A restaurant housed in an old building has been renovated to provide a unique experience for diners. It’s wrapped in a new envelope of tree branches with organic shapes designed to blend into a beautiful setting in Da Nang, a city in central Vietnam. Named Baba Yaga Restaurant, it’s an architectural masterpiece that values materials found in nature, one that seeks reconnections with its physical environment.
Situated at the intersection of two streets, Baba Yuga Restaurant is the brainchild of Duoitancay Concept, a design studio based in Da Nang. The old building has 436 square meters of usable space. In front of it stands a row acacia trees that are commonplace in tropical regions. As the architect and the property owner intended, they go to work improving air quality and providing shade making the atmosphere inviting, cozy and cooler during summer months.
The first and second floor plans illustrate ideas for decorating with plants and creative design solutions to the problem of being close to busy streets. / Courtesy of Duoitancay Concept
To protect structural integrity, the steel building frame remains intact. On the outside, the curved facade of woody stems, branches, twigs and sticks doubles as a buffer against noise and traffic-related pollution. The overall interior is impressive, canopied by overhanging trees nearby. In the meantime, the exterior walls with perforations add privacy, create patterns and provide ventilation making the dining room feel comfortable and warm.
Shade trees alternating with closely growing foliage plants reduce noise and absorb harmful particles from traffic, meantime creating a positive environment for diners.
A closer look at interior design reveals a pleasant ambience well-lit by daylight. The walls are decorated with perfect raw wood finishes with rough textures and earthy tones. The restaurant comprises two levels, each of which is tailored to suit specific customer preferences. The first floor holds ample semi-outdoor rooms for those who prefer dining al fresco.
The first floor holds a semi-outdoor dining room with plenty of space for those who prefer dining in the open air. At the center, a flight of stairs provides access to quiet and secluded dining rooms on the second floor.A wide opening in the building façade affords a view of the city of Da Nang as seen from inside a second floor dining room.
On the periphery, closely growing bushes and shrubbery provide protection and reduce the amount of dust entering inside the rooms. Upstairs is an entirely different story. It offers plenty of space for four private dining rooms, plus a foyer with a view of the beautiful city of Da Nang. From here, open floor plans allow natural light and fresh outdoor air into to the dining rooms nearby.
Parts of trees in organic shapes add natural touches to a dining room.A dining room bedecked with wooden masks unlocks the power of storytelling that taps into the innate human sense of connection.
Apart from using materials found in nature, it’s the love of art that makes Baba Yaga stand out from others. Together tree branches, twigs, sticks and barks combine to give the restaurant its unique character. It’s design that speaks volumes for the Truth to Materials concept, which says that material should be used in the most honest way possible. The result is a completely new building envelope reminiscent of an art gallery. Yet everything about it, from elegant décor to soft lighting and well-placed tables combines to create a positive experience for all.
In short, Baba Yaga Restaurant is a renovation project that brings out the best in the architects who create it. As a rendezvous for communities, it’s a spacious, positively clean place where people meet, enjoy good meals, foster relationships and make memories. More than anything else, it’s well-thought-out design inspired by nature that gives it a decided plus.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Anupong Chaisukkasem, Phumpakorn Na Bangchang /
How would you like your coffee? Black or with cream? Welcome to Rimkhobfa Bookstore & Black and Milk Café, a stand-alone store and coffee shop snugly cocooned in a cozy neighborhood of Bangkok’s Bang Plat District. The name is a bit of a mouthful, but you get the idea. The cybercafé is thoughtfully devised to ignite the love of literacy and open new horizons among younger fans of books.
Aptly named “Rimkhobfa”, literally translated “horizons”, it’s home to a bewildering array of books about Thailand and classics that every bookworm should read. Originally located on Rajadamnoen Avenue, the store only recently moved across the Chao Phraya River to a new address in Bang Phlat District. And that’s where the design team at BodinChapa Architects came in play, transforming an old building that had fallen into disrepair into a new bookstore-cum-café rendezvous. There’s charm and the power of storytelling that captivates a thirst for knowledge. Plus, fresh brewed coffee smells like heaven and the atmosphere is pleasant.
The building that formerly housed offices is located on Charansanitwong Road, a main thoroughfare on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. There was a problem when an overpass was built nearby, making the structure less visible while the interior became dark, poorly lit by dim light. To breathe new life into the old building and make the dark rooms brighter, the architects added openings in the wall and painted the interior a light and airy color. Meanwhile, an open concept layout provides ample space for a café that’s part and parcel of the bookstore.
The first floor plan offers equal amounts of space for the café and the bookstore. / Courtesy of BodinChapa ArchitectsDrawings illustrate spatial arrangements on the second and third floor plans. The interior is made light and airy by taking away the ceiling and creating a void of space in the second floor. / Courtesy of BodinChapa ArchitectsA vantage point affords a view of areas on the first and second floors.Stair railings provide visual transitions enhancing the flow of interior space that culminates in a massive wall called the “Tower”. In all places, the interior abounds with custom built-in shelves for storing books and product displays.
