ExperienceScape by Urban Ally, DecideKit, LPN

ExperienceScape: Creating New Memories to Drive Phra Nakhon Old Town into a Creative District by Urban Ally, DecideKit, LPNAt this year’s Bangkok Design Week, Urban Ally by Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture is hosting Phra Nakhon District for the third consecutive year. This time, they’ve named their festival “LIVE Metropolis Maintenance” under the theme “Everyday-life Festival.” It aims to present innovative approaches to creatively utilizing the space in the old town, creating vibrancy and a new image of Phra Nakhon District.The idea behind revitalizing the Phra Nakhon District aligns with the “Livable Living Experience” concept by LPN, which is dedicated to developing high-quality living spaces and emphasizes the importance of building a good community and fostering well-being, both physically and emotionally.The ExperienceScape project is a collaboration between Urban Ally, DecideKit, and LPN. They’ve invited leading Thai and international artists to create new media art and projection mapping works that transform public spaces, revitalizing areas that have long been neglected and preserving the architectural heritage of the Phra Nakhon District. Here are some of the featured art installations in the festival:– “Back to the Past” by Kor.Bor.Vorat Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This projection mapping piece narrates the story of a living entity known as ‘Tank’ that has existed in the area since the reign of King Rama V. The ‘tanks’ hold numerous precious memories, and now, they are ready to share their stories.Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73204  – “From Now to Future” by DecideKitat Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This projection mapping piece communicates the importance of self-reflection through the lens of Tanks, encouraging people to embrace new things and relearn the world by filtering experiences that bring growth and resilience to our core.Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73204  – “Join (joy) together” by The Motion Houseat Mahakan Fort: Local artists use projection mapping under the theme “Living in a Color,” incorporating eye-catching optical illusion techniques. The area features multiple zones for visitors to explore with joy.Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76265– “Call Me Susan” by Yellaban Creative Media Studioat Saranrom Park: This project consists of two parts. The first part is a projection mapping that tells the story of the architecture in the area, from past to present and future. The second part involves transforming the observation tower, a symbol of Saranrom Park, into a character named ‘Susan,’ who will serve as a tour guide for the Phra Nakhon District. You can follow her on IG: @callme.susannn.Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/86893 – “Night Blooming” by Yimsamerat the Giant Swing: This projection mapping piece uses the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, to narrate a story of growth and awakening from the clay of ignorance, akin to the spiritual journey in Eastern beliefs.Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/86918 To make a city ‘livable,’ it requires collaboration and unity from all parties.In the past year, the Urban Ally-led development project for Phra Nakhon District has received widespread media attention. To continue this success and turn this neighborhood into a potential creative district, they are consistently generating ideas in collaboration with partners. This ongoing effort aims to provide opportunities and possibilities for adding vibrancy and economic value to this historic area through the addition of color and the introduction of new ideas, ultimately fostering a sense of community and of the importance of art and innovation in city development.–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Bang Mot

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Bang MotIn the harmonious coexistence of nature, people, and a diverse culture, linked through the waterways of Bang Mot Canal.If one were to ask about a creative district that is not only robust but also has been built from the ground up by the community itself, Bang Mot would likely be among the top answers. Rightly so, given its continuous area development for over 6 years, and the extensive list of varied creative networks that stretch long and wide.Today, this formidable tourism community has finally decided to take another step forward by registering to be a part of the Bangkok Design Week festival. This represents the ultimate dream of many community developers who wish to be a part of the festival at least once.How will Bang Mot transform the city into a ‘Livable Scape’? Discover the answer with Ajarn Nisakorn Pensomboon from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, majoring in Street Art and Integrated Design, Dhonburi Rajabhat University, as the Co-Host of the Bangkok Design Week 2024 in the Bang Mot district.The Coexistence of Nature and PeopleAjarn Nisakorn explains that Bang Mot is one of the areas in Bangkok that still retains its original natural environment and richness. This includes the canal-side way of life, boat commuting, and the cultivation of plants in garden rows, such as coconut gardens and Bang Mot ant gardens, which are significant symbols of the area. Moreover, it is a multicultural land inhabited by Thai-Chinese, Thai Buddhists, and Muslims living together.But more than that, what makes Bang Mot uniquely charming is the ‘loveliness’ of its people.“The geography of the Bang Mot area involves the coexistence of nature and people in a traditional way. For instance, entering the area, you will see canals, gardens, and nature. People still commute by boats. There used to be rice farming, and it was famous for orange orchards, particularly the Bang Mot oranges. Now, the Bang Mot orange orchard is nearing its 100th year in the area. Additionally, coconut trees are grown, adapting from the challenging cultivation of oranges.“In terms of culture, this place is multicultural. There are Thai-Chinese people, Thai Buddhists, with famous temples along the canal, such as Wat Phutthabucha, Wat Bua Phan, as well as several mosques along the canal. People live together in a multicultural environment.