The development concept was based on visions of a hi-tech office building and convention centre equipped with advanced intelligent systems.

The original development plans became abandoned amidst the ensuing 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which saw sharply falling demand for commercial office space, and Hi-tech Square stood derelict among Bangkok's many uncompleted buildings for the next near-decade.

The remaining development, costing an estimated 2.7 billion baht which was funded solely by the university after failing to attract private investment, was awarded to Powerline Engineering PCL, which began work in April 2006.

It is notably home to a branch of the Chulalongkorn University Book Center and an exhibition centre of the National Science Museum.

[9] Located on 21 rai (3.4 ha; 8.3 acres) of Chulalongkorn University land on the northeastern corner of Sam Yan Intersection (Phaya Thai and Rama IV Roads) next to the Thai Red Cross Society and opposite Wat Hua Lamphong, Chamchuri Square is directly connected to the MRT's Sam Yan Station; it was the first building to feature such an internal connection.