A week for urban thinkers and actors in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Download the booklet of the previous years

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19dIYpqKWSPcAlFS8ZWBttX2N54CDyqxy/view

Theme / ’Tropical’ Urbanism(s)

How can we embrace local wisdom and everyday practices to design cities that adapt to a more pluralistic and tropical climate?

In an era of rapid urbanization and climate change, cities in tropical regions must evolve beyond imported design models to embrace the rich local wisdom embedded in everyday practices. However, the very notion of the “tropical” carries a colonial legacy—often framed through an external gaze that exoticizes, simplifies, and homogenizes diverse climates, cultures, and urban conditions. To design cities that truly respond to their contexts, we must critically examine and deconstruct the ways in which “tropical” has been historically used as a reductive category rather than an expansive and pluralistic condition.

Tropical urbanism is not just about managing heat, humidity, and monsoons; it is about resisting imposed paradigms that have historically marginalized local knowledge in favor of Eurocentric or temperate-climate planning models. The so-called “tropical” city has often been portrayed as chaotic, informal, or underdeveloped in contrast to the ordered, modern metropolis. This perspective has shaped urban policies that prioritize control, standardization, and “improvement” over the organic, adaptive, and community-driven solutions that have long existed in these regions.

What is ‘for Cities Week’?

for Cities Week is an annualresearch program and exhibitionhosted by for Cities in cities primarily across Asia. The program is divided into two parts — a research period with participants and a presentation/exhibition period. Additionally, we conduct workshops, talk sessions, and city walks through our the program. Previously held in Tokyo, Kyoto, Cairo, and Ho Chi Minh City, the exhibitions have attracted over 1,000 urbanists. You can download the booklets of the previous years from here.

Why Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city with a long history and rich traditional culture, has developed as the central city of the north of the country. Its natural environment is one of its attractions, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful mountains including Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon.

Programs

We offer two types of participation.

1. Fellowship: May 26- June 1 (Full Period) /

This is the basic plan for participating throughout the entire week. In the first half, we will immerse ourselves in the local community through field research, workshops, and site visits related to the theme. In the latter half, we will analyze our findings, create an exhibition, and present them to the audience and local community.

2. Participants: May 30, May 31, June 1 (Last 3 Days of the program) /

We will hold various forum-style sessions with urbanists from Japan and abroad, as well as an exhibition. This is the minimum participation without being involved in the research/creation part of the program.

Workshops & Activities

Hover to see details! ↓

Fieldwork and Tour

We will visit several architectural offices and creative studios in and around Chiang Mai, including workshops that use natural materials and traditional techniques. You can check the list of studios from here .

Craft workshop

Join us for our craft workshop where you’ll learn traditional techniques like local silverwork and textile weaving, passed down through generations.

Hiking Chiang Mai’s Mountains: Culture & Coffee

We’ll explore the rich traditions and culture of Chiang Mai’s mountains, surrounded by stunning nature. And maybe enjoy some locally grown coffee along the way!

Local Tasting

We’ll visit a local farmer, create a plate and taste the flavors of Chiang Mai!

Venue

Kalm Village

Located in Chiang Mai’s old town, the art, craft and cultural center Kalm Village will be the main venue for for Cities Week 2025 Chiang Mai. More details

General info 📍

Date:

May 26 (Mon) - June 1 (Sun), 2025

Venue:Kalm Village14 Phra Pok Klao Rd Soi 4, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Register👉 https://tinyurl.com/2bgv36cg

日本語の情報はこちら👉 https://tinyurl.com/29whyspf

for Cities

for Cities is an urban experience design studio based in Japan, as well as an international collective of urban practitioners and thinkers working in Asia and beyond. The mission is to celebrate the uniqueness of cities and to build an international collective of emerging urbanists who act together to intervene in the existing paradigms.

Website

Kalm Village

Located in Chiang Mai’s old town, the art, craft and cultural center Kalm Village will be the main venue for for Cities Week Chiang Mai.

HP: https://www.kalmvillage.com/