“Ultimately, the uniqueness of the Bang Mot neighborhood is the loveliness of its people. The way of life here is like a close-knit family, creating an atmosphere that reduces competition and haste. Entering the area, one feels the essence of slow life, a space where people can relax. It’s like when you arrive in Bang Mot, you feel at ease.”Collaboration in the Neighborhood Leads to Bangkok Design WeekAs we all know, Bang Mot is an old district that has continuously formed networks and worked on community development for a long time. This involves many sectors, including Dhonburi Rajabhat University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, SAFETist Farm, Kienwad & Pappim Art Space café, Baan Rai Ariya Metaya, the Mod Tanoy Market multicultural group, various entrepreneurs, residents of the area, and many others. Ajarn Nisakorn explains that the strength of Bang Mot as it is today stems from the educational sector’s involvement with the community and their continuous effort to elevate outcomes through various activities.“It’s a continuous process. It’s like we don’t just do it once and stop. We try changing methods, letting people come into the community or areas where they can have different experiences. Often, there are One Day Trip programs, boat trips, cultural walking tours, and discussions. We try different formats.“The strength of the area comes from the educational institutions providing information and stimulating the community to realize that their assets have value. And when they repeatedly try to implement these in practice, people start to see possibilities. They begin to realize that it can stimulate income and economic circulation. They see their own potential.”When the community is strong, Bang Mot’s next step is to elevate itself as a creative district for new challenges, including joining the Bangkok Design Week.“Bang Mot has always been active in grouping and working together. For instance, we’ve already conducted the ‘Bang Mot Phase’ five times. In the past four phases, the community was the driving force behind the activities, and once it was in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, making it a creative district last year. This year will mark the sixth time we are participating in the Bangkok Design Week.“After last year, when we joined as a creative district of Bangkok, we discussed that our collaboration, experience, and network are sufficiently ready. So, this year, we thought about trying to participate in the Bangkok Design Week. Since we have a strong team and are already working with the area, it became the starting point for us to try joining the Bangkok Design Week this time.”Turning Problems into Distinctive Features of the Area with CreativityThe key process in designing the activities for the Bang Mot area this time is to blend ‘solving urban problems’ with the ‘interesting aspects of the area’. They strive to take actual problems within the district as a starting point and design creative activities that can genuinely solve these issues while simultaneously enhancing the area’s identity.“When we talk about the motto of this year’s event, ‘The More People Act, The Better The City,’ it encompasses the physical aspects of feeling good, exceptional design, and Bang Mot’s uniqueness. We took up the additional theme of Hack BKK, which is ‘Attractive Frontage, Transforming Canals into Frontages.’ This theme has a story. When we look at the real travel history of people in Bangkok, they used to travel by boat. But as the city expanded, this mode of transportation became obsolete. However, the Bang Mot area still maintains this maritime lifestyle quite extensively. Is this a highlight? Yes, but it’s also a disadvantage because it means access to the area is more limited. So, we took this as a point to solve in various programs.“Or the fact that the area has a rural-urban lifestyle, meaning it’s quite quiet in the evenings. When it gets dark, everyone closes their homes, which is different from other areas in the heart of the city. Also, the lighting is not very bright. The community is quite dark, almost pitch black. Therefore, the nature of our programs focuses on making the area brighter, increasing the illumination for travel to various points during the festival and even for the daily life of the community members.”Grow with the Flow‘Grow with the Flow’ is the name of the concept for the upcoming program at Bangkok Design Week for this district. It beautifully suits the essence of Bang Mot, as this concept speaks to the development of the area in a flourishing way without haste or urgency. It symbolizes growth at a pace that is right for them, akin to flowing along the currents of the Bang Mot Canal with which they are familiar.“The term ‘Grow’ here refers to development and flourishing. We think that the nature of our area is like a water current, as we are located by the water. It’s simple and straightforward. We feel that the concept of ‘Grow with the Flow’, flourishing with the current, is about the external world that might compel us to grow rapidly. But once you enter this area, it feels like you’re embracing a slower life. We plan the program so that people in Bangkok, inner Bangkok, or other areas can feel that Bang Mot is like a provincial area within Bangkok, where everyone can come to relax and let go of their stress.”Ajarn Nisakorn says that the event will be located at various points along the 7-kilometer stretch of both sides of the Bang Mot Canal. These points will be accessible by walking or by passenger boats, which are also a part of the designed program. The activities include highlights such as:“The ‘Glowing Walls’ program addresses the community’s issue of darkness. We, being street artists, usually see bright colors on the walls. But now, we will add glow-in-the-dark paint, which illuminates during dusk, the time when the atmosphere is quite dark. During the day, one pattern is visible, and at night, another. This not only adds color to the area but also partially solves the problem of darkness.