Update & Visitor Guide
Ban Krua's Cuisine: An Old Muslim Community Full of Delicious Food and History
Ban Khrua’s Cuisine: An Old Muslim Community Full of Delicious Food and HistoryNot far from the teen hotspot that is Siam Square stands Ban Khrua community, a Cham Muslim neighborhood that has existed for over 235 years. Locally born Supicha “Tim” Wongyuthitham, Chair of the Ban Krua Community Savings Group and of Vice-Chairwoman of Jamiul Khairiyah Mosque, defined the area by saying, “The Cham are fighters,” referencing how her ancestors were bestowed the location at the foot of Charoen Phon Bridge by King Rama I after serving as volunteer warriors safeguarding Siam in the battle of the Nine Armies at the start of the Rattanakosin period. In modern times, the residents of Ban Khrua have been fighting for 28 years against the expropriation of their land for expressway construction and daily against the creeping tide of time that has been eroding away their way of life. Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, in conjunction with the Community Organizations Development Institute, initiated a project to revitalize the community, leading to an activity welcoming visitors of all faiths interested in learning about the distinct identity of Ban Khrua. A Storied CommunityBangkok Design Week’s “Sam Rub Ban Khrua: Ban Khrua Cuisine” project was borne from cooperation between the Faculty of Design and Architecture of Sripatum University, Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, TK Park, GalileOasis, and Ban Khrua community and consisted of 18 programs ranging from exhibitions and cultural performances, culinary workshops and guided tours to Cham Muslim dining experiences. One of the highlights was “Walking Tour… Through the History of Ban Khrua Silk,” revealing how weavers in Ban Khrua were an important force at the start of the Jim Thompson brand, playing a role in propelling Thai silk to the world. Tim said, “When I was a child, you would hear the sound of weaving everywhere you went and you would see the dye factories with their many-colored textiles while paddling through the canal. We wanted to retell these stories and I was happy that people joined in the walks and then returned to the workshops. One person came on all three days and said the food was delicious, the people were lovely, and we were very friendly when we led them on the tour in our Cham garb and hijabs, singing the entire time. That person even wore batik when they came on later days. “We welcomed these guests naturally and told them our history in our own way. We took them to try dishes and treats that are like nowhere else, like Khao Kaek rice pudding, Cambodian sour soup, Bobosadek, curry noodles, and date juice.” Tim described other dishes presented during the festival, during which Sam Rub Ban Khrua made an appearance at the annual Jamiul Khairiyah Mosque charity event, Ruan Mae Sup, a Thai-Muslim restaurant housed in an over two-century old wooden structure, Bang Min, where a famed satay recipe has been passed down for generations, and many more locations spread through the gastronomically rich community. In terms of community development, the project also included the “Signature of Ban Khrua” youth photo exhibition at TK Park, organized in collaboration with The Momentum. The showcase invited children in the area to submit their photos and included a discussion on the background of each snapshot. Tim said the activity went beyond forging bonds between the children and their community to allowing its adults to peer through the eyes of the local youths, empowering the process of passing on the community to its next generation. Opening the Door to a New Space for Knowledge ExchangeApart from the main programs across Ban Khrua, there were four staged in the area around GalileOasis, a neighboring creative space. The four were the Market of Faith, Arabic Typography, Arabic Aerobic (YOGA), and Exhibition Kala(a) I Sathan(a). All extended the project towards a younger audience while still maintaining a connection to the community’s culture, creating an exchange between the two. Nuttaporn “Da” Thanapairin, Event Coordinator for GalileOasis, spoke on organizing the project with Ban Khrua community, saying, “We wanted the community to feel like they could use our space. We previously invited them to sell their goods at our events and recommended our tenants utilize the snack services of the community. For Design Week, we had the Market of Faith, using the theme of faith for our monthly market event in honor of Ban Khrua’s majority Muslim makeup as well as the fact that many people who live in the surrounding area are of different religions. The market showcased a variety of different items based on beliefs along with snacks from Ban Khrua shops. “Arabic Aerobic (YOGA) was about getting the community involved. The local mosque already hosts yoga for fitness and aerobics sessions but the people taking part are rather new to yoga and exercise in general. We wanted them to stretch out and exchange know-how on physical fitness without violating any of their religious edicts. We even provided yoga mats they could take home. “The Arabic Typography workshop meanwhile was taught by Pong from Ban Khrua. The activity brought him new perspectives from younger people while they learned about a language they weren’t familiar with and honed their focus with Pong’s sticker cutting practice. Attendants with design backgrounds gained a new element to apply to their work and the ability to see Arabic as a form of art.” Find more details at www.facebook.com/BankruaOfficial–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
04 Apr 2024
Revamping Legacy Businesses and Legends of Hua Lamphong by CEA x RTUS-Bangkok
