Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Integrated Research for Design

SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Integrated Research for Design

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Integrated Research for Design is fundamentally structured to cultivate innovators who can address complex societal and environmental challenges through a multidisciplinary design lens. The program's core philosophy emphasizes the creation of sustainable, human-centered solutions, making it a powerful engine for achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By focusing on sustainable design theory and advanced integrated design practices, the curriculum directly confronts issues of resource efficiency and environmental impact. The program's strong emphasis on research and technological application aligns it closely with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, its commitment to universal design directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As a research-intensive doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the collaborative research essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

▶

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to good health and well-being by emphasizing the creation of built environments that are inclusive and health-promoting. Through the principles of Universal Design, graduates are trained to design spaces and products that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, directly enhancing quality of life and promoting physical and mental well-being.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 705	Universal Design	Directly supports the well-being of all by teaching the design of environments and products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability, or other factors, thus promoting inclusive health (Target 3.4).

SDG 4: Quality Education

▶

Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education, designed to cultivate expert researchers and innovators. It provides an inclusive and equitable advanced learning environment that fosters the high-level research skills and lifelong learning mindset necessary to generate new knowledge and address complex global challenges through design.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 701	Philosophy and Research Methodology in Architecture	Provides the core research methodologies that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for top-tier employment and innovation in academia and industry (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
AR 815 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

▶

Alignment Summary: The curriculum drives innovation in the design, construction, and technology sectors. By providing advanced training in digital design technologies and fostering a research-based approach to problem-solving, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of industries related to the built environment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 703	Advanced Integrated Design	Fosters innovation (Target 9.5) by challenging students to develop novel, integrated design solutions for complex problems, pushing the boundaries of current architectural and design practices.
AR 815 706	Digital Technology in Design	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the design and construction industries through the application of advanced digital tools and methodologies.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

▶

Alignment Summary: The program addresses inequality through its focus on Universal Design, which aims to create environments that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. This approach directly promotes social inclusion and ensures that the built environment does not create barriers for marginalized groups.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 705	Universal Design	Directly aligns with Target 10.2 by promoting the social and economic inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities, through the design of accessible and equitable environments.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

▶

Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally oriented towards creating sustainable cities and communities. The curriculum provides a deep dive into sustainable design theory, integrated design practices, and the use of technology to build inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements. It directly equips graduates with the skills needed to shape a sustainable urban future.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 703	Advanced Integrated Design	Contributes to inclusive and sustainable urbanization (Target 11.3) by teaching holistic design approaches that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into urban projects.
AR 815 704	Sustainable Design Theory	Directly supports Target 11.6 by focusing on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities through the application of sustainable design principles in architecture and planning.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

▶

Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible consumption and production patterns within the construction and design industries. The curriculum's strong emphasis on sustainable design theory encourages the efficient use of resources, the adoption of environmentally sound materials and technologies, and the creation of buildings and products with a minimal ecological footprint.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 704	Sustainable Design Theory	Directly contributes to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching principles of resource efficiency and circularity in the design process.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

▶

Alignment Summary: The program's interdisciplinary and research-intensive nature inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with diverse academic fields and industries, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 815 702	Seminar in Integrated Research for Design 1	Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing.
AR 815 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges through integrated design.