This year’s Manila FAME Exhibition features objects of handicraft from a regional collaboration project. The landmark event is being held under the theme,
ASEAN Design to the World.
An amazing rattan chair on the showA strikingly beautiful mirror on wooden frameA Schema lamp exhibition /// A new collection by Kenneth CobonpueThe “ASEAN Design to the World” exhibition is the product of collaboration among five regional member countries.
Highlights of the exhibition are beautiful products of collaboration among regional members, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Each country has its unique ways of transforming local materials into beautiful works of handicraft. Such are taking place within the ASEAN region, where member countries have come together and integrated their efforts in a project called “Improving the Current Status of ASEAN Master Craft Designers.” They also reached out to collaborate with other experts in the field.
It’s about repurposing. This eye-catching stool made of bamboo basketry is by Phanida Prommetta of the ASEAN Master Craft Program.A metal lampshade from Indonesia is curate by Lim Masulin.Inspired by shadow play, this lampshade from Thailand is designed by Rush Pleansuk of the ASEAN Master Craft Program.From Thailand, Teerapong Thammacharoen of the ASEAN Master Craft Program crafted this chandelier out of bamboo basketry.
An eye-catching object of handicraft is the product of collaboration with Peruvian’s designer Nelson Sepulveda. The design is pure and simple with a naive charm. Rough natural textures are preserved. Sepulveda recycles local wastes, i.e. coconut leaves, pineapple-fiber papers and abaca plants. It’s amazing how he develops found materials into furniture that fits in well with contemporary lifestyle and residential spaces.
Inspired by techniques from the shadow play, these leather screens are by Chalan Thawornukulphong from Thailand.Also from Thailand, a red coffee table comes in the form a wild boar’s head, by Sasiwimol Chalearmrith of the ASEAN Master Craft Program.Fashion modern chairs in mock-up settings by Budji LayugFrontal view of the Citem exhibition by Nelson SepulvedaThe Citem exhibition by Nelson SepulvedaCitem exhibition designs by Nelson SepulvedaLucent Objects by Stanley RuizPart of the Masa Ecopaper exhibitionThe Masa Ecopaper exhibitionThe “ASEAN Design to the World” booth features woven fabrics by Awika Samukraman.
This year, Budij Layug has put on another interesting exhibition in the Philippines. His selections and perspectives not only offer home décor items, but also fuse with fashionable influences. Equally intriguing are “Lucent Objects,” a design exhibition by the Design Center of the Philippines in association with Stanley Ruiz. Here lampshades are produced from different natural materials. A lovely touch of creativity comes in the form of a lampshade made of fiber from the coconut shell. The ingenious design aims to reduce adverse effects on the environment. In the process, toxic chemicals are avoided as best as possible.
The Peacock Chair Redux exhibition
Meantime, the Peacock Chair Redux Exhibition gives a new meaning to the iconic chair. Philippine designers develop these innovative designs based on the original Peacock Chair using a variety of techniques and materials.
Under British rule from 1824 to 1948, Yangon became a significant center of commerce located between India and Singapore. The streets of Yangon offer a glimpse of the opulence of the old city and its heritage. A walking tour is one way to find out.
After the second Anglo-Burmese war, Yangon was occupied by British troops. Burma came under British rule, during which time it was declared a province of British India. The British made significant changes to the city of Yangon. In 1853, Dr. W. Montgomery and then lieutenant governor A. Fraser laid out a grid of tree-lined streets for the city of Yangon. New city planning placed the Sule Pagoda at the city center.
After three Anglo-Burmese wars, the British in 1885 occupied all the area of present-day Myanmar. Despite the conflict, many new buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remained to be seen today. Some of them became government offices, embassies, the stock exchange, even shops and cafés. Others were abandoned and fell in disrepair. In 2012 the Yangon Heritage Trust was established to promote the environmental conservation of Yangon’s rich urban heritage through cohesive planning.
The exhibition about colonial buildings in Yangon Heritage Trust office
One of the programs undertaken by the Trust is the Heritage Walking Tour through downtown areas. People who love architecture can visit the Yangon Heritage Trust office on Pansodan Street. There is an exhibition going along with useful information about six routes for sightseeing. They are outlined in brochures. If time is not on your side, Living ASEAN recommends a shorter route as an option. The starting point is on Pansodan Street. Start your journey on foot from here. Turn left into Merchant Road, then another left on to Sule Pagoda Road. Soon you will come to Strand Road (See this route on the map). Give it two hours or a little more than that, and you witness a lot of Yangon’s glorious past and beautiful heritage. Need a break? Drop into the beautiful Rangoon Tea House for refreshments, or the coffee shop at the Strand Hotel. After a couple of hours on the road, coffee smells like heaven!