Revamping Legacy Businesses and Legends of Hua Lamphong District Through Design and Creativity with CEA x RTUS-Bangkok Hua Lamphong District, famously recognized as the site of a historic train station that has been a part of Bangkok since the reign of King Rama V, has gradually seen its prominence as a gateway to the capital diminish over time with the evolution of the city’s mass transit system.However, the story of Hua Lamphong is ongoing. Beyond its iconic semi-circular facade, Hua Lamphong Station has hidden gems: restaurants known for their delicious offerings, longstanding businesses that have been passed down through generations, and works of unique craftsmanship that many have yet to discover.For this year’s Bangkok Design Week, the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) has partnered with ReThink Urban Spaces Bangkok (RTUS-Bangkok), a group of young individuals and local hosts from Hua Lamphong who recognize the area’s significance as a site for ecotourism and education. They are inviting people to explore and get to know the area as more than just the original location of Bangkok’s first railway station — through a variety of activities. One of the activities we would like to highlight is “Made in Hua Lamphong.”The Hua Lamphong area is full of shops that have been integral to the community for generations, such as old eateries. The district also features unparalleled craftsmanship, an aspect that is often overlooked. The Made in Hua Lamphong project was initiated to shed new light on the district and transform public perceptions of the district, as well as allow venerable businesses to keep pace with the changing times. RTUS-Bangkok selected five creative teams to collaborate with six legacy businesses in Hua Lamphong, adding value to their products and stories. This has yielded incredibly creative works that inspire more people to explore the area. Let’s discover these five projects!1. Silpmuang x ease studioSilpmuang, located on Rong Muang Road, has specialized in manufacturing, retailing, repairing, and selling materials related to umbrellas for street vendors and outdoor umbrellas for over 60 years. Each step is meticulously handcrafted, with special attention paid to every detail. The shop also produces special umbrellas for events and general companies that require customized umbrellas for advertising.For this collaboration, ‘ease studio’ – a craft design studio that enjoys experimenting with different materials through new techniques – introduced a concept for developing a new collection of street vendor umbrellas. These umbrellas have enhanced functionality, sporting eye-catching designs with a base that can serve as a table leg or chair. This reduces the carry burden while increasing convenience. Additionally, the umbrellas are easy to assemble and help save space.2. Num Eiang Astrology x Ek ThongprasertNum Eiang Astrology, founded by Feng Shui Master Hieng Saengow in 1956 in Hat Yai District before moving to Soi Phraya Singhaseni, also known as Trok Salak Hin, has been for generations a beloved companion of families who favor auspicious timing through the Chinese astrological calendar. Adapting to the modern era, they developed the Num Eiang Astrolendar app to help pass on Chinese astrological knowledge to future generations.Ek Thongprasert, a renowned fashion designer, is another figure who values Chinese astrology as a spiritual anchor during life’s pivotal moments. He collaborated with Thanawat Klongvicha to develop the ‘Only Good Days’ project, assembling auspicious days verified by Num Eiang into a collection of vibrant wall and portable calendars. Designed to appeal to the younger generation, these calendars can serve as artistic decorations for any room.3. Chaikit Paper Factory x LikaybinderyChaikit Paper Factory traces its origins back to the hard work of Chai Kee, who started out by peddling paper wholesale in the Soi Yotse area, eventually owning a large paper mill and warehouse in Hua Lamphong District. Initially, the business bore his name, ‘Chai Kee,’ which means ‘good luck’ in Chinese, before transitioning to ‘Chaikit’ in its second iteration. The flagship product was blue paper, popularly used for wrapping cotton to sell, as well as other goods like matchsticks, candles, and clothing. Additionally, the factory offered brown paper, white ream paper, and reused exam paper, cut down to resell for use as paper bag folding. However, with times changing and paper declining in popularity, the factory closed down in 1997.Though the paper factory no longer exists, the third generation still values their family history, transforming the original site into a ‘Play Space’ community for coffee enthusiasts and artists. The store uses blue paper to wrap its drink cups, continuing the legacy of the Chaikit Paper Factory once located in Hua Lamphong. Phantipa Thanchookiet, a paper artist and co-founder of Likaybindery, was captivated by the unique blue paper and used it to design cutout flags to celebrate the Hua Lamphong District Festival. A workshop was also organized for everyone to create their own stamp designs on blue paper.4. Baan Italy x COTH StudioOriginally focusing on importing European-style door decorations through an Italian intermediary, the store was aptly named ‘Baan Italy (also known as JNC Stainless & Wrought Iron).’ It is renowned for its diverse, finely crafted, and beautiful products, some of which are hard to find anywhere else, making it a highly frequented establishment for over 30 years.The designers from COTH Studio, known for their expertise in metalwork and community stories, took the store’s hallmark of meticulous attention and friendly service to craft a unique work of art. They arranged the store’s products into a piece that conveyed heartfelt smiles, with the intention of adding some color and drawing people’s attention while also encouraging more support for local shops in community areas. 5. Grandma Chokeng’s Turnip Cakes and Bea O CHa x Witti StudioGiven the community’s history spanning over a century, Hua Lamphong District is filled with established eateries that have served delicious food for decades. In an experimental project to develop the area, Witti Studio applied its design skills to enhance the visibility and original appeal of shop signs while preserving each establishment’s unique identity. This is done by transforming the owners’ handwriting into Typo Logos and improving the packaging and menu boards, while also designing versatile clothes with maps to help guide people through the various flavors.One of the two chosen establishments is Grandma Chokeng’s Turnip Cakes, a street food cart operated by two sisters who have been carrying on their mother’s secret delicious Teochew-style turnip cake recipe for over 40 years. Known for its perfectly balanced taste, crispy exterior, soft interior, and aromatic fragrance, the menu also features coconut pancakes as a must-try secret item.The other selection is Bea O CHa, a coffee shop with over 80 years of history in Hua Lamphong. Originally just a mobile coffee cart, it eventually opened a storefront selling duck noodles and beverages. Bea O CHa has adapted and evolved throughout the decades, now offering over 60 varieties of coffee, brewed drinks, and smoothies, along with simple, affordable breakfast options.This initiative aims to preserve the community’s traditional wisdom in a manner that is both accessible and understandable to a new generation, fostering collaboration between traditional shops and craftsmen to raise awareness about the area’s valuable assets. Designers utilize their expertise and traditional shops gain new insights and ideas, supporting one another in this endeavor.For more details, visit www.facebook.com/rtusbangkok–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