In renovating the old building, the architects had a part of the second floor removed to create a double height ceiling, resulting in a visually striking interior on the ground floor. After that the bookstore and café spaces were put in, each occupying roughly equal amounts of floor area.
Climb a flight of stairs, and you come to the second floor with plenty of space for organizing events and seminars. The low ceiling that was there originally is gone now. The room is cozy and comfortable thanks to a double height space. It also has abundant space for bookshelves. The third floor holds a conference room with large windows overlooking the second floor.
A product display paired with restaurant furniture in various styles creates a good bookstore café experience.Low ceilings that were there originally have since been removed to add headroom to the retail space on the first floor. Plus, it makes the small area nice and tidy by hiding utility systems.
The first floor comprises two parts, the first being a bookstore and the second holding a small café. There’s a coffee bar up front for greeting customers arriving in the store. Go further inside, and you come to an area filled with bookshelves alternating with coffee shop seating. From here the aisle leads to a collection of books beautifully arranged for public viewing.
On the whole, the interior abounds with bookshelves and library furniture starting from the café zone all the way to the stairway giving access to the second floor. Together they provide the perfect ambience for coffee aficionados and book lovers.
There’s more. Filling the interior space with style is a massive wall called the “Tower” that rises from the bottom to the top of the building. It’s an element of design dividing the interior space into parts, meanwhile doubling as the focal point drawing customers to other attractions on the second floor. Plus, it’s thoughtfully devised to provide the visual connection linking the cashier zone with the stairway nearby.
The decoration of the “Tower” keeps firmly to the original Rimkhobfa bookstore concept, whereby the gradual change of color symbolizes the horizon.
Overall, the furnishing and decoration of the interior keeps firmly to the original “Rimkhobfa” bookstore concept, whereby an image of the horizon is represented by a wall of fired clay bricks that change colors from dark at the bottom to light at the top. At the same time, indoor lights and a quadrangular opening at the top of the Tower go to work alongside each other to create a clean, well-lighted place perfect for reading and displays of books.
The second floor is well-lit and filled with shelves on which books are stored. It’s illuminated by natural daylight shining in through an array of tall windows. To protect the interior from the sun, the windows are dressed with light filtering shades. Flex space ideas help create multipurpose rooms for meetings and other events.
Low profile shelving units can be stowed away in the back room when not required, while high profile ones are used to store books and display products. They are placed against the wall with spaces in between to avoid enclosed spaces that could be signs of claustrophobia. This makes it easy to browse around the bookstore, find a quiet place to sit and enjoy a good read.
A flexible space for seminars and events has low profile shelving units that can be stowed away when not required.
Slightly tucked away from the main, noisy thoroughfare, the bookstore café makes the most effective use of natural materials to attract passers-by. Like so, the raw brick façade in shades of orange performs dual functions; structural and aesthetic. Nearby, a small signboard displaying the business name and logo directs customers to the store.
The floor is covered with tiles in shades of dark gray alternating with orange hue with brownish tints. To make the building more visible from the street, the front façade protrudes slightly from the wall while light-colored wood paneling slants up to the window sills adding instant curb appeal.
Fired clay tiles in shades of orange contrast with a gray stone wall displaying the business name. Together they add instant curb appeal to the bookstore café.
The atmosphere inside and outside the bookstore café is pleasant thanks to the use of eco-friendly materials in all places. Needless to say, it’s design that respects nature and the importance of art and culture in our lives. The materials and color shades remind a crowd of onlookers of the humble origins of man. Together they create stunning color combinations blending with the circumstances that form the setting of the neighborhood.
The second floor contains bookshelves alternating with reading nook furniture.
As print media struggle to survive in the age of technology, Rimkhobfa Bookstore manages to stand its ground in the fight by incorporating Black and Milk Café in its business plan. The result is a forward-looking bookstore café that answers the lifestyle needs of the new generations. By design, it’s a flexible business space capable of performing many functions. It’s the story of a renovation done right, one that transforms an old building in need of repairs into an oasis of calm for book and coffee lovers. Swing by the café next time you’re in town.
One Bangkok Retail, Bangkok’s Leading Retail & Lifestyle Destination, has partnered with KASIKORNBANK Credit Cards to launch the “One Nee K Loey @ One Bangkok Retail” campaign. This campaign celebrates the grand opening of One Bangkok, the new global lifestyle hub in the heart of Bangkok, offering four exclusive privileges to customers who spend with their KASIKORNBANK credit cards and meet the specified conditions between 25 October 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Palinee Kongchansiri, Chief Retail Officer of One Bangkok, stated, “One Bangkok Retail, we are creating a new definition of retail at One Bangkok as the first lifestyle phenomenon in Thailand bringing together fully integrated and superior shopping experiences under the concept of ‘The Rhythmic Experience,’ where everyone can groove to the pulse and excitement of life and enjoy a diverse mix of experiences. For this special occasion celebrating the opening of One Bangkok Retail’s Parade and The Storeys zones, we are welcoming everyone to ‘The Heart of Bangkok’ by joining forces with leading partners like KASIKORNBANK for the “One Nee K Loey @ One Bangkok Retail” campaign. This collaboration offers exclusive privileges and benefits to our valued customers who use KASIKORNBANK credit cards. We believe this will enhance the joyful moments and shared experiences we create, offering our customers not only a time well spent but also extraordinary and memorable experiences, for everyone, every day, here at One Bangkok.”