You can find some design items at Hla Day shopTake a seat at Rangoon Tea House
Flexx Stone – Flexible Stone Veneer // Light, Thin and Flexible to apply
A project in Thailand, designed by Studio BFlexx Stone at the counter
Flexx stone is a veneer with layers of natural stone and polymer composite. This innovation makes it thin, light and yet strong. It is used for both interior and exterior and especially where bending to a curved surface is required. Flexx Stone can be applied on any surface: concrete, masonry, wallboard, metal, plywood and drywall. It can be glued by PU adhesive, silicone and epoxy. Its surface can be treated like natural stone, glossy or matt.
More than 15 color variation of Flexible Stone Veneer
Benefit of Flexx Stone:
Very light – 0.3 kg per square metre
Very Thin – 0.1-0.3 mm
Easy to cut and work with
Flexible to install on wall, ceiling, door, cabinet, furniture and decorative item
Cost effective
Water proof material
High Strength and durable
Every stale is unique
Columns which was covered by Flexx Stone at PLATO X Mobella Showroom Ekamai, SukhumvitThe project in Canada
Left: ceiling application, Right: Translucent serie
Nowadays, Flexible stone veneer was installed in many countries in Europe, America and Asia. Flexx Stone in Thailand was distributed by Plan X Co.,Ltd.
In this year’s Thailand BIG + BIH 2016, we explored SACICT exhibition on developing Thai’s handicraft to global level and integrating different body of knowledge together.
/// Thailand ///
Photos: SACICT
Nian mirror, by Jaoban
To promote Thailand’s handicraft industry in the competitive global market, Creative Economy on Culture by SACICT (The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand) has rolled out the following interesting projects:
Future Value of Crafts – SACICT Craft Trend forecasts trending styles of handicraft products in 2017 not only to globally promote Thai craftsmanship, but to encourage local artisans to be aware of current global fashion.
Future Value of Crafts Exhibition
LUXX by SACICT – Under the Touch of Nature concept, Thailand’s emerging designers are collaborating with artisans and craftsmen to create various types of fine craftwork.
Participating in LUXX by SACICT are these renowned brands; Yothaka, AYODHYA, Korakot, Jaoban, and Pin Metal Art, among many others.
To see a state-of-the-art exhibition, visit Thailand BIG+BIH 2016 during the weekend of October 22-23, 2016 at BITEC, Bangkok.
Metal pedant lights, by Pin Metal Art
Crown, by Baanchaan ExportZero Mirror, by Korakot International and Hug Easy Chair, by Natural UnitLeaf Cabinet, by THELIFESHOPDurian Basket, by YothakaMoo-Mu, by YothakaChuan Lhong Vase, by Chuanlhong Ceramic
ASEAN’s International trade fair for trendy gift and lifestyle products took place from April 19th to 23rd, 2016 (trade Days the 19th to 21st, public days the 22nd and 23rd) at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok, Thailand.
This was the 41st edition of BIG+BIH, and it was organized under the concept “ASEAN Life+Style.” In the attractive “Fresh Taiwan,” “design lifestyle” products from Taiwanese designers were shown; “DEmark Award showcase” put on display well-designed Thai products now on the international market that had won Design Excellence prizes, and “SACICT Art & Craft” exhibited Thai folk arts and crafts products representing “Thainess” from local design traditions. The fair also featured product exhibits that provided an excellent platform for Thai designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections.
Dhanabadee, the famous ceramic shop from Lampang, ThailandFresh Taiwan exhibition : design lifestyle products from Taiwanese designers Isan Collection : the project of the northeast design in ThailandOggi, wooden furniture brand in Scandinavian accent
Showcases at the fair were set out in 3 zones: BIG, BIG Design, and BIH. The most popular products of the fair were gifts and handicraft decorative items, household products, pet products and services.
About home, modern wooden furniture and lamp in sophisticated styleUnique design lamp made of veneer woodHari Ora, wooden furniture shopQualy, plastic objects in designIdealize shop, furniture that made of natural materials such as scrap wood and old tree stumps.Tin Home Toy, lifestyle products which made of galvanize sheetsL-Living, decoration items for holiday homes
Joar, unique stone lampsBaanchaan, Asian style hanging lampC-Ssence, Bananamache productKlaps Design, modern furniture brand
On learning the news so distressing for the Thai people regarding the passing of His Majesty the King, to honor his memory The office of Contemporary Art and Culture and twenty-nine Thai artists have put on display an exhibition of heartfelt original art in honor of His Majesty: portraits, sculpture, photographs, graphic arts, and other relevant works.