28 Mar 2024
“Telling Stories From Neighborhood to Neighbor” Academic Program
“Telling Stories From Neighborhood to Neighbor” Academic Program: A Space for Students to Learn and Share Tales of the Community Every year, Bangkok Design Week features an Academic Program that opens up opportunities for students from various disciplines to unleash their creativity and pass on ideas about urban development through designs in line with the theme of each year. During the event, experienced creative professionals provide guidance, support, and advice to students. This year, Cloud-floor, an architectural company that prioritizes the development of urban and public spaces, served as the main curator for the project. We invited Nattapong “Fuse” Phattanagosai, Co-founder of Cloud-floor, to discuss the process and some intriguing results from the recent festival.“This year’s Academic Program theme is ‘Telling Stories from Neighborhood to Neighbor.’ We invited 10 groups of students to participate in 10 storytelling projects that narrate the tales of Hua Lamphong, Nang Loeng, and Bang Pho neighborhoods from perspectives that outsiders may not have heard before, or to expand on familiar stories to make them even more special. We selected the neighborhoods we wanted to present together with CEA, singling out districts where we thought the Academic Program could help promote content, especially areas that had only recently joined Bangkok Design Week and where there were not many existing programs.” Learning Across Disciplines: Seeing More Than Just What’s in a TextbookIn addition to having Cloud-floor serve as the main curator, this initiative also saw collaboration with creative professionals from various fields, including photographers, film directors, fashion designers, and multimedia design studios, who all joined as mentors for the students. Mr. Fuse explained, “We believe that interdisciplinary learning sparks new creative ideas. This led to discussions with CEA about a working process that allows students to blend their academic skills with disciplines not found in their departments. We therefore invited professional creatives from different fields to mentor and work alongside students. Imagine what could happen when architectural students work with fashion designers or film directors, allowing both sides to merge their knowledge and ideas. Mentors sharing their experiences can also learn from the students.“We also want students to engage with the community and work on physical exhibitions or activities. To that end, we established this year that the Academic Program would not only be a desk study, but would also be presented in a physical form. However, we have not dictated what the output should be, as that will depend on what the students discover through fieldwork and mentorship. They might present a perspective that reflects the community’s identity or something else entirely, which may not necessarily be related to livability (the theme of Bangkok Design Week 2024). We hope this project reflects real urban changes, prompting authorities to consider how community areas should be developed. While it may not solve existing problems in these areas directly, students can nevertheless narrate stories to enhance identity, express what the community wants to share, or reflect on the daily life context of each area.” Adding Value to Spaces with Captivating Story Snapshots“The feedback after the exhibition was quite broad, but overall, it exceeded expectations. For example, the ‘Voice Hua Lamphong’ project displayed at the Station Hotel reflected the essence of the community without embellishment. It gathered the voices of the community to chronicle how life has changed since the Central Train Station moved to Bang Sue, or after the installation of an expressway cutting through the district, or the introduction of an MRT station. These were presented in both positive and negative lights to tell all sides of the story. We presented the reality for people to consider how urban changes are not always good or bad. The way communities are impacted is multifaceted, often depending on how much we listen to residents.“Another project involved photographing local fashion and inquiring about the importance of everyday clothes for the people who wear them. What memories does a piece of clothing hold? This project highlights a charming side of people, helping to form relationships and allow outsiders to learn more about Hua Lamphong. It is about communicating understanding through the narrative of daily life and its values.“In the Nang Loeng District, students participating in the ‘Lan-Ruen-Loeng’ activity noted that Nang Loeng was once an entertainment district, with a dance tutoring center situated within a house, officially known as Samakee Leelad School, that taught dancing to celebrities and actors of years past. This wooden house has since fallen into disrepair, with former dance teachers invited to revive faded memories and give brief lessons again on the old school’s rooftop, providing a lovely and emotionally valuable activity.