Development of Brownfield Sites: Renovation of Gewertz Square to Establish the “R&D Center for Integrated Innovation on Smart Living Solutions”

The Gewertz Building has been a historic facility of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, for a long time. During the tenure of Professor Dr. Charles Ernfrid M.Son Gewertz, the first head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, the building was used as an electrical machinery laboratory and a practical classroom for students, and it continues to serve this purpose today. In addition, there are two other historic buildings: the Faculty Office Building and the Integrated Circuit Design Building, which functioned as both research laboratories and student association offices for the department. Due to their long-term use, these three buildings have deteriorated over time, and the surrounding brownfield sites may also contain accumulated contamination from chemicals and metals used in student experiments and practical training.

To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Professor Dr. Charles Ernfrid M.Son Gewertz, the first head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, the department has planned and undertaken the renovation of the area around the Gewertz Building, naming the renovated area Gewertz Square. Renovation and construction began in late 2023 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The objective of the renovation is to create an innovative space that sparks creative ideas and collaborative experimentation between students, faculty, alumni, and strategic partners from the industry. The design and concept of Gewertz Square will combine the adoption of new technologies that align with current and future lifestyles, while also emphasizing environmental friendliness and sustainability.

The renovated Gewertz Square will house the R&D Center for Integrated Innovation on Smart Living Solutions, aimed at applying, advancing, and integrating knowledge from the department’s diverse research and development areas to create new innovations that address the concepts of “Smart Community” and “Smart Health.” Strategic partners involved in this project include the Center of Excellence in Electrical Power Technology, related departments, the International School of Engineering (ISE), Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), and industrial partners such as Hitachi Energy (Thailand) Limited, Design Gateway Co., Ltd., Lighting and Equipment Public Co., Ltd., and Silicon Craft Technology Public Co., Ltd.

The center will be supported by a modern ICT ecosystem featuring 5G & Beyond technology, showcasing demonstrations and educational tools on smart living solutions. These include health monitoring systems through Home-based Monitoring, security solutions via Smart Surveillance, and adding value to solar energy production with Peer-to-peer Energy Trading.

The key outcome of the R&D Center will be the creation of innovative prototypes with commercial potential, as well as enhancing entrepreneurial skills among students and staff. This will be achieved through strong collaborations between faculty, students, alumni, and industrial partners.