“The ‘Glowing Boat’ program is essentially a boat tour. We play on the word ‘glowing,’ as in illumination. As mentioned, we have problems with distance and connectivity between different points of the program, which spans 7 kilometers. We thought riding a boat itself could be an interesting experience. Therefore, we designed a program to decorate the boat’s canopy and sails with patterns depicting the lifestyle, incorporating art from the area into the designs on top, including lighting decorations. This turns the boat not only into a means of transportation between program points but also part of the art itself.“Additionally, we have a program from the students of KMUTT (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi). They are working on a project that uses science – water levels, water density – to address the issue of water for fish habitat. It’s a collaboration between scientists and canal designers. Besides the scientific solution, it will also be presented as an art installation in the area on the same theme. We also have another interconnected program from a ceramic artist who grew up in Bang Mot. They say that there’s a lot under the waters of Bang Mot Canal, be it actual animals, objects, or memories carried by the water currents. They have transformed these into various ceramic shapes and exhibited them under a bridge in the Bang Mot Canal, like lifting valuable things from underwater for people to see.“Concluding at SAFETist Farm, which is an organic farm with a pond in the middle featuring fish and full-scale agriculture. This time, they have devised an outdoor movie viewing over the pond“At SAFETist Farm, which is an area for organic farming with a pond in the middle, complete with fish and full-scale agriculture, they have come up with an idea to watch movies over the pond. It’s an outdoor movie screening, but since we have a pond in the middle, it’s called ‘movie in the middle of the pond.’“Another highlight of SAFETist Farm is the ‘Little Otters of Bang Mot Canal.’ Did you know that Bang Mot still has otters? Otters are a sign of prosperity, indicating that our area is fertile. So, we use them as one of the characters to represent the Bang Mot area, which still maintains its natural way of life. Those who come to watch movies might even get to see a real otter.”Relax with the flow of the Bang Mot Canal and follow the next steps as a creative district at the Bangkok Design Week, the first for the Bang Mot area, from January 27 to February 4.Get to know Bang Mot District better through its recommended programs:Grow and Glowwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70777 Glowing Boat Journeywww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70848 Scientist-Designer Collaboration: Sustalomwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71570 Little Otters of Bang Mot Canalwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71157 Click to see all the programs of the Bang Mot District here:www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=84251 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

Get to Know the Creative District Ahead of BKKDW2024: Siam-Ratchathewi

Get to Know the Creative District Ahead of BKKDW2024: Siam-RatchathewiOpening the door to the history of a Creative District in Bangkok’s very heart.The first images that come to mind when thinking of the Siam-Ratchathewi district for most are its billion-dollar real estate and teen hang out spots. The area is so vibrant with retailers, creative spaces, and eateries, each battling for popularity, you might find yourself completely lost after not having visited for just one year.Amid the revolving door of businesses and trends however, is a hidden community that has maintained its peaceful composure for generations. Seemingly moving at its own speed as its surroundings zip by, that community has been Ban Krua.Revealing the past, present, future and how Ban Krua is set to interact with the cosmopolitan world that encloses it during this year’s Bangkok Design Week are Thanasarn “Aj. Aon” Suthabunditpong and Dr. Nattawut “Mark” Usavagovitwong, representatives of a network of urban developers looking to uplift Ban Krua community, and Ms. Isariya “Ann” Poonnopatam, a representative of Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, Co-Host of Bangkok Design Week in Siam-Ratchathewi District.Peaceful Cham Muslims in an Area Changing Every SecondServing as the focal point for the design of Bangkok Design Week in the Siam-Ratchathewi district this year is Ban Krua community, a Cham Muslim neighborhood described by Aj. Aon and Dr. Mark as the “yolk” of the area. On top of having a long history and a distinct identity, the community stands out for having held on to its ways of life despite countless cultural and landscape shifts over the generations.  “Ban Krua has long been a strong community on Saen Saep canal. Historically, it was founded by volunteer Cham fighters who left Cambodia during the Ayuthaya era and setup homes near Jim Thompson, supplying the company with silk fabric. Due to this, the community is deeply rooted in textiles. “Originally, it was one large community that crossed Saen Saep canal and Banthat Thong Road. Today, it is divided into four regions with West Ban Krua, North Ban Krua and South Ban Krua delineated by where the canal and road cuts through the area. Development segregated the community and placed its members in different city districts.“Our interest in Ban Krua comes from the fact it’s the yolk in this ever-changing egg, that it’s somehow resisted the rapid movement of the location around it. Siam has a train station, commercial spaces, and activities that attract scores of foreigners, but all that commotion hasn’t altered Ban Krua at all, it’s as if its running on its own clock that ticks at a different speed. We’re intrigued as to why this area has guarded itself from it surrounds and walked at its own pace.”A Halal Kitchen at the Center of BangkokFrom that spark of interest, the two were inspired to get to know Ban Krua. What they found was a community that had become isolated due to two main matters, confusion over residential rights and religious beliefs.“Once we started really studying the area, we found that it existed in this kind of grey state, it was both the quiet community it started out as and a crowded slum. There are quite a few rental homes here and a number of them are caught up in legal troubles after being built without construction permits. Add to that, private land intercut by small patches of property owned by the Treasury Department and development here has been stunted by the fact there is no single plot large enough to be sold.  