“This process teaches students to be more meticulous in their work. Mentors also bring their experience on how to appropriately interact with the community and foster understanding. These practices are important. We don’t view community members as exhibition objects, but rather collaborative partners in creating value for a given area, which might not always result in tangible or physical changes, such as new facilities. Nevertheless, one factor that might not register with outsiders is residents’ emotions, which are intangible and difficult to quantify. Still, whenever we work with a community, we can see many are eager to participate in the activities, to tell their stories and exhibit their work. It may sound romanticized, but it’s true.”The 10 Programs by 10 Student Groups Include: 1. Hua Lamphong District: Journey Memory by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University x Weerapon Singnoi (Fotomomo). Memories of the past that can never be reclaimed are captured in photographs and converted into prints using the Cyanotype technique on natural cotton fabric.2. Hua Lamphong District: Ditto! Hua Lamphong by the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Integrated Product Design Innovation, Kasetsart University x Chayanop Boonprakob. A semi-experimental short film that presents stories, traces, and transitions through the senses of sight, sound, and touch.3. Hua Lamphong District: Voice Hua Lamphong by the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang x Cloud-floor. Hua Lamphong is one of the Bangkok districts most affected by urban development. We want audiences to hear from both the community and outsiders to open perspectives on changes and their impacts.4. Hua Lamphong District: 88/610 by the Department of Creative Arts and Graphic Creativity, Faculty of Fine And Applied Arts, Burapha University x Apichet “Madaew” Atilattana. A photo series accompanied by narratives and installation art inviting people to share stories about fashion, clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and household items that continue to reflect the community’s vocational skills into the present day. 5. Bang Pho District: Carved Images by the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Bangkok University x Weerapon Singnoi (Fotomomo). Art pieces intended to communicate the lifestyle of the woodcarving profession in Bang Pho, a district known for its woodwork.6. Bang Pho District: Soul of the Craftsman by the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Architecture and Interior Design, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok x XD49. An exhibition that explores the stories of Bang Pho craftsmen, reflecting the strength and prominence of the district through the concepts of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and doing.7. Nang Loeng District: Lan-Ruen-Loeng by the Faculty of Architecture, Rangsit University x Chayanop Boonprakob. Opens a space reflecting the existence of a once well-known dance tutoring center situated within a house in the area, inviting people to dance again, while offering dance lessons to the new generation.8. Nang Loeng District: Nang Loeng, Joyful and Unforgettable by the Department of Communication Design (International Program), Chulalongkorn University x XD49. A return to the joys of the old entertainment district through paper tickets that serve as an entertainment gateway while telling memorable historical stories.9. Nang Loeng District: Fried Banana Universe by the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Architectural Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin x Cloud-floor. Highlights the district’s famous fried banana packages by designing patterns and colors that can be assembled into an image of the district, featuring Nang Loeng’s distinctive colors.10. Nang Loeng District: Scrawl of Imaginary Lines by the Faculty of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi x Apichet “Madaew” Atilattana. Recognizing print media as a significant part of Nang Loeng’s storied history, the organizers invite participants to write, draw, smear, and express their emotions and creativity on massive sheets of paper.–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
21 Mar 2024
Community Vibes คุยกับคนรุ่นใหม่จากย่านนางเลิ้ง
Community Vibes: Conversations with Nang Loeng’s Next Generation, ‘Tuning’ the Community and Festival with Delightful Contemporary ArtThe Nang Loeng District (also, Nang Lerng) is an ancient community with a long history and many interesting, yet overlooked stories. In the past, the neighborhood thrived with Nang Loeng Market being the first terrestrial market in Thailand. Nang Loeng is also renowned for its traditional Thai theater performances, with resident music teachers and drama groups coming together on various occasions. As time passed, however, the area’s significance began to fade. Questions arose as to how local residents can promote the charms of the old neighborhood and work together to develop the area while preserving its identity amid these changing times.Bangkok Design Week invited Ms. Nawarat “Nammon” Welployngam, a youth leader from Nang Loeng District who has been driving community development through art for many years, to co-create “Community Vibes.” This ‘tuning’ process aims to bring the community and the festival in alignment, finding a point of convergence between traditional culture and contemporary art. Ms. Nawarat set a simple goal: to create designs for Nang Loeng that delight everyone, including the community, artists, and event-goers. Learning from the Past & Developing the Present to Forge a Future for Nang Loeng“Before I was born, Nang Loeng used to be a thriving neighborhood much like today’s Siam Square. The market never slept, operating day and night. We grew up with these stories. But darker times followed, with the market becoming desolate, administrative centers relocating, and beloved cinemas shuttering. I grew up in a family where my mother was a leader in the community. Most people in Nang Loeng were locals who knew each other well. When these changes occurred, the community rose up to fight for their homes in their own way. Everyone works for the community, as opposed to just heading home after work.“There came a time when I began actively working in the community. Around 2007, we formed a group called E-Lerng, inviting both Thai and international artists to collaborate on projects, not knowing if Nang Loeng would remain or be demolished. The community tried to create social movements to make people feel nostalgic about Nang Loeng. Back then (over 10 years ago), people didn’t really get the idea of these community projects, but once these festivals were organized, community artists participated, and community tourism grew, they started to catch on. The younger generation began taking an interest in their community and became active citizens. Today, Nang Loeng’s future remains uncertain, but I think things are getting better. People are beginning to better understand the importance of old communities and that development and preservation must go hand in hand, learning lessons from many other communities. I don’t believe that Nang Loeng must stay the same, but that development should be accompanied by the conservation of certain aspects.”Consequently, Ms. Nammon established the COMMUNITY LAB, an organization that creates social development art as an extension of E-Lerng. They’ve since enhanced an online and offline database management system to record the past, drive the present, and gather resources for the future. Ms. Nammon explained, “I work in the community, and I’m also an artist. I became interested in the gradually disappearing histories of each neighborhood and wanted to create a platform to assemble educational research data. For example, we use 3D scanning technology to record the traditional dance moves of Thai classical dance teachers, storing them for future reference. Anyone interested in projects related to traditional theater can come and study the data. We have a database of 12 dance moves that can be viewed in 360 degrees.”