A Three-Week Attachment, A Lasting Collaboration 

The Living Dye Lab 

When Alexis Chua joined CIS, KMUTT for a three-week attachment, the experience became more than a residency—it became a catalyst for collaborative design. Building on over two years of partnership between CIS, KMUTT and the School of Design & Environment, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), the program transformed academic exchange into hands-on creation.

Working closely with the CIS team and young designers from the School of Architecture and Design (SoA+D), KMUTT, Alexis collaborated with Pronyos Chattarakul, Pote Nilsaard, Preeyakamon Soeseng, and Arunothail Sarigakham to develop a flexible, high-mobility wooden structure. From concept generation to prototyping and full-scale construction, the team designed side by side, sharing ideas, refining details, and building together.

The journey extended to Sakon Nakhon province, where Alexis learned directly from local indigo artisans. These insights informed the spatial concept of The Living Dye Lab, a modular installation designed to host demonstrations, exhibitions, and hands-on dyeing experiences. The open-frame structure allows mobility and adaptability, transforming traditional craft into an interactive learning environment.

More than a single installation, The Living Dye Lab represents the strength of the CIS Attachment Program, where international collaboration, academic exchange, and real-world practice converge. Through programs like this, CIS continues to cultivate global partnerships while empowering young designers to engage deeply with local context.