Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Architecture

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Architecture

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Architecture is holistically designed to produce researchers and leaders who can shape a sustainable built environment. The curriculum's philosophy, centered on integrating human needs with environmental ethics, makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through a deep focus on environmental design, resource efficiency, and vernacular architecture, the program directly addresses the creation of inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements. This emphasis also strongly aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable building practices and material use. By training experts in universal design and community architecture, the curriculum contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). As an advanced research degree, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and drives the development of innovative design solutions, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, its research-intensive nature fosters the collaborations essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes good health and well-being by emphasizing the design of built environments that support physical, mental, and social health. Through the study of universal design and human-centered architectural theory, graduates are equipped to create spaces that are accessible, safe, and conducive to the well-being of all people, including vulnerable populations.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 705	Universal Design	Directly supports the well-being of all ages by teaching principles for designing environments that are usable by people with diverse abilities, promoting inclusivity and health (Target 3.4).
AR 818 708	Theory and Criticism in Architecture	Contributes to well-being by exploring how architectural design impacts human experience and behavior, leading to the creation of healthier and more supportive environments.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the highest level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics who can generate new knowledge in architecture, fostering the lifelong learning and advanced skills necessary to address complex global challenges in the built environment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 701	Research Methodology in Architecture	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for high-level employment and innovation in the architectural and academic sectors.
AR 818 998 / 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

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum drives innovation in the construction and design industries. By providing advanced training in digital technology, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable materials, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the architectural profession, fostering the development of more efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 702	Digital Technology in Architectural Design	Supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the design and construction industries through advanced digital tools like BIM.
AR 818 998 / 999	Dissertation	Fosters innovation by generating new knowledge in areas like sustainable materials and construction techniques, thereby promoting the adoption of environmentally sound technologies (Target 9.4).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally focused on creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient human settlements. The curriculum provides a deep understanding of environmental design, urban planning, community architecture, and vernacular traditions, equipping graduates with the skills to design buildings and communities that are environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and socially equitable.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 703	Environmental Science and Technology in Architecture	Directly supports Target 11.6 by focusing on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities through sustainable building technologies and energy-efficient design.
AR 818 704	Vernacular Architecture	Contributes to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4) by studying and preserving traditional building knowledge and practices that are inherently sustainable.
AR 818 706	Community and Urban Design	Directly aligns with Target 11.3 by providing skills for inclusive and sustainable urbanization through participatory planning and community-focused design.
AR 818 707	Architectural Conservation	Directly supports the protection and safeguarding of the world’s cultural and natural heritage, a key component of Target 11.4.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production patterns in the construction industry. The curriculum's focus on environmental science, sustainable technology, and vernacular architecture encourages the efficient use of resources, the adoption of sustainable building materials, and the reduction of waste, contributing to a more circular and responsible built environment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 703	Environmental Science and Technology in Architecture	Promotes the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching principles of environmentally sound design and material selection.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships through its research-intensive and interdisciplinary approach. The seminar and dissertation components require engagement with diverse stakeholders, including communities and the global academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations necessary to achieve sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AR 818 701	Research Methodology in Architecture	Enhances capacity-building for sustainable development (Target 17.9) by providing students with the skills to collect, analyze, and report data, which is essential for monitoring SDG progress in the built environment.
AR 818 891	Seminar in Architectural Research 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 global knowledge-sharing.
AR 818 998 / 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 in architecture.