School of Fine and Applied Arts Students Create BU Identity, Reflecting Creative Power
In an era of rapid global change, creativity is not merely a supplementary skill but the core of development and creating new value through student work that reflects systematic thinking processes combined with imagination and diverse perspectives. This goes beyond concepts on paper, transforming into tangible works. Student creations have been produced as special gift sets for the 2026 New Year season and presented to partner individuals and organizations (Ecosystem) to express gratitude and continue good relationships with Bangkok University. Two featured works include DIAMOND ELEPHANT PANTS and The Kingdom of Creative University design by students from School of Fine and Applied Arts
DIAMOND ELEPHANT PANTS was created by Mr. Krittipoomi Niamprasert (Turbo), a Fashion Design student from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, with Assistant Professor Dr. Natsupa Charoenyingwattana (Ajarn Petch), Associate Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, serving as advisor.
From Turtle Pants Project to BU Elephant Pants
Ajarn Phet recounted the origin of this project, explaining that it began with the development of the "Turtle Pants" project in collaboration with the women's weaving community of Ban Khao Tao, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, who wanted to create a product that could serve as a symbol of their community. This project was then brought into the classroom as a design brief, encouraging students to creatively develop patterns and concepts. Among the prototype works produced in class, several ideas stood out — particularly the concept of designing pants that reflect local identity, as seen in the "Turtle Pants." This concept was later chosen to be developed further into "Elephant Pants" in Bangkok University's own style, through pattern designs that reflect the identity of Bangkok University in a contemporary way. Students presented more than 25 pieces of work in class.
What makes this project especially unique is that the patterns designed by students were selected by Aj. Phurat, the University President, to be produced as the DIAMOND ELEPHANT PANTS — intended as commemorative gifts. The winning design belonged to "Turbo Kittipoom," whose concept clearly captured the essence of Bangkok University while also demonstrating an open-minded approach to the design process — one that listens to the needs of users and delivers work that fits the brief precisely. This, it was noted, is a crucial skill for practical design work, and one that is especially vital for designers in today's world.
Design Concept for DIAMOND ELEPHANT PANTS
Turbo explained his idea: "When I received the assignment, I observed that when people think of Bangkok University, everyone thinks of the Diamond Building, which is our university's distinctive identity. This became the first concept—to extend the characteristic shape of Bangkok University's Diamond Building. When we extract it, we see diverse shapes that blend with elephant pants design. I intentionally incorporated as much of the university's identity as possible while maintaining the essence of elephant pants."
BU Character Design by Mr. Napapat Butsrikul (Bright), Ms. Pornnapat Boonklinkhachon (Bunbun), and Ms. Natnicha Kakaew (New), Art and Design students from School of Fine and Applied Arts, with Assistant Professor Pimjit Tapaniya (Ajarn Pop), Department of Art and Design faculty member, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, serving as advisor.
Ideas from BU Character Design Assignment
Ajarn Pop recounted the brief that was given: "The brief was to design imagery to be used as patterns on products that would be given as gifts, within the framework of 'The Creative University.' Since it was during the semester break, the brief wasn't assigned in class — instead, it was given to former students by forming a team consisting of Bright, Bunbun, and New. Given the very tight timeline and the need to start immediately, I was confident that these three students would be able to deliver work that met the intended vision well.
To begin, the students were asked to interpret the brief by reflecting on what Bangkok University: The Creative University means from a student's perspective — writing down their thoughts and ideas in words. Afterward, they collectively filtered and selected those words, then used them as the basis for designing characters, which eventually became lively cartoon illustrations that reflect the spirit of BU.
Now that the work is complete, I must acknowledge that the students gained a truly valuable experience — learning what it means to work as designers, understanding teamwork, and each taking full responsibility for their own roles with great dedication."
Every Story Created into The Kingdom of Creative University
Bright, Bunbun, and New shared: "When we received the assignment, the three of us shared ideas about various things that make us think of BU, including many small details that tell stories, such as sparrows whose sounds resemble students chatting in the cafeteria. We designed Characters representing each faculty and building structures conveyed according to scale, arranged in panels similar to comics, using line art and solid colors with the words 'BU' and 'Enjoy.' We are very proud and happy to be part of this work, and even happier knowing the design was produced as gifts delivered during this joyful season."
