In July 2026, we were honoured to welcome Professor Michael Huang 黄天祥 from the Department of Architecture at Nanhua University, Taiwan, to Studio 88 as part of our Creative Research Stay programme. Professor Huang was in Chiang Mai on an exploratory visit and came to Studio 88 on recommendation.

We had a wonderful time interacting with Professor Huang and his two students. And we can’t wait to see them return with more colleagues and students in 2027. Below is the reflection from Professor Huang, translated from the original Chinese, provided by him. The original text in Chinese is here.

My Creative Research Stay at Studio 88 by Professor Michael Huang

I am a university teacher, and I have been looking for a place where students can develop their artistic sensitivity and creativity. I hope they can gain experience in art-making and organizing independent exhibitions, and find inspiration for their future studies.

I first learned about Studio 88 through my friend, Alex Wang, Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Fine Arts, University of Phayao. Later, I had the opportunity to visit with my students. The Studio 88 team warmly welcomed us. Thanks to Ms Sasiwimon Wongjarin (Aom)’s invitation, I stayed there for one night, which gave me more time to experience and understand the place.

Although I stayed for only one night, the place gave me a deep sense of peace. During my stay, I gradually rediscovered my sensitivity and creativity, which had been worn down by the busy pace of everyday life.

P’Aom drove me away from Chiang Mai and its busy city life. We travelled along quiet roads lined with tall trees, passing rice fields and small farmhouses before arriving at this peaceful place. The air was fresh and slightly misty, and the sunlight made the green landscape even more beautiful.

Studio 88 is located in a community south of Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam. The community is surrounded by protected natural landscapes and waterways. The buildings are carefully arranged in a low-density layout that follows the natural terrain, allowing nature to remain an important part of the environment. There are only a few man-made structures. Instead, the area is filled with well-maintained gardens, rich greenery, and buildings made from natural materials. It is also close to the local market, making daily life convenient while maintaining a close connection with the local community.

There are eight wooden houses carefully placed throughout the gardens. In addition, the community includes an exhibition space, a shared workspace, a photography darkroom, a woodworking workshop, and a ceramic studio. These shared facilities allow residents to enjoy both privacy and opportunities for natural interaction. People can focus on their own work while also meeting and connecting with others in a relaxed way.

In the evening, taking a walk to Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam is a relaxing experience. From there, I could enjoy the beautiful mountains surrounding the reservoir. Looking back toward Studio 88, I could see the trees and buildings blending naturally into the landscape. It was a wonderful example of harmony between people and nature.

That night, I enjoyed a rare moment of peace. Rain gently fell on the trees, and the sound of insects accompanied me as I fell asleep. The next morning, I walked along the pebble paths, feeling the energy of nature among the flowers and plants.

Through P’Aom, I met several members of the Studio 88 community. They came from different countries and had different backgrounds. I also learned more about the artists who had stayed there by viewing the artworks displayed throughout the community.

During this short stay, I began to understand that Studio 88 is more than an artist residency. It is a place where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover their creativity. Here, people are encouraged to observe, explore, read, think, write, and step away from their daily routines to find new inspiration.

I would like to thank the Studio 88 team for their warm hospitality. This one-night Creative Research Stay not only gave me peace, but also renewed my creativity and the way I think. I believe everyone who spends time here can slow down, reflect, and discover new inspiration.

In the future, I hope to bring my students back to Studio 88. I would like to share this experience with them and give them an opportunity to develop their creativity, broaden their perspectives, and turn their ideas into practice.

We would like to thank Professor Huang for writing a heartfelt reflection. We eagerly await his return. For more information about our Creative Research Stay programme, go here.