‘Tuning’ Awareness between the Community and Contemporary Art“Community Vibes” is an experimental program designed by Ms. Nammon, divided into three parts: Local Studio, COMMUNITY {art} LAB, and Immersive Exhibition.“The first part, Local Studio, features a tour program to explore the nooks and crannies of the community, where participants can dine at local eateries and visit various artists’ workshops. Some artists were very interested in creating traditional theater pieces or in making traditional Buddhist altars. However, without community support, they might just visit, take their photos, and head back to work, creating pieces that don’t truly bring out their artistic ability. At the same time, their limited information wouldn’t truly capture the authentic culture of the community. Therefore, I wanted to create a program that ensures that the artworks are beneficial to both the artists themselves and the community, while also meeting the objectives of the festival.“The second part, COMMUNITY {art} LAB, is an air-conditioned space supported by FREC Bangkok. After artists have been inspired, they can come here to work without disturbing the community, as most artists tend to work until late at night. Our primary goal is to attract young art professionals to join the project. Our first collaboration was with a group of students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chulalongkorn University. As we began to promote the project, several other universities in Thailand and abroad expressed interest in participating. This showed us that designers and artists need spaces like this to create higher quality work.“The third part, Immersive Exhibition, is related to the first two parts. It involves displaying the artists’ works with input from the community. For example, when a group of artists walks into a slum and sees a house divided by curtains, they might be interested in telling that story. In this case, the exhibition should be near the COMMUNITY LAB to facilitate its organization. We help to ‘finetune’ the collaboration between artists and the community to avoid conflicts.”More information: www.facebook.com/communitylab.co–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
14 Mar 2024
Spirit House Open House: A Very Thai Exhibition
Spirit House Open House: A Very Thai Exhibition That Questions the Ownership of SpaceThis year’s Bangkok Design Week festival saw the People of Ari, a creative group from the Ari District, bringing a fresh perspective to the familiar ‘spirit house.’ They invited Mr. Saratta “Kaen” Chuengsatiansup, the artist behind the “Uninspired by Current Events” page known for sharp 3D art satirizing the sociopolitical climate, to join as a designer. Together, they crafted a giant replica of a spirit house in the old home of former Prime Minister General Chatichai Choonhavan, with the AT Theatre group providing a special performance to transport the audience to another dimension. Ms. Thunyaporn ‘Piano’ Rakthao, a curator from People of Ari, shared the project’s inception, saying, “People of Ari evolved from Yellow Lane as a theater and creative space to share in the Ari District. We’re always looking for artists from various fields, with an appreciation for works with subtle, sophisticated political satire. That’s why we reached out to Mr. Kaen to see if he was interested in collaborating.”Gathering Ideas for Building the Spirit HouseWhat followed was a discussion and exchange of ideas, during which Mr. Kaen showed interest in the location’s background and how Ari was once known as a neighborhood for nobility and the elite, before becoming the chic area it is today. “Ari has essentially undergone gentrification, attracting a lot of expatriates. We thought the story of the spirit house would be fitting, as it is a rather ubiquitous sight while also being deeply expressive of Thai culture in the eyes of many expats. However, some may not understand its purpose, so we wanted to offer an experience that’s perhaps beyond what most are familiar with in this country. In a way, we are also working with places where the older generation still maintain long-standing traditions, so it’s as though we’re working with spirit houses themselves.“The discussions touched on many topics, such as how we would tell the story of the spirit house, how much we would satirize, and how deeply we would delve into discussing matters related to the ruling class. Ultimately, the art piece presented the perspective of spirit houses in a way that felt natural, such as by showing how offerings decay and deteriorate over time. We wanted to observe this reality without seeming as though we were mocking the tradition, believing it would allow for a more engaging conversation. “Some ideas also carried over from last year’s Bangkok Design Week, when we visited Yellow Lane and witnessed ‘The Forbidden Marsh’ that invited people to wade through water. We wanted to have an exhibition that similarly utilized space in an effective manner, culminating in the immersive Spirit House where visitors could interact and make offerings for blessings. At the same time, we still wanted the piece to resemble the sort of work we usually post on our social media space.”For this project, Ms. Sorrawan “Looktan” Bunyapuggana was brought on as producer to bring the concept sketches to life as tangible components within the Spirit House.