Palinee Kongchansiri, Chief Retail Officer of One Bangkok
Chatchawal Saengpreedakorn, Head of Credit Products Business Division at KASIKORNBANK, said, “KASIKORNBANK is delighted to create the “One Nee K Loey @ One Bangkok Retail” campaign, offering the ultimate credit card privileges and value for money to customers using their KASIKORNBANK credit cards at One Bangkok Retail, the new global lifestyle hub in the heart of Bangkok. This includes special discounts of up to 50% at over 30 leading restaurants and cashback of up to 17% when redeeming K Point for purchases. Additionally, ONE BANGKOK members will receive special gifts, vouchers, and a chance to win grand prizes worth over 10 million baht.”
Chatchawal Saengpreedakorn, Head of Credit Products Business Division at KASIKORNBANK
The “One Nee K Loey @ One Bangkok Retail” campaign offers four exclusive privileges from KASIKORNBANK Credit Cards, providing a rewarding experience across all dimensions of lifestyle at One Bangkok Retail:
Privilege 1: Enjoy discounts of up to 50% at over 30 participating restaurants.
Privilege 2: Receive cashback of up to 17% when redeeming K Points equivalent to the spending amount.
17% cashback for KASIKORNBANK The Wisdom credit cardholders.
15% cashback for other KASIKORNBANK credit cardholders.
For dining, a minimum spend of 1,000 baht per sales slip applies. For shopping, a minimum spend of 5,000 baht per sales slip applies.
Privilege 3: One Bangkok members get a chance to win grand prizes worth over 10 million baht. For every 3,000 baht spent with a KASIKORNBANK credit card, receive double entries (limited to 166 entries per person per day). Prizes include a Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e worth 4.18 million baht, three Soneva Jani, Maldives 1 Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide packages worth a total of 1,620,000 baht, a Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok Presidential Suite Room package worth 114,000 baht, five Azimut yacht cruise packages worth a total of 500,000 baht, and other prizes such as vouchers for leading hotels, restaurants, and renowned brands.
Privilege 4: One Bangkok members receive additional gifts or ONE BANGKOK RETAIL CASH VOUCHERS when spending with KASIKORNBANK credit cards according to the specified conditions.
Special offer on 25 October 2024: Receive ONE BANGKOK RETAIL CASH VOUCHERS worth up to 16,500 baht when meeting spending requirements or choose to receive additional vouchers when spending 5,000 baht or more with KASIKORNBANK credit cards.
Continuing the special offers from 26 October 2024 to 5 January 2025: Receive a free RHYTHMIC TOTE BAG worth 1,600 baht when spending 4,000 baht with KASIKORNBANK credit cards or receive ONE BANGKOK RETAIL CASH VOUCHERS worth up to 16,000 baht when meeting spending requirements. Special offer for food lovers! Receive ONE BANGKOK RETAIL CASH VOUCHERS worth up to 1,200 baht when meeting dining spending requirements.
Join the celebration of the One Bangkok Retail opening and experience elevated shopping with numerous privileges at One Bangkok Retail in the Parade and The Storeys zones starting 25 October 2024. Download the One Bangkok Retail mobile app for access to exclusive benefits, news, and special promotions.
Note: Privileges are limited. Check for additional campaign details on the One Bangkok Retail app and WWW.ONEBANGKOK.COM or follow Facebook: Parade at One Bangkok / The Storeys at One Bangkok, Instagram: parade.onebangkok / thestoreys.onebangkok, TikTok: onebangkok.retail, or add LINE: @onebangkokretail for the latest updates.
*Terms and conditions apply as specified by the bank. For more details: https://www.kasikornbank.com/k_4f82eHD. Use KASIKORNBANK credit cards responsibly and pay in full on time to avoid 16% interest per year.
A vast landscape covered in lush greenery is the breathtaking beauty that draws holidaymakers to Siem Reap, an ancient city in northwestern Cambodia. Built into nature, a country villa named “Rose Apple Residences” provides tranquil spaces for those looking for quiet and comfort away from the hustle and bustle, the noise and crowded places.
An outdoor swimming pool, lush greenery and a wall of earth that’s part of the hilltop landscape all blend together beautifully.
The calm white villa is nestled amid lush landscapes that are part and parcel of the Cambodian rainforest. Walk in the door, and you find the spacious interior abounding in fresh air thanks to passive cooling design that optimizes materials, wall openings and building orientation for environmental comfort. “Rose Apple Residences” is the brainchild of Asma Architects, a homegrown architectural practice based in Siem Reap. Their job: create a country house that connects with the natural surroundings as a means to improve well-being, physically and mentally.
The entrance and retaining wall fences adorned with hanging vines are built of vertical wood slats with spaces in between to allow air to pass through.A corridor decorated with fishponds leads to the stairs providing access to the reception area the second floor.