The art exhibition is open daily 10.00 am to 7.00 pm between October 18 and 30, 2016, excepting Mondays and national holidays, on the 1st Floor at the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center, 84 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok, Thailand.
The name of 29 Thai Artists as follow…
Vasiree Hiranyalekha
Kitikong Tilokwattanotai
Vichit Pittayakorn
Widsanupong Noonan
Professor Kanya Charoensupkul
Suraporn Lertwongpaitoon
Kamthorn Paowattanasuk
Jutarad Phattharasirasak
Kampol Mungngam
Patipon Supanpong
Rattana Sudjarit
Santi Seedarach
Pairin Pupradup
Sakwut Wisesmanee
Anuchai Secharunputong
Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch and Aungkana Panthongka
During this time of loss, Silpakorn art students have been expressing their sadness with some impressive paintings.
///Thailand/// Photo: Peerapol Taiyaithieng
Sometimes sadness simply must be expressed. Students from the faculty of painting, sculpture and graphic arts, Silpakorn University are responding to the passing of King Bhumibol with rare and unique originality.
While many have been unremittingly mourning in black, a total of 60 students found solace in their profession and spent three whole days painting portraits of HM the King.
Under “The Great Artist” theme, they painted nine portraits of King Bhumibol to hang on the University’s fence and put one large portrait of him on the University’s exterior wall.
Their love and respect toward King Rama IX is expressed with creativity. Each picture shows the King in a different pose, each related to his wisdom and ability in one of many fields: music, photography, sport, and so on. Sadness is depicted through colors. All these portraits of King Bhumibol were drawn and painted in Sepia tones against colored backgrounds.
As the saying goes, people grief differently, indeed.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej proposed vetiver technology as a way to conserve soil and water. The initiative led to the setting up of the Chaipattana Foundation’s PatPat Handicrafts Project.
///Thailand/// Photographs: Sungwan Phrathep
Vetiver grass has long roots, which makes it a perfect choice for preventing soil erosion and conserving ground moisture. Since King Bhumibol first promoted its use, vetiver grass has been widely popular among agriculturists all over Thailand.
To encourage roots to development, vetiver grass needs to be cut often. As a result, the Chaipattana foundation under HM the King’s patronage has developed PatPat handicraft products from vetiver grass cuttings as a way to increase incomes for farmers.
Vetiver prevents soil surfaces from eroding. (Courtesy of PatPat)
PatPat furniture and decorative items are handmade by local farmers from different provinces. With help from PatPat development teams, designs are kept minimal, with sometimes a hint of color where needed.
PatPat vetiver collection is currently on exhibit and available for purchase at the Thailand BIG+BIH exhibition, October 22-23, 2016. Optionally, you can also call PatPat at 02-282-6406 for more details.
Lightweight vetiver grass is fashioned into unusual curves in this unique chair.Vetiver seat cushion, supported by legs from the hardwood tree Kratinthepa (Acacia Mangium)Handy bird and elephant vetiver brushes.These versatile, easy-to-carry baskets can be used for laundry, trash, or storage.Fun color combinations make each piece unique.Vetiver is a good material for weaving. It has a neutral color and soft pleasant texture.Colored strips and small Northern Thai ornaments add interesting elements to round vetiver baskets.Grasses are woven into a circular form.
There is more to Cambodia than Angkor Wat. Phnom Penh itself is a city with a legacy from its glorious days. Many may have lost in time. But some remain; including the architectural buildings designed by Vann Molyvann.
The Royal University of Phnom Penh’s library building is surrounded by a pond. The building weight relies mainly on the exterior pillar.
The Institute of Foreign Languages’s meeting room. The floor is elevated and the roof helps tackle with the heat.
Phnom Penh is equipped with a great city-planning. Temples and palaces in the city have a hint of Southeast Asian style component incorporated with French colonial architecture. Although parts of these heritages are deteriorated, their good old days can still shone through.
Among high-rise buildings and growing villages indicating Cambodia’s improving economy, old and valuable buildings are neglected as the government and foreign investors prefer the “Modern” which suggests “Prosperity” rather than renovating its old ones.
However, old doesn’t mean out. Vann Molyvann, has designed “Modern” principal buildings since the 1960s.
