Building on brownfield sites

Building on brownfield sites

CMU Faculty of Humanities 60th Anniversary Building: Urban Regeneration Through Brownfield Redevelopment

 

Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University demonstrates sustainable urban development practices through the strategic redevelopment of previously developed land. The construction of the 60th Anniversary Building exemplifies brownfield site utilization, transforming an underused former cafeteria location into a modern multi-functional facility that supports sustainable cities and communities.

 

Established in 1964, the faculty required expanded infrastructure to fulfill its strategic mission as a center for humanities, languages, and tourism education. Rather than consuming new green spaces, the university chose urban regeneration by renovating the existing brownfield site to maximize resource efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

 

The five-story building features sustainable architecture incorporating green spaces for recreation, co-working spaces for inclusive community engagement, meeting rooms, fitness facilities, music practice rooms, food laboratory, beverage bar laboratory, and hotel management laboratory. This compact city approach integrates walkability and efficient city infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage within the urban planning framework.

 

By prioritizing brownfield redevelopment over new land consumption, CMU demonstrates responsible urban development aligned with disaster risk reduction principles and sustainable urbanization goals, contributing to resilient urban ecosystems for future generations.

 

 

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