“We first followed the design she provided, then saw what could be done and to what extent. Some items could already be feasibly crafted on a small scale, but for larger versions we’d need to use certain materials to maintain their shape and structure. We would then need to select textures with the team to see if the paper could make the items look real, ensuring they would be durable enough for people to handle without easily damaging them. Flowers would be crafted using kite paper and frosted paper.”Ms. Piano noted that, in addition to presenting realistic beauty, another important consideration for the team was striking the right balance between meeting the design objectives and addressing environmental concerns. For example, foam is very cheap but difficult to recycle, so it was necessary to switch to other materials.Creating Engagement to Question ‘Ownership of Space’More than an exhibition, the Spirit House serves a valuable purpose as the setting for interactive performances under the same concept but telling stories with greater depth. Additionally, during the main event of the People of Ari festival, musical performances and swing dancing activities were also held against the backdrop of the Spirit House.Mr. Pawarisorn “August” Kitwanitrungrueang, a member of the creative team, said, “The main challenge was creating a performance which would allow the audience to interact with the Spirit House. We had actors and viewers take on roles of common offerings, such as sculptures of chickens, zebras, and traditional dancers, with the actors representing old offerings and potentially becoming the next spirits of the house or space. The viewers, on the other hand, represented newly arrived offerings. The act primarily reflected the theme of space ownership.” Concerning musical performances and other activities, Panmas “Meing” Tongpan, a curator from People of Ari, noted that: “People of Ari regularly organizes musical events, and so during the exhibition, we would try to curate themes or select activities that would complement the storytelling. For example, Jazz Night at the Spirit House featured jazz music that matched the vibe of the exhibition. Our other events followed a similar approach. Together with the exhibition as the main event, we wanted to utilize the setting in a meaningful way and add layers of significance to the performances held in the same space. We presented ourselves as a theater to properly accommodate the versatile purposes of the space.”For more information please visit www.facebook.com/peopleofaribkk –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
07 Mar 2024
mapmap GO! - A Walking Map for Everyone Wanting to Get to Know the City
mapmap GO! – A Walking Map for Everyone Wanting to Get to Know the City When traveling somewhere, most of us search for directions using Google Maps, which helps guide us to our destination so we don’t get lost while also recommending the fastest route. While convenient, this speedy mode of travel that focuses only on getting from point A to B may inadvertently cause us to miss out on getting to know a route more intimately by making us less inclined to notice things along the way and immerse ourselves in the journey.Given this pain point, which is perfectly appropriate in an era where people are increasingly interested in exploring the cities they live in, the walking map ‘mapmap GO!’ was developed to shake up your perspective.The Making of mapmap GO!mapmap GO! emerged from a collaboration between ‘mor and farmer,’ a group of designers who utilized research data to develop a digital platform and new media aimed at improving cities, and ‘Refield Lab,’ a group of landscape architects interested in planning and designing spaces by integrating design work with data analysis. Previously, mor and farmer and their network partners developed a platform known as ‘mapmap’ as a database to collaborate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in developing green public spaces. This database was analyzed to identify areas with potential, after which strategies were devised to develop them accordingly. After gathering useful data for making cities more livable, planners began exploring how to disseminate the information more broadly.However, presenting a vast amount of raw, unrefined data would likely fail to engage the general public. The team, therefore, condensed this information into large paper maps packed with data to promote walking and exploring Bangkok Yai, a pilot area chosen to highlight walkable routes for urban explorers interested in learning more about the stories behind various places. Alongside network partners, the team organized walking tours for the area using mapmap GO! during the Bangkok Design Week festival.Bangkok Yai – A Pilot Area Rich in Historical Attractions When asked why Bangkok Yai was chosen as the pilot area, the team pointed out that Bangkok Yai is an old city district teeming with historical points of interest, including archaeological sites, old temples, and aged communities. Additionally, it boasts green spaces like Bangkok Yai Garden, a public park in the heart of the Thonburi side with garden tracks, and Uncle Sorn’s Garden, a community scholar’s agricultural garden that serves as a model for local food sourcing. All of these together make Bangkok Yai an ideal district for promoting ecotourism and exploring community lifestyles.Another reason cited by the team is the presence of network partners who were involved in previous collaborations, such as the ‘CROSSs and Friends’ group and the local community, both of which can facilitate access to in-depth information and further exploration of the area through various processes. These include on-site discussions with motorcycle taxi drivers, experts on lesser-known routes, and visits to farmland and public green spaces. Invitation to Explore Bangkok Yai on FootThe main objective of mapmap GO! is to invite everyone to explore the city on foot and uncover hidden gems, incorporating information about the identity and value of each area from the perspectives of communities and markets to history, culture, and the environment.As we begin to interact with the city on a personal level, we may perceive things we’ve never noticed in our busy lives, posing valuable questions for urban development.The map also offers five routes for designing one’s own walking paths, including:1st Route: “Agricultural Ecosystems” – Explores the relationship between waterways and agricultural areas in the district.2nd Route: “Meandering Along the River” – A riverside path from Charansanitwong Road to Wat Arun.3rd Route: “Temples and Sanctuaries” – Explores significant temples and religious sites worth preserving. 