Vann Molyvann was born in 1926. He was granted the scholarship from Cambodian government to study architecture at Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in France, where many modern architects are nurtured. After the graduation, he served as a State Architect in 1956 and also played an important role for a period.
The lifted walkway in the back gives a shade to the pathway below.Details of light boxes a roof and a facade of the Institute of Foreign Languages group of buildings
His significant works was designed and built within 1974; The National Theater (later torn down), the National Sports Complex (a.k.a. Olympic Stadium), the Institute of Foreign Languages inside the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Chaktomuk Conference Hall (renovated). All of his works could be considered as modern and would definitely be treated as national treasures if they were in Europe.
Since the government policies regarding these building are unknown, their futures are uncertain. For those who have an urge for a modern building, a quick sightseeing trip to the remaining site is highly recommended. Also, don’t forget to check out www.ka-tours.org where you can book a private architecture tour in Cambodia conducted by Cambodian architecture students.
The exterior of the National Sports Complex.
A yellow transparent fiberglass partition at the entrance and a gutter below.
Vann Molyvann has designed a proper ventilation system for a tropical climate.
An area inside the stadium and a press observation deck overlooks the amphitheater.
Details of the indoor stadium roof.
At the age of 89, Van Molyvann has returned from his fugitive in France and now living in Siam Reap. While many might have already forgotten about his iconic buildings, it is safe to say his pages in the history will never be erased.
/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrith / English version: Peter Montalbano /
/ Photographs: Soopakon Srisakul /
This residence in Ho Chi Minh City has an interesting form and exterior that has drawn us to see with our own eyes. Named “Stacking Green”, this row house design received an award for outstanding design and architectural works at the 2012 World Architecture Festival in Singapore. It’s not surprising that it received a citation for architectural excellence in the residential building category. The way that it dealt with complex urban problems in a simple way yielded an array of fascinating outcomes.
The stairway reaches the top floor of the house that holds a guest bedroom with a sundeck.
The four-story townhouse offers a total of 250 square meters of usable space. The frontage abutting on the street is 4 meters wide with a whopping 20-meter depth. The interior is especially designed for the three people who live here, one of whom is an old person. Hence, one bedroom is placed on the lowest floor, so there’s no need to climb the stairs.
Since the house plan is long and narrow, bringing sunlight into the interior living space is a very good idea.
The second floor consists of a dining room, kitchen and living room, while the third holds the master bedroom with an open floor plan bathroom. The guest bedroom is located on the fourth floor.
It’s a well-known fact that people’s homes in Vietnam are often compactly built in townhouse form to use as little property space as possible, often resulting in cramped residences and unattractive-looking building fronts.
Here, the architects have incorporated privacy in the design so that no one can look in from outside. At the same time, it gives the homeowners a sense of peace and contentment. Overall, it’s a design thoughtfully devised to reduce pollution from the street.
This row house may not have any eye-catching features from the outside, yet its half-open, half-opaque design allows natural light to enter through the rooftop, creating a cozy home ambience within.As the leafy plants reach their full size, the level of privacy correspondingly increases.
Additionally, both the front and the back of the house feature rows of containers stacked one on top of the others with open air spaces at intervals. In all of them, lush green plants thrive luxuriantly screening the view inwards and creating attractive façades.
The house also has open ports which run up and down through all the floors. This kind of stack ventilation effect allows for hot air from below to rise and vent out through the rooftop. And by the same token, fresh cooler air is drawn inside keeping the heat down even at high noon.
Sunlight through a glass skylight in the roof shines down into the dining room on the second floor.
In the front yard, a leafy shade tree improves air quality, while vertical gardening on the front and back facades has spaces between stacking containers that allow plants to grow. The open spaces between planter boxes are determined by the types of vegetation planted. The full height of a plant is used to fix the spacing between planters on each floor.
Step inside, and you find there are hardly any walls separating the home into different rooms, except for bathrooms. This creates efficient ventilation throughout the home, at the same time giving it an open, uncluttered feel.
Besides giving privacy and cooling shade to the house, the planter boxes and leafy vegetation also act as a safety feature.
In this way, when container plants reach their full heights, they become the outer envelope of the building. Together they go to work all day and every day filtering out harsh UV rays from the sun, at the same time letting the cool breezes flow through.
The architects picked only the trees and plants with fine and delicate foliage so as not to block the wind, and for ease of use, they installed pipes for an automatic watering system.
Concrete planter boxes holding plants on the front and back facades have the added convenience of an automatic watering system.
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