The work on the project designed to be new architectural landmark for the city and region is expected to begin by early 2010.
The 145,000 square meter project will occupy the former gardens of the British Embassy in Nai Lert Park, Bangkok and will consist of a 7-story retail podium and a 30-story 6-star hotel tower.
Designed to be Bangkok’s first landmark building to sport a thoroughly organic look, the form wraps around two vertical light wells in the retail podium and encloses and exposes a series of exterior courtyards and roof gardens for the hotel. Internal spaces break apart to reveal stepped terraces and vertical gardens.
The design for this project has been underpinned by two strands of parallel research. Architects have conducted research to study traditional patterns, materials and fabrication methods of the region. They have also applied advanced digital design techniques such as scripting and parametric modeling as a means of abstracting their hands-on research to create an innovative synthesis of technology and heritage, specific to the context of Bangkok.
Drawing on motifs and patterns found in traditional Thai architecture, the facade of the building is composed of a dynamic and fluid three-dimensional array of ceramic tiles. Changes in gradient, rotation and spacing break the long spans of continuous frontage into a unique pattern. This design element gives the building facade varied impressions of the depth, shape and color of its skin with each step taken.
The seven-story podium section of the complex will house a shopping mall, featuring a series of open and enclosed courtyards. The tower section will house a 6 star luxury Ritz Carlton hotel featuring spa and gym along with roof gardens and terraces and vertical gardens inside the tower. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.
Conceived with the intention of reinterpreting Thai heritage and culture in a modern context, the project is treated as an opportunity to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary digital design.
