include the library, administrative building, SET and SERD buildings, the conference center, and various dormitories These
structures collectively represent theinternationalmodernismstyle,aligningwithAIT'sidentityas an international institution. The integration of landscape and public spacesplaysacrucialrolein creatingacohesivecampusenvironment
While international modernism has served AIT well, evolving architectural practices are important to consider As construction techniques advance and climate considerations become more pressing, incorporating contemporary styles can demonstrate AIT's commitment to advancement with global trends. However, asuddenshiftinarchitecturalstylemayleadtovisual discord A balanced approach, blending modern and contemporary styles, can be achieved through retrofitting and adaptive reuse, respecting the campus's historical context while embracinginnovation.
Existing buildings can be updated with contemporary elements to enhance their functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. For instance, adding green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient windows can modernize older structures without compromising their core character. Adaptive reuse of older buildings for new purposes also reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation. New construction should aimtoblendtheinternationalmodernism style with contemporary architectural features, incorporating sleek, minimalist designs, clean lines, and open spaces, along with modern materials and technologies. For example, advanced glass facades with improved thermal performance, integrated smart building systems, and sustainableconstructionpracticescanbeutilized
All future developments are recommended to adhere to these principles during the design and construction phases, balancing practical needswithidealdesign Newprojectsshouldcontinueto reflect the international architectural style while incorporating contemporary elements and evolvingpracticestoalignwiththecampus'ssustainabilitygoals.
3.8. Floodsdisasterpreventionandlandsubsidence
In 2011, a significant breach of reservoir capacities led to dam overtopping, releasing a massive volume of floodwater downstream and expanding the inundation area Despite the dyke protection around the campus, AIT was flooded on October 21, 2011,withwaterlevelsreaching two meters. In response, stronger flood control measures arerecommended,includingreinforced dyke and retaining wall systems, as well as the construction of surface runoff channels and gutters. Blue infrastructure solutions, such as water retention areas, storageareas,ponds,infinity pools, and lazy rivers, are suggested to reduce flooding and prevent land subsidence Land subsidence,aprevailingconcernatAITcanbeaddressedthroughfollowingstrategies
● Implementing strict controls on groundwater extraction and enhancing natural recharge mechanisms This includes creating retention ponds, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground,andmaintaininggreenspacestopromotesoilmoistureretention.
● Using appropriate foundation designs for new buildings, such as pile foundations or techniquesthatdistributeweightevenlytominimizedifferentialsettlements
● Managing ornamental trees and vegetation with properirrigationandspeciesselectionto preventmoisturedepletioninthesubsoil
● Incorporating interlocked walkways using permeable pavements, kerbs for demarcation between walkways and green areas, and integrating trees and flowers into the landscape plan
All future developments are recommended to adhere to these principles during the design and constructionphases,balancingpracticalneedswithidealdesign
4. ResponsibleUseofEnergyandNaturalResources
The AIT botanical campus aims tobealeaderinsustainabilitybyimplementingenvironmentally sensitive designs, fostering innovation and creativity As a higher educational institution, AIT plays a crucial role in teaching future generations responsible resource management and setting an example for students, encouraging them to adopt sustainable habits and become environmentally conscious citizens. This commitment helps reduce the ecological footprint, minimizepollution,andprotectthelocalecosystem.
The campus is dedicated to creating an environment that goes beyond sustainability, actively enhancing the quality of life and the environment for its users.Thoseinchargeshouldconducta comprehensive analysis of all current andfuturerenovationandconstructionprojects,integrating recommended sustainable principles into the campus design and improvements.Theseprinciples include:
1. Reducing dependence on non-renewable resources, using recycled materials wherever possibleandpromotingtheadaptivereuseofexistingstructures.
2. Siting new structures with careful consideration of orientation, shading, and the impact onadjacentbuildingsandspaces.
3. Utilizing landscape design to create healthy and ecologicallyappropriatespaces,provide pleasant outdoor environments, reduce exterior lighting demand, and minimize stormwaterrunoff.
4. Minimizing maintenance and operating costs by employing whole-systems lifecycle evaluation to determine true project costs and integrating innovative daylighting and buildingengineeringsolutionsfromtheproject'sinception
5. Improving indoor environmental quality and adopting monitoring, measuring, and feedback systems to establish baselines of energy usage and building performance, againstwhichtheuniversitycanevaluateimprovementsandsetgoalsforfutureprojects
6. Reducing energy consumption of building and site systems (HVAC, hot water, lighting) through the use of energy-efficient, advanced mechanical, and construction technologies suchasnaturalcooling,lightrecovery,andpassivesolardesign.
All future developments should adhere to these principles during the design and construction phases,balancingpracticalneedswithidealdesign.