The isolation is also due in part to the community being majority Muslim, a self-sufficient faith that has made it difficult for the neighborhood to connect with others while maintaining its strict practices and customs. Coupled with the physical boundaries around the area and its narrow alleyways, Ban Krua is rather separated from the outside.”With a clear objective, the two began discussions with networks that have long been operating in the district, such as Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts, finding out that efforts to open up the area to commerce and even tourism had begun years before.“Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts had been working with residential community development institutes for 4-5 years already, trying to open up Ban Krua and show them changes that could be made for the benefit of the local economy. They showed them how to deliver food using Grab and how to leverage their culture for economic progress. The focus was on food but some members were even able to setup home stays.”Finding those initiatives made inviting the community to join Bangkok Design Week that much easier and established a goal for the Ban Krua development network to empower the once closed-off neighborhood towards a new beginning by transforming it into a Halal kitchen at the very center of Bangkok.“We wanted the people of Ban Krua to see the changes taking place around them as economic opportunities, ultimately leading to changes in their housing for better compliance with the law. That is the end goal that we are actualizing through the distinct Halal cuisine made here.“The wider area would gain a new source for dining, as would Bangkok Muslims and tourists to the city, and everyone would be given the opportunity to appreciate the different beliefs and ways of life presented by this local community.”Bringing Contemporary Flair to Spice up the LegendTowards achieving their goal, the team explains that they want to set off an ‘exchange of culture’ during Bangkok Design Week between Ban Krua and the wider world, especially at the creative space GalileOasis, which has become a haven of young people.“We are interested in the interplay between slow and fast, new and old, that is taking place between Ban Krua and its surrounding area. Through Design Week, we want to facilitate an exchange between Ban Krua and all those places moving at a different speed to it. We invited GalileOasis, an up-and-coming lifestyle and art space in the neighborhood, to discuss how this could be done.   “What we found was that, in the just over a year they have been here, they have been working to connect with the community and have been trying to be a good neighbor. We felt that GalileOasis could serve as a space to draw in new people to the area but understood that its target audience might not even be aware that this community exists. That’s why we decided to add an element of Ban Krua to GalileOasis and an element of the modern outside world to Ban Krua. We placed pieces of each world into the opposing space to trigger an exchange of awareness.“When you’re in GalileOasis, you will be aware of Ban Krua. Before, visitors would come and drink coffee, take pictures, and leave without knowing about the surrounding community. It was a theme park people would just visit and not look back at. We wanted to reflect Ban Krua in GalileOasis, so people would understand that they coexist and gain a sense that there is more in the area. Visitors would have their attention drawn to the Muslim community while the community would be shown what is possible.”Exchanges between Our Home and Our Neighbors’“We started out knowing very little about the Muslim world. We just had this notion that there is a wall between us and them and we couldn’t understand their ways and rules. I think I only really started to learn about the religion when I started my work here and I can see that there are a lot of challenges.”A core challenge of working with a community deeply rooted in faith is striking a balance between instigating new possibilities and imposing new ideas or damaging the existing way of life. Failing to maintain this balance could lead to resistance or discomfort during collaboration. The programs conceptualized for this Bangkok Design Week were accordingly made without any expectation of blending new and old, rather it was about having the community and GalileOasis see each other as ‘neighbors’ that could visit with one another and then return home when they felt the need.“While we designed the programs, we didn’t think that the community and GalileOasis would have to become one. It was more about ‘our home’ and the home of ‘our neighbor.’ There is no obligation to move between the two homes, they don’t have to break down any walls and become a single unit. It was about both homes coexisting in the long term in a single space.”The festival will see workshops, trips, food markets, exhibitions, and more, simply divided between experiments in redefining life in Ban Krua at GalileOasis and applying creative ideas collaboratively within the community.Happenings at GalileOasis“The yoga for Muslim women program came with some questions. We noticed there was a sports ground where young people would come to run, but we never saw any Muslim women exercising. Finally, we found out that it was because they couldn’t remove their hijabs in front of people who weren’t members of their family. At the same time, we found a lot of snacks and desserts in the community, most were sweet and causing weight gain. That brought us to the idea of creating a work out space for Muslim women, a fitness center for only women. This program brought some challenges.“Another is all about massage and touch, but this is challenging in a Muslim community where personal space is a big deal. People here don’t regularly touch others. This made it a challenge to get this program running, we had to find out how people touched one another in their homes, was it through hugging? How do they express affection? Using massage, we think we can bridge this gap between different generations in the community and promote touch. We might push through some religious requirements, but we’re not 100 percent doing away with them.