The modern countryside house is built on a slope. To enhance space, visual perspectives and accessibility, the architects incorporate the existing landscape in the overall design that starts from the hilltop and gradually descends to meet a swimming pool located in an area of low ground. In the meantime, a bank of earth that remains intact now doubles as a privacy screen providing peace of mind for guests staying at the villa. From the swimming pool, the building for the accommodation of guests is accessible via a set of steps built into the hillside. This, in turn, ensures a smooth flow of air, resulting in indoor-outdoor connections that keep the house cool all year round.
A view from above reveals the white country villa beautifully ensconced in lush, leafy greenery.
Viewed in its essential qualities, the villa has two stories, the first of which comprising five bedrooms, namely, the main or largest bedroom, and four other slightly smaller ones. By making effective use of materials and large openings in the walls, the design team is able to create the light and airy interior for guest accommodations. Meanwhile, every precaution is taken to protect privacy and improve thermal comfort in the building.
Among others, the gardens growing along the north-facing wall provide outdoor spaces in which to relax and unwind. Plus, they promote natural light and good ventilation, ultimately saving on energy usage and reducing energy bills. At the same time, concrete flooring and wood provide good thermal buffers keeping the building cool in summer.
Venetian window blinds control the amount of light streaming into the room. They prove a perfect complement to all wood furniture that’s friendly to the environment.Shades of white and all wood fittings combine to make the bathroom feel warm and welcoming.
The second floor contains areas for common use, including a reception room near the entrance and a sitting room at the center of the house plan. By design, it’s a pleasant, airy space offering the invitation to an enjoyable experience. Set at the same level as the hilltop, the second floor has plenty of ample space for a dining room with a view of the surrounding landscape. The swimming pool and nearby lush gardens can be seen in full view from here.
Double height ceilings create a more spacious, well-lit environment in the second floor reception room.The balcony projecting from the reception room overlooks a garden filled with exotics.A flight of stairs provides access to the second floor reception area with a dining room at the far end.
Everything considered, building on a gently rolling hill has its advantages, such as better views of the surroundings, good ventilation and plenty of sunshine to grow a beautiful garden. All of these qualities are integrated in the design of “Rose Apple Residences”. The result is a flexible living space, a private and secluded place in which to relax and reconnect with nature.
No place personifies the timeless beauty of Bangkok’s old town like dusitD2 Samyan, a destination hotel where stylishly fashionable design seamlessly mixes with urban lifestyles.
A vista of Bangkok’s landscape as seen from inside a DusitD2 hotel room.
As the name suggests, dusitD2 Samyan is a member of the D2 hotel chain. It nestles comfortably on Si Phraya Road, a longtime economic hub renowned for busy movement and modern architecture. Taken as a whole, there’s a feeling of excitement and pleasure that comes with urban conveniences. dusitD2 Samyan no doubt is a beautiful work of contemporary hotel design, one that helps to rejuvenate a city neighborhood without sacrificing the value of Thailand’s arts and culture.
The hotel lobby space decorated in contemporary style tells the story of Bangkok’s Si Phraya Road neighborhood now and then.
First things first, let us show you around high-rise hotel rooms offering a vibrant panorama of Bangkok. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to a perfect blend of convenience and comfort plus the furnishing and decoration that tells the story of the Si Phraya neighborhood now and then.
The area’s reputation as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers is manifested in the interior design inspired by beautifully crafted personal ornaments, such as jewels and precious metals. Among other things, decorative throw pillows and headboards are covered in textile fabrics showcasing precious stone patterns in a variety of shapes and colors.
The furnishing and decoration of hotel rooms gets its inspiration from personal ornaments, such as precious stones and metals that have made the Si Phraya Road neighborhood famous as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.Hotel room décor brings about a good impression of the Si Phraya Road neighborhood renowned for its reputation as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.A throw pillow showcasing an image of precious stone patterns tells the story of Si Phraya as one of Thailand’s jewelry trade centers.
dusitD2 Samyan has two areas for common use that non-guests can access. The 16th floor contains the Bedidas – Pool Bar, where the tasty, distinctive Mexican cuisine is served. Be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks and refreshments. And if you swing by in the late afternoon, go to Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor. It’s a good place to watch the sun set behind cloudy skies or simply take in the panoramic view. While up there, take your time to explore amazing interior design, relax and unwind in the comforting glow of sunlight as the night falls.
The 16th floor holds the Bedidas – Pool Bar with a view of downtown Bangkok.A vibrant space with vivid colors, Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor affords nearly 360-degree views of the cityscape.Seen from Mimi’s Bar on the 25th floor, Bangkok’s urban skyline is aglow as the night falls.
It comes as no surprise that dusitD2 Samyan has become a popular destination on Si Phraya Road for both locals and foreign visitors. Living among the hustle and bustle of the city has its advantages. Located in the city center, DusitD2 Samyan is very pleasant and easy to get to, not to mention the hotel’s interior design that evokes admiration. Precisely, it’s these qualities of urban places that earn Bangkok a reputation as one of the world’s most admired cities.
Chatpong Chuenrudeemol, of CHAT Architects, Thailand, is an architect and researcher renowned for what he called “Bangkok Bastards”, a project that investigated unsightly urban areas, such as construction site camps, inner-city slums and retail stalls abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Rethinking them from a new perspective, he was able to restore them to life in an interesting way.
