Design Competition Seeks Future Blueprint for Chiang Mai Walkable City
A national design competition for sustainable public spaces in Chiang Mai crowned "Khob Khet" as the winning concept, selected from 112 student submissions that reimagined walkable city development around the northern city's cultural herita
Baanandaan magazine and SCG Landscape announced results of the GOOD WALK DESIGN AWARD 2026 competition, seeking prototype public spaces that serve the needs of all user groups while advancing sustainable walkable city development in Chiang Mai. The competition attracted over 250 students nationwide who submitted 112 designs, narrowed to 10 finalists competing at the Siam Architects Association's Lanna Chapter in Chiang Mai. Expert judges from urban design, architecture, and landscape fields evaluated entries across five criteria: design concept, creativity, site context fit, material selection, and potential for real-world implementation.
The winning entry "Khob Khet" (Boundary Limit) by Warisara Butsan and Pannachai Thongbai from Silpakorn University successfully merged Chiang Mai's identity with contemporary public space design across functionality, safety, aesthetics, and development potential. Runner-up awards went to "RE THREAD" by Nattathanapart Chimphan and Kanyaphath Somanjit from Naresuan University; "Community Lane Lanna Way" by Thanyajira Techawatnakul, Phumi Jaiyangsuon, and Nicharearn Ariyu from Chulalongkorn University; and honorable mention "The Slow (Chiang) Mile" by Sipang Chongswatdipattana and team from Silpakorn University. The popular vote award went to "Sidewalk Tells the City" by Wongsapat Sunthavatrodom and team from Chulalongkorn University.
Avouchai Ratnavibanunt, Landscape Business Manager at SCG Landscape, noted that Chiang Mai's charm lies in its culture, heritage, and historic districts, with Tae Phae Walking Street as a world-class landmark. He expressed pride that young designers blended creativity with understanding of Chiang Mai's context to develop forward-looking concepts. Editor Sarayut Sritipasunasn added that good cities begin with good public spaces, and the competition sought to empower young designers to shape the city's future through real design challenges, with all entries demonstrating thoughtful understanding of Chiang Mai's context.
