Design Up+ Rising: Bangkok Design Week 2025 returns

Bangkok Design Week 2025 (BKKDW2025) will be back in the Thai capital from February 8 to 23 with this, its eighth edition, taking place run in seven main areas of the metropolis.

Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) BKKDW is a major event showcasing design challenges and creativity that reflect the issues facing the city.

BKKDW2025 features exhibitions, talks, workshops, live music, tours, markets, and other events.

This year, the CEA has structured the festival into three distinct periods. From February 8-16, activities will be concentrated in Charoenkrung, Talat Noi, Yaowarat-Songwat, Pak Khlong Talad, and surrounding areas.

From February 15-23, the focus shifts to Phra Nakhon, Banglamphu, and Khao San Road. Weekend activities (February 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23) will be held at Hua Lamphong and Bang Pho.

This year’s theme, “Design Up+ Rising” (“Design Phorm Buak” in Thai), highlights the power of design to transform challenges into opportunities within today’s BANI—Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible—world.

As uncertainty fuels stress and negativity, the theme encourages designers and creatives to embrace optimism, rethink limitations, and drive meaningful change.

Participants will collaborate to push boundaries and harness design as a force for resilience, innovation, and a better future for individuals, society, and cities.

The challenges of city life are becoming increasingly serious, but creative minds and designers are rising to the occasion, developing solutions that improve living conditions.

Three examples are highlighted: The Urban Ally group demonstrates how they transformed a space near the Giant Swing and Bangkok City Hall into a relaxing area by installing the “People Pavilion.”

This initiative turned the area into a vibrant public space for locals to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.

Other projects include redesigning homes for the Klong Toey Community, designing sports access for the visually impaired, and designing for the well-being of the homeless.

The event also emphasizes sustainability. Chanat Wutthivikaiyan, an environmentally focused creator known as ‘KongGreenGreen,’ highlights key programs at BKKDW2025, reflecting the festival’s continued emphasis on sustainability, even with a different overarching theme.

The programs Kong has selected go beyond design—they are deeply rooted in sustainability, featuring initiatives like Upcycling, which minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency; Green Space, which promotes urban greenery; and the Circular Economy, which fosters sustainable business models for long-term growth.

In terms of community impact, the past seven editions have proven that the event motivates people to address challenges and create better places.

Pak Khlong Talat serves as a prime example. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supitcha Towiwich, co-founder of Human of Flower Market, notes that after a successful debut at Bangkok Design Week 2023, drawing over 10,000 visitors and generating 4 million THB in revenue, the initiative returns in 2025 with a renewed focus on engaging younger audiences through Nong Dok, a new mascot symbolizing the endless possibilities of flowers.

“The strength of design is that it often goes unnoticed,” says Dr. Towiwich. “As designers, we see design as a big deal, but for others who aren’t as focused on it, that’s its advantage—it’s not expected in the same way as major infrastructure policies. If a city is ‘unwell,’ design isn’t the tool to perform surgery and remove the cancer.

Instead, it supports, guides, and gradually leads to change. Design makes people think, ‘Oh, this works!’ Small, temporary elements like art installations, exhibitions, or shop displays have value in their subtle, fleeting nature.”

Transforming cities might sound like a monumental challenge, but good design can truly bring about positive change. For those wanting more than just a tour of the event's major areas, 31 talks are available to inspire and spark new ideas.

The CEA is hosting three engaging talk sessions where attendees can participate in discussions, gain insights, and discover impactful ideas. At Bangkok Design Week 2025, no idea is too small or too big. Let’s tackle challenges and expand possibilities together!

For detailed program information, visit https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2025.