“Then there is a workshop on contemporary Arabic. Anyone can take part and try their hand at writing Arabic letters. When we were doing our research, we noticed that Arabic writing is beautiful and graphical. The language has been applied to graphic art extensively abroad. Artists familiar with the writing from Ban Krua are heading the workshop at GalileOasis.”Activities taking place in Ban Krua“Cuisine and travel were the two areas the community wanted to experiment with the most. When we were speaking with them, they showed a lot of interest in cooking workshops teaching recipes they’ve been making throughout history, like Satay, Curry Puffs, and Roti. Many members of the neighborhood said they wanted to try hosting these workshops or even organizing chef’s tables. There are three homes that want to try that.“There was an idea to teach a Cambodian sour curry recipe and other curries with unfamiliar names. That led to us realizing this community has the potential to produce DIY products such as ready-to-eat meals. On top of its history and architecture, we discovered that the gastronomic background of Ban Krua is also very interesting, with varying ingredients and origins from other places, and a practice of passing down recipes from generation to generation. There is real value here that can be developed into products that could one day become a source of revenue for the community. The challenge today is opening up the secrets of the neighborhood and then getting their goods into name brand stores.“Two culinary history walking tours of the area have also been plotted. The first route will focus on history, starting at Jim Thompson to show the community’s connection to silk before visiting a century-old home for a meal and then ending at a masjid for a lesson on the community’s history. The second route is about the community’s development and starts at its sports ground, a landmark of the area that once held off the encroaching expressway. The route continues to historical homes, the masjid and then to the century-old house, where the focus will be placed fully on revising the community through art. The end of the second route involves pasting ceramic fragments on to the wall of Unchel Wipol’s silk weaving house, an interactive way to experience a local story. Each of the two routes is different, but we hope they serve as models for more tours in the community once the festival concludes.“Most notably, Bangkok Design Week is taking place concurrently with the community mosque’s annual religious studies building event, an important occurrence that raises funds for students and is an opportunity for families to gather. Making the most of this opportunity, visitors during Design Week will be able to witness a way of life in the community and design work is being used to enhance the fair’s entry with lights and lighting installations. An exhibition of storytellers will also be a part of the day, making it a worthwhile visit.”  Visit the home that is Ban Krua and engage in a cultural exchange this Bangkok Design Week 2024 in Siam-Ratchathewi district.Explore Siam-Ratchathewi in greater detail through the neighborhood’s recommended programs:YOGA SAM-RUB-BAN-KHRUA: ARABIC AEROBIC (YOGA)www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/72015 SAM-RUB-BAN-KHRUA: ARABIC HANDBOOKwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/89031  SAM-RUB-BAN-KHRUA: CURRY ME / CARRY ME (GRAB n’ GO)www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71250   SAM-RUB-BAN-KHRUA: An Edible History 01 Tourwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71192 Click to view all programs of Siam-Ratchathewi here:  Siam www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=50629  Ratchathewi www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=84248  –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Phra Khanong-Bang Na

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Phra Khanong-Bang NaExplore the mixture enabling harmonious coexistence among the people of South Sukhumvit Improving a neighborhood’s livability using creativity and innovation Many of the areas used as experimental spaces for creative ideas at Bangkok Design Week are old localities that possess identities that have distilled over the years, coupled with a plethora of cultural attributes. But what happens when newer, innovative locales and a known hotspot of creators such as the Phra Khanong-Bang Na area also jump onto the playing field?Together, find the answer from representatives of Cloud 11, Asia’s largest hub for content creators. In this year’s Bangkok Design Week, Cloud 11 is the co-host for the Phra Khanong-Bang Na district.A mixture of innovation and ways of lifePhra Khanong-Bang Na is a residential as well as an office district at the southern end of Sukhumvit Rd. that is being used as one of the experimental spaces for design works during the Bangkok Design Week festivities this time around.  Representatives from the Cloud 11 project has defined the district has being a harmonious mixture of local charm and an innovation hub.“Firstly, you can still see a fresh market and the intrigues of the community, such as local charm, mom-and-pop stores, and the makers in the soi who are still occupied with tailoring, crafting leather bags and shoemaking. At the same time, there are many strong businesses here as well as large companies that like to work with urban development. This group of entrepreneurs talk about innovation. In this way, this locality can be likened to a mixture between an innovative district and local charms that are still retained.”Diverse capabilities come together for sustainable developmentWith there being many large businesses that are eager for urban development in the same district, what happened was everybody committed their efforts to act in their own ways, often without prior consultations with one another.  Cloud 11 views that Bangkok Design Week is a good opportunity for the businesses and the communities in this district to connect and work collaboratively to build a picture of their dream for the Phra Khanong-Bang Na district that represents what everybody wants to see realized.