4th Route: “Museum of Life” – Showcases art and museums in the district, while also exploring famous food markets.5th Route: “Greater Bangkok Yai” – Explores the entire Bangkok Yai district to understand the overall image of the area in one day. These routes, fully explored by the team, offer environmental attractions, must-visit destinations, and useful information for pathfinders, such as obstacles, shaded paths, canal-side nature trails, hot areas to avoid during the day, and well-lit streets for safe night trips.During the recent Bangkok Design Week event, mor and farmer and Refield Lab organized an activity to explore Bangkok Yai with mapmap GO!, highlighting agricultural gardens, ancient Ayutthaya-era temples, and community markets to introduce this district from another perspective. The team also seeks feedback from map users to further develop the project and create conversations along the way, while hoping to involve district officials in future walks to address local issues and work towards tangible solutions.The makers of mapmap Go! believe having good data can help developers more accurately understand the potential and problems of cities, allowing them to better plan restoration efforts to make cities more livable and enjoyable for future exploration. Inviting outsiders to familiarize themselves with the area and absorb the local way of life can meanwhile expand networks for future collaborative projects. This type of map can also be adapted for other interesting districts that have yet to be trulydiscovered or widely communicated.For more details, visit www.facebook.com/CANCommunityActNetwork –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
29 Feb 2024
Expanding on Ctrl+R Collective’s Regenerative Concept
Expanding on Ctrl+R Collective’s Regenerative Concept with Creators Who Harness Good Design for Environmental RestorationWhile design and creativity aim to meet human needs, it’s undeniable that every creation exacts a kind of toll on nature and the environment. How can we find a balance that is good for both people and planet?The Ctrl+R Collective is a diverse group of creative professionals that invites you to explore this question. With a shared interest in Regenerative Design, their focus is on restoring the balance between people and planet in every way, fostering mutual support through great design that offers new possibilities for lifestyles that are both sustainable and pleasant.Ms. Anya “Yel” Muangkote, a designer with a focus on circular design principles and an expertise in bio-based materials, explained, “The Ctrl+R Collective emerged from a project I did with my friends involving mycelium (mushroom) fibers. The idea was presented at Bangkok Design Week, sparking interest and collaboration. Ms. Klyduan “Ib” Sukhahuta and Mr. Nu “Toh” Nimsomboon, the co-founders of Slowcombo, expressed an interest in the project, which led to them providing an exhibition space on the third floor so vast that it couldn’t be limited to a single showcase. “As a result, I invited like-minded individuals to join the collective, which has since grown beyond my expectations, attracting partners like GroundControl, MY MAYO, and Pineapple Print Press Studio.” An month-long exhibition for every dimension of Design × Environment!Mr. Dharath “Tot” Hoonchamlong, co-founder of Wasteland and an advocate for driving change in the food and beverage industry, is a key figure in the Regenerative Commodities – Exhibition & Experiences project. He said, “The founding members of Ctrl+R Collective, a total of 8 individuals, come together with the primary goal of creating a strong community to drive environmental initiatives. We are determined to showcase everyday materials that people are familiar with but often overlooked from an environmental perspective.“We took over all three floors of Slowcombo for a full month, from January 27th to February 25th, 2024. The first floor focused on creating experiences, featuring workshops and stages for discussions, and showcasing cases from partners and sponsors. For instance, the Sivatel Hotel brought plants from their sky garden for a workshop on blending tea and shared their decade of experience in managing food waste. On the second floor, there was a zone dedicated to the Conscious Fashion Mini Market, featuring eco-conscious fashion products. Soho House held the Regenerative Community Corner, while Central Department Store held the ‘The Future of Shopping Bag’ exhibition.“On the third floor is the showcase by us, Ctrl+R Collective. We intend to keep pursuing this work after this event ends; not just assembling during festival periods. I’m not a designer; I research food literacy to bring attention to this topic and to foster understanding about how the food production process is linked to the environment, society, art, and culture — going beyond whether something is good to eat or not.” Join in design works that are good for the EarthMs. Hutsama “Farsai” Juntaratana, a designer whose interests lie in positive environmental and social impact, volunteered to guide us on a walking tour of the “Regenerative Commodities” exhibition on the third floor. During the tour, she explained the design concepts of the display pieces, which lent importance to environmental impact, saying, “We and our friends experimented with several materials and production methods. For example, ‘Mycelium Unites!’ is a work by Ms. Yel and Mr. Makhawee “Gino” Sukawatano done in collaboration with Mush Composites. At this exhibit, one can see the steps to grow mycelium from leftover farm produce. We showcase the process of fungal germination and the resulting low-weight, fire-resistant composite material that can be used for interior decoration, furniture, and home decor.“As for Ms. Irene “Eye” Purasachit, she used waste from the floral industry and turned it into flower containers using several kinds of production methods. A workshop was also organized with Pica on making stationery from natural materials. My own work involved an installation piece that illustrates the process of recovering materials. We bring discarded construction materials — gravel, bricks, soil, sand and cement — and turn them into biomaterials to stimulate discussion about current perspectives on construction materials and how we might create new options for making use of these materials.”Meanwhile, Mr. Tot shared the work of Kamonnart “Ung” Ongwandee, a fashion designer who is advancing “slow fashion” via her role as coordinator for the Fashion Revolution network. According to Mr. Tot, “This project involved Ms. Ung’s survey of natural fibers dyed with colors extracted from rocks and earth from river basins in northern Thailand. The various cultures of communities and ethnic tribes permeate