KHON KAEN – Students from Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Architecture have successfully integrated local cultural heritage with modern design principles, developing simple mechanical toys inspired by the “Sin Sai” mural paintings found at Wat Chai Sri in Sawathi District, Khon Kaen. These innovative educational tools are designed for children.

On September 8, 2025, 51 third-year students from the Department of Design presented their collaborative works, which were developed as part of the “Design by Primary Research” course (AR 043 201). This course emphasizes systematic design thinking, principles, and processes.

The project uniquely connects local wisdom with contemporary education. Students drew primary inspiration from the “Hoop Taem” (traditional murals) at Wat Chai Sri, which depict the folk literature of “Sin Sai.” They conducted on-site research to understand the cultural value and experimented with various techniques, culminating in the creation of easy-to-use mechanical toys suitable for children.

A key highlight of the initiative was the donation of these prototype mechanical toys to the Baan Look Rak Children’s Foundation in Khon Kaen, aiming to support and enhance children’s learning. The event also featured a storytelling session about “Sin Sai” by Ms. Thipaya-porn Kanthawong and Mr. Pongsathorn Phutthakot from Hong Sin Sai Khon Kaen, which helped students deepen their understanding of the narrative and its connection to their designs.

The project was overseen by a team of expert faculty members, including Assistant Professor Dr. Supaporn Atthakomol, Assistant Professor Dr. Rattikorn Sirikhan Butla, Lecturer Dr. Kwanhathai Thada, and Lecturer Monthida Lertnimanradee, who collectively fostered a valuable and sustainable learning experience.