Central Pattana Public Company Limited, Thailand’s No.1 sustainable real estate developer, under the vision “Imagining better futures for all,” is committed to developing shopping centers as holistic lifestyle destinations. The company continues to move forward with the ‘Central Khonkaen Campus’ project, which will become Khon Kaen’s second Central shopping center and is set to launch in Q2/2026, aiming to spark a new phenomenon and transform the city into “The New Dimension of Lifestyle.”

Most recently, the ‘Central Khonkaen Campus’ project highlights local wisdom by connecting ‘local identity’ with ‘the creative power of the new generation’ — The New Vibe of Khon Kaen — to warmly and friendly greet the people of Khon Kaen. This is achieved through a co-creation collaboration with emerging Neo-Pop Art artist ‘Vachboy’ (Bun–Watcharapong Buranakitjaroen) and by showcasing more than 21 artworks created by students from Khon Kaen University, transforming them into a contemporary art project displayed along the perimeter fencing as an Art Wall Exhibition.

Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer for Central Pattana plc, said: “Over the past 45 years, we have believed that a city can truly grow when we work with communities with humility and genuine commitment. The ‘Art Wall Exhibition’ at Central Khonkaen Campus is therefore a space that allows the new generation to tell the story of their city in their own way, through the creative power of Khon Kaen University students and emerging artists such as Vachboy. For us, urban development is not just about constructing buildings, but about creating spaces that enable the new generation to participate and reveal ‘Khon Kaen in another dimension’ through their own creative energy.”

Co-create with Khon Kaen: When the city’s art is told through the hearts of Khon Kaen people

This contemporary art project spans the project’s perimeter fence, measuring 200 meters in length and 6 meters in height. Created by Khon Kaen artists and inspired by the hearts of local people, the installation conveys the concept of “Community at Heart” by blending local wisdom with the creative energy of the new generation. It reflects the image of Khon Kaen as a modern city progressing toward a new, fast-growing industrial and economic hub.

The artwork echoes the design concept of the shopping center and communicates a sense of hope, collaboration, and local pride through the works of Vachboy, a nationally recognized Neo-Pop Art artist. His character “HOPE”—a flower inspired by the Golden Shower Tree (Dok Koon), the official symbol of Khon Kaen Province—is reinterpreted with distinctive contemporary line work. The style feels modern yet nostalgic, infused with the charm of 1930s Rubberhose–style cartoons.

The character “HOPE” is designed in cheerful yellow-green tones that feel fun, friendly, and approachable, serving as a symbol to tell stories of lives filled with “hope and dreams.” Through 10 characters, the artwork reflects modern urban lifestyles—from sports, music, fashion, food, and leisure, to emerging new lifestyles that will soon take shape within the shopping center. These characters are integrated with graphics and patterns across the Art Wall Exhibition, creating an atmosphere that is warm, lively, and welcoming to everyone. This monumental canvas-scale artwork also embodies the power of co-creation between artists and the local community, featuring contributions from Khon Kaen University students, who help convey the city’s identity and the pride of Khon Kaen people through the perspectives of the new generation, in the way they envision their city.

Beyond using art as a medium to express The New Vibe of Khon Kaen and the spirit of the new generation through contemporary art, this project also creates a space for dialogue between Central Pattana and the people of the city. Through friendly greetings in the local dialect and the use of Khon Kaen University’s typography, the exhibition invites everyone who passes by to feel a sense of warmth and familiarity—like being welcomed with a smile by someone who speaks the same language.

Central Khonkaen Campus: The New Dimension of Lifestyle

‘Central Khonkaen Campus’ will be Khon Kaen’s second Central shopping center, featuring a gross building area (GBA) of 67,000 square meters. It is positioned as ‘The New Dimension of Lifestyle’ for the city, seamlessly blending Urban Lifestyle with Local Wisdom, while harmoniously integrating contemporary design with Khon Kaen’s unique identity across both indoor and outdoor spaces. The project is part of a mixed-use development spanning 30 rai, comprising a shopping center, the first GO! Hotel in the Northeast, and a new high-rise condominium concept.

Located in a high-potential area within the new industrial district, the project is close to Khon Kaen University, major hospitals with the largest patient capacity in ASEAN, and key government offices. The project is set to open in Q2 next year — see you then!