“Today, there are numerous businesses that are trying to make this district more livable, and they have interesting directions for development.  For example, BITEC talks about improving public transportation systems, Bangchak talks about sustainability, True Digital park talks about innovation, and so on. Cloud 11 and MQDC themselves already place importance in the improvement of districts, as we understanding well that completing an ecosystem requires components that are made up of major entities as well as smaller individuals.“The problem is we are acting individualistically at the moment. So we think BKKDW will be a good platform that prompts this group of people to tell others about what they are doing. Simultaneously, if we are doing this and then find out you are also doing the same thing, then perhaps we can collaborate. This would produce a guideline for and empower urban development that is superior to acting individually”Because everybody is a curatorCloud 11 explained that it was expanding on the diverse interests, capabilities and guidelines for urban development among the businesses. Thus, its co-host role this time around does not involve being a curator that selects and designs stories. Rather, it acted as a connector that bridges cooperation between all parties while furnishing the various partners with opportunities to build on the potential of each design work to the best extent.“In truth, Phra Khanong-Bang Na is a mixture of everybody’s participation. The businesses in this area all want to collaborate; we just had to ask them if they want to take action at Bangkok Design Week. Everybody says yes, they want to do it. All of them are ready to seek out their own concept of responding to the livable scape demand.“For example, the Books & Belongings bookstore tells a story about livable scape from their point of view, involving a story about food. Some people view that for them, livable scape means happiness in living. These are presented as exhibitions telling stories on the topic of happiness.Everybody has their own unique point of view when answering the question of the livable scape concept, produced from each business having contemplated its take on the matter” Prepare to explore South Sukhumvit through diverse points of view at BKKDW 2024In this year’s Bangkok Design Week, the people of South Sukhumvit are bringing plenty of interesting stuff for everybody to inspect, including but not limited to exhibits, forums, experiences and store outings.“In fact, we will have almost 20 activities. One highlight, though, will be the launch of a treehouse in the public area. INDA, the Books & Belongings store, 85mm. Studio&House and Phra Khanong District Office built it with the intention of making a playground for the community. Previously, they have already completed making improvements to the space, which originally was an abandoned banana field.“There will be an open house by Vaslab architecture, which is pretty much a master of design. Their office has this cool look that gives you the feel of looking at a Zaha Hadid apprentice. This will be their first open house, which will be accompanied by a lighting show. There will also be a market that gathers creative businesses in one place.“Then, at True Digital Park, the highlight will be the Cloud 11 Pavilion. This is a space where we want to invite everyone to become creators. Because we think that everyone is a creator. In this space, there will be trial creations of various works and the inside of the pavilion will have characteristics that prompt everyone who walks in to encounter experiences, get hands-on action and express themselves.Another one that looks like great fun is the Paint Your Park work by the AI-Deate team. They have this idea of wanting to open up opportunities for the layperson who did not have design knowledge to be able to design their own city, using an AI generator as a helper. Tools will be prepared for people to take photos of the part of the city they want to develop. The part is circled and prompts are then input to generate pictures of the ideas for improving the district. The pictures will then be entered in a contest where prizes are offered. The winning works will also become exhibits within this event.“The next one is SUNA Market. This will be an amassing of businesses in the neighborhood – bakeries, noodle shops and other eateries. They will open shop under the name SUNA Market, which originated from ‘Sukhumvit-Bang Na’. This one will be held at BITEC.There will be a serious talk about design thinking, specifically on the topics of service design, technology and entrepreneurship. We think the creativity of nerdy people is not for show and we create with seriousness. Thus, this forum will tell the stories of nerdy people in this district quite well. This one will be held at True Digital Park.”Follow the people of South Sukhumvit to explore, get to know and exchange ideas for creating new innovations at Bangkok Design Week’s Phra Khanong-Bang Na district!Know the Phra Khanong-Bang Na district better through the recommended programs for this locality.South Sukhumvit: Playscape 95www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/83882 South Sukhumvit: Vaslab Convergencewww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/83893 South Sukhumvit: PAINT YOUR PARKwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/84226 South Sukhumvit: TALK: Experience Scape: Code + Craftwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/69350 Click here to see all programs for the Phra Khanong-Bang Na district: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=84250 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable ScapeThe More People Act, The Better The City27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Bangkok Yai-Wang DoemReviving traditional culture to find new meaning, narrating the lifestyle along the Bangkok Yai Canal from dawn to dusk..Amidst the growing diversity of local soft power, whether it be ice cream inspired by Wat Arun Ratchawararam (the Temple of Dawn) or the booming traditional Thai costume rental businesses, what else defines the identity of the Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem District?  