Outstanding products of “Bangkok Bastards” included the Samsen Street Hotel, a downtown lodging inspired by scaffolding wooden planks and metal poles on the outside of a building. Together they gave rise to exciting new design bearing some resemblance to the raised platforms attached to a building during construction.
Samsen Street Hotel / Courtesy of CHAT ArchitectsSamsen Street Hotel / Courtesy of CHAT Architects
In a way, the Samsen Street Hotel is a revelation of previously unseen aspects of building design, a conceptualization that culminates in a thorough change in the form, character and experience in a very open and visible way. Taken as a whole, it’s a piece of architecture designed to promote social interactions, a community hub for hosting events and spaces for people to meet in the Samsen Street neighborhood. That’s not all. He also has other projects in the making, basically focusing on reuse and rethink as ways to create places of higher quality than he found it.
Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion / Courtesy of CHAT ArchitectsAngsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion / Courtesy of CHAT Architects
A little bit about Chatpong Chuenrudeemol
Chatpong is founder of CHAT Architects and winner of the 2020 Silapathorn Award in Architecture.
After completing his master’s degree at Harvard University’s School of Architecture, Chatpong returned to Thailand where he set up a business called CHAT Architects. He was very interested in architectural styles that reflected the true values, experience and the way of life of ordinary people. His research in urban planning and development was inspired by a feeling of wanting to know more about happenings in the street. They included events in the community, construction site camps and deserted retail stalls, to name but a few. Their untidy outward appearances belied the quality of being honest and truthful to others.
Like everything else, the buildings built by non-architects based on local needs and available materials deserved a second chance. So, it’s up to the architect to rethink them from a different point of view and put them to good use once more. After all, there is value in everything.
(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.
One Bangkok, a world-class landmark project by TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand), will soon be ready to offer a new experience in fully integrated urban living. Aspiring to be “The Heart of Bangkok,” a district created to hold a place in people’s hearts, One Bangkok is poised to elevate the city to a world-class metropolis and a must-visit destination for people from around the world. The One Bangkok Celebration, set for 25 October 2024, will mark a key moment for Bangkok’s future.
Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Property Limited, remarked, “Entrepreneurial leadership plays a pivotal role in driving the economy and inspiring investor confidence in Thailand’s future potential. One Bangkok will play a key role in enhancing the city’s status as a ‘Global Integrated Lifestyle Hub’. After more than a decade of meticulous design and development, we remain resolutely focused on the people, communities, and environmental sustainability. Our partnerships with world-leading companies have ensured the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies, making One Bangkok a true model of a sustainable and future-proof smart city.”
He continued, “We are truly excited to announce the One Bangkok Celebration on 25 October 2024. This will be an opportunity to bring everyone together to witness something truly special. This spectacular event, presented in collaboration with our partners and business allies, will feature an exclusive performance by Auditoire, the visionary team behind the 2024 Olympic show and numerous other world-class spectacles. This promises to be an extraordinary and unforgettable occasion.”
A Rhythmic Retail Destination Like No Other!
Discover the ultimate shopping and lifestyle experience through the concept of The Rhythmic Experience at three unique retail destinations: Parade and The Storeys (opening 25 October), and POST 1928 (set to launch in the next phase). Spanning over 190,000 sqm, these destinations offer unique concepts and designs seamlessly connected on the ‘Retail Loop’, which encompasses 900 retail stores. Parade and The Storeys will elevate the shopping experience, complemented by the ‘All Day, Everyday Dining Journey’ at the ‘Food Loop,’ which houses over 250 acclaimed restaurants from around the world. Some of these eateries are making their debut in Thailand, including WOLFGANG’S STEAK HOUSE, Pura Brasa, Ant Hole, OYA, AWARE COFFEE, HATTENDO, and Tempura Tendon Hannosuke Tokyo. Additionally, there are unique establishments that have never been seen before in a shopping centre, such as Kopi Hia Tai Kee, Hoteki, TEMPERED, Fillets, VEGGIE FIRST CAFÉ, Krua Apsorn, and KIN ROLL.
In addition, exclusive stores and leading brands offer unique experiences created specifically for One Bangkok (Made in One Bangkok), including King Power City Boutique, under the concept of “An Experiential Shopping Journey in the City,” designed by the world-renowned Hayon Studio. This boutique spans over 5,000 sqm on floors 1-2 in the Parade zone. Experience Mitsukoshi Depachika, a world-class food destination and the first of its kind in Thailand. Explore SARAPAD THAI, a premium and trendy center for Thai products, and Tech House, ONE Content Store, the first new concept duplex bookstore. Enjoy movies at One Ultra Screen, the epitome of ultra-luxury cinemas, featuring the innovative “THE EXCLUSIVE MOVIE CLUB” concept promising unparalleled clarity with LASER 4K technology.
