PTT University (VISTEC&KVIS)

Rayong, Thailand

Knowledge Forest

The forest is not only nature—it is infrastructure, Learning Place, and Nature and Social catalyst. It filters the air and water, teaches us about interconnectedness, and inspires both science and spirit. By transforming the site into a Knowledge Forest, this project redefines education: learning beyond walls, rooted in ecology, and connected to society.paving the way for a more sustainable and livable urban future.

Project Information ↘︎

Client & Developer

PTT Public Company Limited

Architect

Plan Associates Co.,Ltd.

Status

Vision

Landscape Area

93,061 sq.m.

Year

2013

Design Director

Yossapon Boonsom
Prapan Napawongdee

Landscape Architect

Katavet Sittikit
Yossit Poonprasit
Anongnard Jungmonkolsawat

PTT University is envisioned as a Knowledge Forest, inspired by the way nature sustains and renews life. It learns from the forest’s wisdom—how trees, people, and the environment coexist in balance and harmony.

People

Those nurtured in this place must not only possess knowledge but also a mindset that understands and appreciates the interconnectedness of all things—rooted in nature and inseparable from it.

Tree

a living organism that transforms minerals, water, and pollution through the process of photosynthesis to produce oxygen (O₂), a vital element for the survival of humanity, ecosystems, and energy.

Forest

A place designed to cultivate such individuals must be shaped by nature itself. Just as in the past, the first classrooms were vast forests, this environment becomes a space not only for understanding the interdependence of all beings, but also for learning life skills. Most importantly, it is a silent teacher—one that helps us connect to our inner spirit.

The vision is to create a “Knowledge Forest”—an integrated forest of learning and architecture, where the forest nurtures both scientific knowledge and environmental consciousness

1. Forest as Infrastructure

A planning approach that aligns development with the ecological characteristics of the site. This minimizes environmental impacts and supports the surrounding communities. Crucially, natural systems are used as tools for managing the site’s environmental conditions.

2. Forest as Learning Place

21st-century learning emphasizes freedom for learners to engage with global contexts and challenges—developing knowledge, understanding, and the interconnected skills necessary for life. True learning is not confined to classrooms.

The Knowledge Forest is an open-air classroom that inspires interaction and draws insights from nature through seven key zones:

Forest Ring
Embraced by the Forest

A green buffer inspired by the region’s dry and deciduous forests wraps around the site, filtering pollution and moderating the internal microclimate. This “forest ring” also becomes a vital outdoor classroom for ecological studies.

Central Promenade
Sensing Forest Phenomena

A plaza that connects Raist and Rasa along the edge of a natural pond. This space allows people to experience seasonal changes in the water levels—dry season, monsoon, and winter—resulting in shifting ecosystems of flora and fauna.

Exchange Green
Dialogue in the Forest

A series of grassy mounds and circular outdoor pods (Exchange Pods) scattered along both sides of the site. These flexible, informal spaces encourage conversations, meetings, and the exchange of ideas among students—set against a natural backdrop, adaptable with movable furniture.

Studio Alcove
Experimenting in the Forest

Clusters of learning studios nestled within nature and surrounded by grassy mounds for privacy and atmosphere. These mounds extend the usable space, allowing group discussions or temporary student exhibitions to take place in continuity with the studios.

Expression Dune
Expressing in the Forest

Sunken natural spaces embedded within the landscape. Their varied shapes and sizes support multiple functions—from small group talks and meetings to performances and outdoor exhibitions—encouraging creative expression.

Eco-system Path
Learning from the Forest

An interpretive trail exploring the waterside ecosystem of the institute, reflecting the natural aquatic ecology of Rayong Province. The trail weaves through natural zones interspersed with outdoor classrooms.

Wisdom Island & Energy Park
Awareness from the Forest

A central island and energy garden that embody the spirit of a Thai institution dedicated to cultivating individuals who seek sustainable energy knowledge. It reminds us that all knowledge originates from nature and must be used to preserve ecological and social sustainability—not exploit it. This island becomes a spiritual and cultural space where students engage in rituals, reflect on their roles and responsibilities to humanity and nature, and connect deeply with their inner selves.

3. Forest as Nature & Social Catalyst

The forest, revived throughout the project, goes beyond enhancing learning environments. It actively contributes to the restoration of degraded ecosystems—locally and at a larger scale—damaged by industrial development. Simultaneously, the forest acts as a new social ground, encouraging sustained physical and intellectual connections between the institution and broader society, shaping a more holistic future.

Design Strategies

Topography

The site is shaped through cut and fill techniques aligned with the original topography, which gently slopes toward the natural pond and public canal at the rear. Preserving as much of the natural terrain as possible helps reduce excavation costs and retains the site's original wetland ecosystem.

Wind and Pollution

The site is surrounded by industrial zones and bordered by major roads to the south and east, which experience heavy traffic from both regular and industrial vehicles. To combat air and noise pollution: A landscape buffer is created, consisting of 1–1.5 m high berms (3–6 m wide) planted with species that filter toxins, reduce dust, and absorb sound. Additional species are planted to increase biodiversity, forming a future botanical garden through this “Forest Ring.”

Program

Buildings are designed with small footprints to integrate seamlessly with the landscape. This allows better indoor-outdoor flow, natural ventilation, and reduces impact on the site's original terrain.

Wind and Shade

Covered pedestrian and cycling paths are strategically placed for thermal comfort, encouraging active mobility while reducing energy use. These shaded connections create a coherent, walkable environment across the campus.

Water Management

Flooding: Given the site’s nature as a wetland and proximity to the canal, flooding may occur in the future. To mitigate this, a system of ditches and dikes is implemented around the perimeter. These dikes are planted with local species, creating a natural buffer that harmonizes with the landscape.

Wastewater: A large pond stretching along the site will be developed as a constructed wetland using plants to treat wastewater and surface runoff—filtering out suspended solids and contaminants before they reach the public canal behind the site.

Drought: The region faces dry spells during summer and consists of sandy soil. To ensure year-round irrigation, water retention ponds lined with plastic sheets are introduced, minimizing reliance on municipal or natural water sources.

Land Use and Zoning

The southern and eastern edges of the site border Sukhumvit Road and an internal IRPC road, making them more public-facing, while the northern side connects to educational and residential areas, offering more seclusion.

Thus:
-Public and community-facing functions like the sports field, seminar halls, and activity spaces are placed in the south and east.
-Educational functions like classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and dormitories are located further inside the site for greater privacy and serenity.

This zoning strategy encourages interaction between the institute and surrounding community, creating a new shared public realm.

Circulation and Boundary

To promote energy efficiency and walkability: A network of shaded walkways and bike lanes connects the campus, reducing the need for vehicles inside the site. Private cars and public transit are restricted to designated areas at the project’s front entrance.

Air Gap

The design prioritizes the relationship between void spaces (outdoor areas) and buildings. Careful attention is given to the proportion of hardscape and softscape to maximize air circulation. This reduces heat buildup and improves comfort. Green space is maximized to reduce heat gain from concrete and paved areas. Permeable surfaces are used for plazas, roads, and bike paths to manage stormwater, replenish groundwater, and store water in project reservoirs for dry season use.