During summer 2013, a unique partnership with the international design firm Gensler set the stage for a study abroad program like no other. Under the direction of Gensler Managing Director and Principal Jordan Goldstein (UMD B.S.ARCH '94) and Magnolia Quality Development Corporation in Bangkok, 12 students from four Universities set out to design a sustainable, affordable housing prototype to replace the growing slum conditions found throughout Thailand. The result, aptly named 'The Bangkok Experience' intersects culture, community, education and practice in a revolutionary learning program.
The student team, comprising students from Maryland's Architecture Program, the University of Pennsylvania and two Thai Universities developed this video above, explaining their mission, their experiences and the resulting project.