What epitomizes this area beyond being home to the Temple of Dawn, which is already a significant destination for both Thais and foreigners? And how will this be extended into a design showcase at Bangkok Design Week?Today, we seek answers with Mr. Mek Sayasewi, a board member of CROSSs and Friends and a member of the Young Thon group. As a veteran urban developer on the Thonburi side for over seven years, he has decided to shift gears to serve as co-host of this new district to help spread the youthful ‘Young Thon’ vibe to the Wang Doem neighborhood.The Old Town of Thonburi and Lifestyles Waiting to be DiscoveredThe Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem District, a conservation area on the Thonburi side rich in historical tourist attractions, ancient art and culture, and canal-side lifestyles, is one of the new experimental fields for this edition of Bangkok Design Week. The charm that Mr. Mek sees in the Wang Doem neighborhood, which he believes is second to none, is its perfect blend of an old town rich in culture and a lovely, livable residential area.“The Bangkok Yai District has the image of being an old town with historical sites and tourist attractions, while at the same time inherently charming and livable. The lifestyle there encompasses traditional ways of life, and if you venture a bit further, you can observe the ‘gardeners lifestyle’ along the canal. However, for this project, we’ve chosen to focus only on an area within walking distance, where people can stroll and explore. Thus, we’ve selected a section of the Wang Doem area, which is actually just a part of the Bangkok Yai District, to present as the first area for visitors to experience.”A New Identity After SunsetOne of the challenges that the Young Thon team discovered while working with the Wang Doem District is the overpowering branding of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), which so brightly overshadows the community’s stories and residential areas around it, blurring their identity. Building upon existing success, expanding and attracting visitors from the temple to explore the neighboring areas is a key challenge for them.“To be honest, there are many hidden gems in the Bangkok Yai District that haven’t been fully developed. A common question many people ask is ‘What other identities does this place have besides Wat Arun?’ The challenge for our team then became to explore the character of the charming residential areas surrounding the temple.“The truth is, after 6:30 pm or 7:00 pm, this area starts to quiet down. For people of our generation who like to go out for food in the evening, we wondered if it would be useful to establish some type of route after 6:30 pm, when Wat Arun closes. This route would guide foreigners or tourists who don’t know where to go next, to head towards the MRT Itsaraphap station. Along the way, they could explore the district through local festivals and keep the area lively for an hour or two after the sun sets. We want to encourage people to remain in this area for a longer period of time to interact more after the sun sets.”Collaboration from the People of ThonburiAlthough Wang Doem is still a relatively new area in the design week festival, the work this time isn’t starting from scratch. With the Young Thon group having operated in the Thonburi area for as long as seven years, many interesting characters and networks they had previously established inspired them to start working with the Wang Doem District.“Previously, Young Thon had helped organize BKKDW in the Charoen Rat, Khlong San, and Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu Districts, which are areas we have always worked in. We already had key partners, mainly educational institutions such as Bang Mod, the RESPECT Institute, Sripatum University, Silpakorn University, and Thonburi Vocational School, as well as local police and district office officials, like in the Thonburi and Bangkok Yai Districts. For instance, two years ago, when we undertook a project in the Bangkok Yai District, we became quite familiar with the area, including its community leaders and various institute professors. Everyone involved played a very important part.“As for the project for this year’s Bangkok Design Week, I admit it emerged when the event was announced and we simply found it interesting and wanted to participate. So, we gathered people we knew who were already working in the area and presented the idea, essentially capitalizing on the networks we’ve already established. We see Bangkok Design Week as an opportunity to host an open house event and display everyone’s work in the district for these nine days. What’s important is how we weave everything together into a single narrative.”This year marks the Young Thon team’s first time participating in Bangkok Design Week. Mr. Mek explains that they started by setting the most achievable goals, focusing on targeting tourists and those interested in design.“For our first year, the target group we envisioned includes tourists or designers who have previously experienced Design Week. There might also be people following from pages on the Thonburi side or locals from Thonburi itself. It may not go as far as tackling community problems or having the community as the main storyteller producing works on that scale. Nevertheless, we see it as a good start because, at the very least, it’s a beginning that shows the potential of this area from different angles.”Exploring the Route of the District From Dawn to DuskWith Wat Arun at the heart of the district, operating with fixed hours from 8:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the question becomes: “What happens after 6:00 pm? Where do people go?” It’s this question that the Young Thon group has chosen to weave into the story of the Wang Doem neighborhood for this year’s Bangkok Design Week.“We want to convey the lifestyle of the area from ‘dawn to dusk’ to visitors, to increase their understanding and appreciation of the local cultural heritage. This ‘wordplay’ resonates with the signature of the district, which is Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, and offers wide-ranging perspectives. For instance, from conversations with tourists or locals here, there seems to be a moment everyone loves experiencing, which is watching the sunset at Wat Arun. Since the temple’s care ends at exactly 6:30 pm, we see this gap as an opportunity to plot the route from the MRT station at Itsaraphap to Wat Arun at around dusk and make it one of the festival’s highlights.