Celebrate special moments at CHANG CANVAS, and discover flagship stores of Jim Thompson, Club 21, and the Swatch concept store. Don’t miss out on Little Gaia, a learning center crafted for children and families. Explore BIG C’s debut concept, ‘BIG C Foodplace Bangkok Marché, and enjoy FOODSTREET, where you can savor Michelin Guide-certified street food, all in one convenient location, along with many other exciting offerings.
The Finest Hospitality, Futuristic Workplaces & Ultimate Living
Experience The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, the first 6-star luxury hotel on Rama IV Road, opening in November 2024. The first Andaz-branded hotel in Bangkok, Andaz One Bangkok, will open in 2025, and Fraser Suites Bangkok is set to open in 2026. The initial phase of the office buildings at One Bangkok includes Tower 3, Tower 4, and Tower 5. Currently, Tower 4 boasts an occupancy rate of 80%, while Tower 3 stands at 30%. Tower 5 is now open for reservations. Leading companies committed to relocating their offices to One Bangkok include Baker & McKenzie Ltd., KGI Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Estée Lauder Companies, A. Menarini (Thailand) Ltd., LINE MAN Wongnai, and BMW Group Thailand. The Residences at One Bangkok, offering an unparalleled living experience at this prime Wireless Road location, will be available for customer previews from the end of 2024.
Inspiring Urban Canvas
Explore new inspirations at Art Loop, a 2-kilometre art and culture journey encircling the project. Delight in the One Bangkok Public Art Collection, showcasing public artworks by world-renowned and notable local artists, thoughtfully designed and curated to complement the context of One Bangkok. Highlights include unique sculptures by Anish Kapoor and Tony Cragg. Additionally, The Wireless House at One Bangkok will be unveiled, featuring an exhibition that brings the rich history of Thailand’s first telegraph station to life in a contemporary narrative. The building’s architecture will transport you back to 1913, making it a must-visit destination at One Bangkok.
The One Bangkok Celebration
An unforgettable global phenomenon where our hearts will beat as one at the One Bangkok Celebration. Leading Thai organizers will collaborate to present a mesmerizing show, with world-witnessed exclusive performances by Auditoire, a world-leading brand experience agency, and one of the agencies charged with producing the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Spectacular light and music performances will involve over 300 artists from Thailand and abroad. The celebrations will continue with concerts from over 25 renowned artists throughout the weeks from 25 October to 31 December 2024.
Enjoy special promotions and offers from top stores, along with a variety of special event programs throughout the year, ensuring your excitement never wanes.
The One Bangkok Celebration marks a significant milestone in Bangkok’s transformation into a world-class metropolis. This achievement reflects a vision of sustainability and smart city development, positioning One Bangkok as “The Heart of the City,” fulfilling every need and enhancing the living experience for everyone. Join us for this thrilling experience starting 25 October 2024.
Ng Sek San is a landscape architect famous for his untiring energy and passion that give areas lacking proper care the power of fresh starts. He’s the go-to guy when it comes to creating clean outdoor environments that produce positive effects on society and urban area. His masterpieces consist of a broad range of not-for-profit public space projects. Together they speak volumes for his role as an architect and productive member of the community, especially his native Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He’s currently playing an important role in the restoration of Kebun-Kebun Bangsar, a midtown garden oasis occupying eight acres of land (about 20 Rai) with scenic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Formerly home to thriving community orchards and farms, much of it was left in less than desirable condition when he found it. And that’s precisely what gave rise to a concerted effort to restore it to a good state of repair, thereby creating a public green space for recreational use that’s accessible to everyone.
Kebun-Kebun Bangsar at present provides space and facilities for essential public services ranging from seminars, to workshops for discussing agriculture and ecosystem health, to venues for social gatherings and cultural activities. The story of Kebu-Kebun Bangsar isn’t one without obstacles. Like everything else, there were many challenges that had to be dealt with at various stages of development. In the end, it’s hard work, learning and the ability to create an understanding with the community that led to success. Outside, life goes on as usual. The park now serves as a desirable model of sustainable urban planning.
A little bit about Ng Sek San
A bachelor of civil engineering product of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Ng Sek San went on to complete his master’s degree in landscape architecture at Lincoln University, also in New Zealand. He founded his own architectural practice, named Seksan Design Landscape Architecture and Planning, in Kuala Lumpur in 1994. Needless to say, his works represent an amalgamation of 30 years of experience in landscape architecture and design for both residential and commercial projects large and small. Over the past three decades, he has done the work in both design and non-design capacities, a distinguished career in which being earth friendly is among the top priorities. Precisely, it’s about protecting ecosystem health and doing what is right in the best interests of the community as a whole.
(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.
“Reinterpreting Narrowness” is an excerpt from research on the subject of an architectural style ubiquitous in Vietnam by Officine Gặp. Founded in 2021 by Yuri Frassi and Afra Rebuscini, Officine Gặp is a research studio committed to the study of urban planning and development involving people with specialist knowledge in Ho Chi Minh City. It investigates the experience and opinions of local residents in a bid to arrive at conclusive findings about the appearance of design and lifestyles in a given area.
