I am Ei Thandar, a third-year architecture student at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) in Thailand. My passion for drawing began when I was around five or six years old, when I would re-draw illustrations from comic books. At that time, I had no familiarity with art, design, or the built environment.
The first time I encountered the term “architecture” was while preparing for the matriculation exam. I was told it was a professional field involving designing and drawing to create buildings, and I decided on the spot to pursue it. As the years passed, I developed a deep attachment to the subject. Over five and a half years of study, I have come to understand both the discipline and its possibilities, and I am eager to enter the workforce and experience building design firsthand.
The COVID-19 pandemic halted our education in 2020 and postponed our graduation. After the pandemic subsided, we were prepared to finish until our nation was struck by a new wave of challenges. Witnessing how the situation in Myanmar devastated communities and the built environment transformed my perspective, and my focus shifted toward reconstruction.
In 2022, I participated in a workshop called “Healing Architecture,” focused on designing physical environments that support both physical and mental health. This experience ignited my interest in the social contributions architects can make to sustainable peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. I became passionate about designing spaces that aid people fleeing conflict and help restore their mental well-being.
As part of my thesis at KMUTT, I am designing a communal area that addresses the psychological trauma caused by war, persecution, and forced migration.
About Ei Thandar
- Age: 28
- Ethnicity: Burmese, Chinese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
- Bachelor’s, Architecture
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Develop communal spaces that heal the trauma of war and forced migration
- Travel to Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $4,825
- Amount Left To Fund: $4,650
- Contract Duration: 12 years
- Status: In School
Once our nation stabilizes, I hope my research and designs can assist those who need them most. My long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree focused on healing spaces for people who have endured prolonged displacement and conflict.
The disruptions to education in Myanmar meant that studying abroad was the only path forward for me. The high cost was a source of real hesitation, as I knew it could place my family under serious financial strain. My mother encouraged me to continue, believing it would lead to better prospects.
After one semester, however, it became clear that my family would not be able to support me through to graduation. I am applying for this loan to complete my final two years and pursue a career in architecture that can genuinely benefit people in need.
Written by Ei Thandar with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Ei Thandar
“I became passionate about designing spaces that aid people fleeing conflict and help restore their mental well-being.”