this work, where colors and designs were selected to reinforce mindfulness. There is also a workshop on how to extract colors from natural materials.” Another work of interest is “EXTRUDE” by furniture brand MORE, which seeks to use leftover materials to create new options for people who prioritize sustainability. Ms. Apisara “An” Hophaisarn, a Ctrl+R Collective member and the brand’s design director, explained, “We process polymer and recycled plastics to make people more interested in using them. Plastic water bottles, which are everyday items used by the general public, are sorted by color and then experimented with to mold them into cylinders that can serve many functions. For example, they can be assembled into storage shelves, lamps, room dividers, and stools.” These make up just a part of Regenerative Commodities – Exhibition & Experiences. If you’d like to encounter new experiences about designs that propel change-making innovations or if you’d like to know more about Ctrl+R Collective, follow the group on www.facebook.com/ctrlr.collective. –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
22 Feb 2024
ExperienceScape: How Urban Ally and DecideKit Brought New Life to Phra Nakhon
ExperienceScape: How Urban Ally and DecideKit Brought New Life and Possibility to Phra NakhonPhra Nakhon district was among the most talked about during this year’s Bangkok Design Week. Since Urban Ally was set up by Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture in 2021, the ‘center for a friendly city’ has been carrying out research and serious surveys as well as working with a variety of partners to design a more livable city and endow historic Phra Nakhon with new experiences. This resulted in a range of development projects as well as the center becoming the resident host for Phra Nakhon district. Urban Ally named their area festival “LIVE Metropolis Maintenance” and carried it out under the theme “Everyday-life Festival,” scattering the neighborhood with 19 activities. Among all the activities Urban Ally staged across Phra Nakhon, a major highlight was definitely ‘ExperienceScape,’ a project that enlivened the architecture of the old town’s abandoned buildings, bringing them new life and interest. Using new media art and projection mapping, famed Thai motion graphic design company DecideKit curated the experience in collaboration with studios including Kor.Bor.Vor, The Motion House, Yellaban, and Yimsamer as well as international designers from France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Changing the Old Town to Spark New Conversations on ‘Public Space’Pheereeya Boonchaiyapruek Ph. D., Deputy Director of Urban Ally, explained the thought process behind ExperienceScape, saying “We came at this project from two angles, firstly, we thought about how we could bring more charm to an everyday space and how we could extend the use of a public park into the night time, secondly, we wanted people to be able to access spaces like the Maen Sri Water Tower and other government locations so they could serve the public outside of office hours. The festival gave us an opportunity to experiment with using these spaces on a more daily basis.“The objective of ExperienceScape was to create models and new experiences for Phra Nakhon tied to its history. Urban Ally collected all the available content and selected fitting locations, while DecideKit and Kor.Bor.Vor acted as curators inviting artists to take part. Each activity spoke on the past, present, and future as interpreted by the resident artist.“The idea of using festivals for urban development opened our eyes to the possibility of altering public spaces for even wider use. The festival gave us an opportunity to try many different ideas in different places, such as Bangkok City Hall, which is usually closed to the public. This event let us stage happenings that started a conversation on utilizing public spaces more.” Looking Back through History with Art and TechnologyChanpen “Jib” Koolkaew, founder of DecideKit, added from the perspective of a curator who chose new media art and project mapping for the event that “We had another major contributor this year in the form of Kob from Kor.Bor.Vor (Pongpassakorn Kulthirathum) and we chose project mapping teams both from the commercial side and that were in the international competition circuit. Each team had their own character but they were all very skilled. After showcasing their work abroad, we thought they should also be given space here at home. DecideKit worked overseas for years and we always drew a crowd. All our shows were sold out in Japan and in Europe we saw packed houses. We’re sure Thai people also have an interest in this type of art but they just aren’t given the opportunity to see it, that’s why we wanted to come back and hold a show. “Each artist worked to incorporate the history of their space into their work, to bridge it with the future. At Mahakan Fort, the program by The Motion House was inspired by the colors of the Thai folk theater tradition of Likay after their research uncovered the space was once a Likay stage. Our project with Urban Ally in Trang was similarly based in local stories, which we wanted to present in an accessible, non-abstract way. Maybe someday our works will be more diverse, but we’ve only just begun, so communicating in a straightforward way will help us connect better.” Lessons from the Past for the FutureWhen asked how the designers felt the first time they went to see the long-abandoned water towers of Maen Sri, Jib said “Our impression was ‘Let’s do it, this place is so unique, it’s not a church or a building, it’s a really cool symbol.’ We wouldn’t have known there were two tanks there if Dr. Pheereeya hadn’t invited us. After reading about the site’s history, we wanted people to know about it even more because it has such a long past. Even if you were to construct another place like this, it wouldn’t have the same stories or value.“At the very least, opening up that space created an opportunity for the current generation to reconnect with their roots, to see a value in the past that can be forwarded to the future. Every location in the old town has immense value, it’s just a matter of seeing it and giving it attention. The value of these places can’t be recreated with money, they are the result of time, which money can’t buy. No matter how much funding you have, you can’t construct a place with this much meaning.”–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
15 Feb 2024