Among other things, it looks into the narrow front row house, aka the “Tube House”, a style of residential architecture prevailing in cities across Vietnam. The research project titled “Reinterpreting Narrowness” examines the facts about how urban populations live, work and play. In essence, it’s about understanding the dynamism of the people’s way of life, culture and relationships with small and narrow living spaces. That is to say, it decodes socioeconomic conditions and architectural language in a way that’s easy to understand, giving rise to exciting new ideas for urban planning and development in future.
Reinterpreting Narrowness
Reinterpreting Narrowness is a long-term project inspired by the appearance of an architectural style commonplace throughout Vietnam. Also known as the “Tube House”, it’s an urban row home plan designed to take up the full extent of an elongated rectangle. The purpose of the project is to encourage conversation among architects about the architectural style and urban landscapes that together have made Vietnam original and unique in its own special way.
The project had its beginnings in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022. Since then it has provided the stimulus for open discussions, workshops and debates attracting more than 20 groups of architects from across the country. The project is currently gradually transforming into a form of print media specialized in design innovations and ideas worth sharing.
Over the course of time, the conversations about the “Tube House” coalesced to form a meeting place where ideas about particular design were exchanged. Together they gave rise to stories about the evolution of contemporary architecture in Vietnam. In a nutshell, it’s about taking measures to deal with the problem of overcrowding and challenge of limited space. The intention is to encourage sustainable development and, at the same time, protect cultural heritage and lifestyles. Circles of architects have a role to play in improving the quality of life and ongoing interactions among people in the city.
Crafting a Sonic City (CASC)
Crafting a Sonic City is a multidisciplinary project designed to research the characteristics of sound in the city for the purpose of urban development and the conservation of features or qualities unique to an area, ultimately safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage. Unbeknownst to us, we have all grown familiar to hearing the usual sound in the neighborhood every day. This research project uses the sonic quality to record the story of a city in a factual and detailed way. In a few words, it’s about creating exciting new ideas for urban planning, using the sound as a means to promote an understanding in society.
The project culminated in a public display of handmade books about the characteristics of sound in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It happened as part of the Vietnam Festival of Creativity and Design 2022, featuring a multitude of neighborhood sounds recorded by architects and researchers. It provided a forum for an exchange of views with people in the community as well as the Society for the Blind.
The Gặp Series
The Gặp Series is a program dedicated to sharing ideas and stories obtained from visiting design studios and architectural practices across the country. Findings reached as a result of an inquiry are presented in a friendly atmosphere. It’s the intention of Officine Gặp to provide a meeting place where knowledge can be exchanged plus it provides the opportunity of meeting up with the people behind the success of research projects in Vietnam.
Action Research Turtle Lake
Action Research Turtle Lake is a workshop that took place over a period of two months. It was a forum that involved little children. The intention was to explore new possibilities in urban planning and development, especially ideas that we adults would never have thought possible. It invited children at the age 4 and 5 from Little Em’s Preschool to be part of the team.
In joining the research program, the children were encouraged to observe the happenings on the streets around Turtle Lake in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s an urban neighborhood characterized by busy movement and activity, traffic congestions and places where people congregate to eat and drink together.
The children participated in surveying the area; taking photographs, drawing pictures, and talking with locals about things that happened. Officine Gặp designed activities that were easy for the children to do in line with an approach to neighborhood building known as “Tactical Urbanism”.
A little bit about Officine Gặp
Yuri Frassi
Yuri Frassi is pursuing a doctorate at the School of Architecture and Urban Design, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia. His keen understanding of the fabric of urban society is manifested in his research into the socioeconomic conditions affecting people’s way of life in Ho Chi Minh City. His works investigate ongoing relationships and interactions between different narratives about cities and urbanism. Through conversation, complex ideas in architecture and urban design are reinterpreted in a way that’s easy to understand.
Afra Rebuscini
Afra Rebuscini is an architect and independent exhibition curator based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her past experience and research centered around the law of urban planning and the dynamism or complex interplay of relationships between the community and the city. With an aptitude for art making, event organizing, and area knowledge, she has been able to conduct social experiments, ultimately leading to an understanding and civic participation in urban planning and development.
(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.
/ Story: Natthawat Klaysuban / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Courtesy of Formzero /
The publishers of room and Living ASEAN have the pleasure of introducing Lee Cherng Yih and Caleb Ong of Formzero, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, an architectural practice specialized in contemporary Tropical design. The two architects are renowned for their untiring advocate of sustainable residential design and creative ways to decorate with plants. Their eager embrace of green concepts has enabled the works of Formzero to stand out from the crowd. Worthy of attention are homes carefully thought out to blend beautifully with the surroundings and Tropical climates prevailing in peninsular Malaysia. In a few words, it’s about creating urban living spaces where people and greenery thrive in close physical association.
In addition to a distinguished career in design, the pair also teaches architecture at a university in Malaysia. Their working life in academia has given them the opportunity of combining formal knowledge with hands-on experience in the fields. One of their signature works is the “Planer Box House”, a narrow front home in Kuala Lumpur adorned with edible gardens growing luxuriantly from the ground up all the way to the rooftop deck. At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s designed to answer the need of a homeowner who has a preference for growing plants.