“For this year’s Bangkok Design Week, we have collaborated with business owners to make arrangements like procuring an apartment with a beautiful view of Wat Arun’s pagoda, which will open as a dance floor in one of the planned programs. For those young individuals looking to lead tours of Wat Arun and Bangkok Yai through the eyes of an archaeologist, there have been discussions about Bangkok Yai products with design groups, a Time Machine boat program, a Bangkok Yai sound event that narrates the various sounds of the district from morning until evening, and a ‘Tour of Thon’ activity building on the ‘Game of Thon’ that creates a map for people to explore and complete tasks in the area. CROSSs and Young Thon have been instrumental in orchestrating these programs to create a journey starting from when the sun is still high up in the sky until it sets.“I feel we’ll be touching a lot on the history behind the scenes during the events and activities taking place, and ultimately asking, ‘What really defines the identity of Wang Doem?’ Because, honestly, the Bangkok Yai District already has its gems, but they have yet to be fully polished or narrated.”Join us in discovering the new identity of Wang Doem after sunset at Bangkok Design Week 2024 in the Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem District.Get to know the Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem District better through these recommended programs:Twilight Tempowww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70244 Time Machine Boatwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70337 Sound of Bangkok Yaiwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70349 Thong Thon Guide Map at Wang Doem Districtwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/70329 Click to view all programs of the Bangkok Yai-Wang Doem District here:www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=84249 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Other Districts

Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Other DistrictsSeveral areas across Bangkok have begun to ‘act’ towards enhancing the city’s creative landscape.Just like Rome wasn’t built in one day, the ‘Creative Districts’ also couldn’t be completed within a year. Hence, another BKKDW2024 program that, although not consisting of a single district, deserves equal attention is the ‘Other Districts,’ which is known as ‘Program 16.’ This collection encompasses a variety of artists, creators, studios, entrepreneurs, and various locations across Bangkok. These artists have started to step into this experimental field to turn numerous ideas into reality.Because what you’ll see this time might be the significant day one for many projects. The most important thing for every creator from every area right now is Feedback. The audience’s insights can be used to refine and improve these works. So, after getting to know the in-depth insights, inspirations, and various programs of the 15 Creative Districts, today we invite you to make the last stop here.Because Bangkok Design Week is an experimental field for creative ideas accessible to everyone.Click to view all programs of the Other Districts here:https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=284 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape

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Let All Five Senses Explore AP Thailand’s Experiential Space

Let All Five Senses Explore AP Thailand’s Experiential Space, Showcasing Innovative Space Design for a Good LifeWhat do you need from your home or living space? Undoubtedly, functions that cater to your lifestyle—eating and sleeping comfortably—are essential. Equally important, however, is a living space that contributes to your happiness and allows you to experience life on your terms. Still unsure about what a “good life” involves? That’s where Bangkok Design Week 2024 comes in. AP Thailand has created an experiential space that introduces innovative space design concepts aimed at providing a fresh perspective on experiencing a “good life of your choosing.” The “LIVE WELL SPACE” is located at the front square of the Grand Postal Building on Charoenkrung Road.Experience the “Good Life” at LIVE WELL SPACE“LIVE WELL SPACE” invites you to experience a new perspective on the “good life” through AP’s innovative space design. Engage your senses, including hearing, sight, and touch, within an environment designed to promote physical and mental well-being. The space features various activities that encourage you to explore the meaning of the “good life” tailored to individual preferences. Additionally, it offers opportunities to design your own connection with nature, providing inspiration to take home and integrate into your daily life. Furthermore, the event space is designed to allow everyone to participate as a community, fostering interpersonal relationships through various public activities.Grasp the “Good Life” Concept and Translate It into Your RealityWhile you enjoy the “good life” experience at LIVE WELL SPACE, AP has prepared special souvenirs for you to take home. These souvenirs will serve as a reminder of the innovative ideas encountered in this space, inspiring you to create more enjoyable moments at your home. Share the fun and exciting lifestyle patterns you’ve discovered with your loved ones at home.A Good Life Arises from “Innovative Space Design”A good life is the result of various components, from quality living conditions and safety to a health-promoting environment. Additionally, it involves having spaces that allow us to understand and support the creation of positive relationships with the people around us. The key to making all these elements happen is “innovative space design.”AP sees Bangkok Design Week as a significant event for opening up the world of design, allowing people to see the possibilities of using design to enhance their quality of life in every aspect. AP has always believed in the power of design to develop people’s quality of life in ways they desire.–Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape#APLiveWellSpace#นวัตกรรมออกแบบพื้นที่ #APSpaceInnovationsDesign#ชีวิตดีๆที่เลือกเองได้ #apthai