Together they give the home instant curb appeal that’s quite a departure from what people expect to see in a residential neighborhood. From architectural perspectives, it’s about finding a balance between sustainable living and overcrowding in the big city. According to the architects at Formzero, it’s a building design, style and classification that “go beyond the typology”.
Lee Cherng Yih and Caleb Ong were among expert guest speakers at the design talk titled (Re)Thinking inside the Box: Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces. Discussion topics include, among others, the challenges that test the abilities of architects, ways to deal with site constraints and ideas for improving in the quality of urban life. Fundamentally, it’s about raising public awareness of the issue and the importance of well-thought-out design in solving the problem of limited space in the city, especially in Southeast Asia.
Q: Basically, how would you describe Formzero?
Lee Cherng Yih: Formzero is a design studio under the leadership of myself, Lee Cherng Yih, and Caleb Ong. Besides the two of us, we also have a five-strong design team. Established in 2012, our office has been up and running for 12 years now. As an architectural practice, from day one we’ve focused our attention on creating designs that could effectively respond to the challenges of Tropical climates. We looked into how green spaces could be integrated in building design. In central respects, that’s pretty much the heart of our studio.
Q: From your perspective, how would you define Tropical architecture?
Lee Cherng Yih: In my opinion, Tropical architecture can be seen from two different points of view. First, it’s an architectural style that embraces climatic conditions prevailing in the locality. I’m not saying that everyone can live in a place without air conditioning. Rather, I’m talking about finding a balance between sustainability and energy consumption in homes. That said, we need a design that works, one capable of dealing with weather that changes seasonally.
Secondly, we cannot trust everything in the physical world, and the built environment on top of that. As humans, we are part of nature. We should make appropriate adaptations to fit in well with a new environment, rather than trying to change the environment to suit our needs. I think that these two points of view are of the utmost importance as we try to understand and reap the benefits of living in Tropical climates.
The Window House / Photographs: Ronson Lee – Twins Photography
Q: What’s your opinion on urban environments in Southeast Asia? How does the ecosystem of an urban area influence your work as designers?
Caleb Ong: Nowadays, urban areas across the region have become more densely populated, giving rise to the problem of lack of privacy. That said, we have to create spaces where people can live without being constantly observed or disturbed by others. Everybody wants to feel safe and protected from disruptions that come with living in a crowded place.
Lee Cherng Yih: In my opinion, it’s obvious that population growth only exacerbated the problem of overcrowding in urban areas. At the same time, there’s a need to protect the ecological sustainability of the planet. And that’s where well-thought-out design comes into play as we adapt to changes in our lives. It’s a challenge that tests the abilities of architects like us. We have to find a balance between urban living and saving the environment.
Planter Box House / Photographs: Ameen Deen
Q: Can you give a few examples that are the signature of your design studio, either completed or under construction?
Lee Chern Yih: The first project, called Windows House, is a home in Kuala Lumpur. It has double layer façades for two reasons. First, they are designed to keep direct sunlight out of the rooms during the hottest hours. Then, because the homeowners had expressed privacy concerns, we solved the problem for them by putting in architectural elements extending outward from the building facades. As a result, the inner walls perform a dual function providing sun protection while creating semi-outdoor room that’s snug and cozy. Meanwhile, the facades built of perforated materials make the home feel light and airy.
The Window House / Photographs: Ronson Lee – Twins PhotographyThe Window house / Photographs: Ronson Lee – Twins Photography
The second project, known as Vertical Park, is a high-rise building, which we entered into a competition. It’s located in a city where open public spaces are few and far between. So we experimented with the idea of incorporating greenery as the integral part of the building’s communal areas, business spaces, even children’s playgrounds. Together they form the building façade overlooking the street below. It’s an idea that begs the question. What is the façade, anyway? Is it a public space? Or is it a business venue? It’s both. We incorporated fun ideas in the design to invite people to visit for pleasure.
Vertical Park / Courtesy of FormzeroVertical Park / Courtesy of Formzero
The third project, called Planter Box House, is a home adorned with edible landscapes thriving on the front façade and rooftop deck. The principal face of the building holds planter boxes of concrete made for growing vegetables and fruit trees. It’s designed to blend in with other homes in the area, giving rise to conversations and promoting neighborly relationships. Needless to say, it caters to the homeowner who loves growing plants. Like a farm, it even has a place to store water for growing crops.
Planter Box House / Photographs: Ameen DeenPlanter Box House / Photographs: Ameen Deen
Q: To wrap it up, how would you define “sustainability” from your perspective? And how does sustainable design benefit your line of work?
Caleb Ong: I think that, viewed in its essential qualities, sustainable design is about finding ways to reduce energy use and creating a living space that’s easy to care for. In the big picture, sustainable design requires less energy to build and is flexible in terms of building performance. These are qualities that enable the building industry to thrive while causing the least impact on the environment.
(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.
As part of the room X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024, (RE)Thinking inside the Box Vol. 1 is on the theme of “Living in Small Urban Spaces”. Here, expert guest speakers will discuss ways to create small living spaces and enhance the quality of life, at the same time shedding light on site constraints, challenges, and possibilities for building decent homes in urban areas. In the fewest possible words, it’s about promoting good life and a good living environment.
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