Ideas are all around. Designers and artists create their works from Chiang Mai heritage. The local wisdom was developed under the theme “New Originals”. Living ASEAN picks the must-see exhibitions arranged by locations for your convenience.
Along the walkway lined with graphic design exhibitions, Chiang Mai entrepreneurs open their booths to stage the shows here.
“Tawipob,” a collection of handcrafted metal-frame windows, created by Thai artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook“Mohhom,” clothes dyed indigo blue the traditional way, are re-created to showcase new uses by MOHHOMM.
TCDC Chiang Mai
The Center of Modern Design Knowledge in Chiang Mai, organizer of this event, puts on shows of many interesting projects featuring works by local and international designers and artisans. Beautiful designs, artworks, and crafts from Japan and Indonesia are on view here.
TRANSFER(S), a creative collaboration between Thai and French designers, features beautiful objects of handicraft made by local artisans and designed by Sam Baron, Charlotte Juillard, Nocc Studio, Thinkk Studio, and Rush PLEANSUK.“Desk Partition” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“Nanaa Mirror” by TRANSFER(S) / An exhibition by La Fete“The silk-wool plant collection,” an over-scale flower design, was crafted of Thai silk and Holland wool and designed by WANDSCHAPPEN in collaboration with JIM THOMPSON. / An exhibition by Here and There, Holland“The Big Face Box,” by Daily Portal Z, isn’t about just making a face big. It makes people around you smile and come away happy. / An exhibition by Knowledge Capital, Japan
Wooden radio sets by Magno / Exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, IndonesiaBamboo coffee set and cutlery inspired by the breakfast tableware of the Bomari village / A show rich in exhibits by Rumah Sanur Creative Hub, Indonesia“Maikam” is a simple crutch handcrafted of bamboo, rattan and the inner tube of an automobile tire. This physiotherapy equipment is a product of local craftsmanship in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai House of Photography
The Small Blue House behind the Lanna Folklife Museum becomes a venue for talented designers to showcase their great ideas, which art lovers shouldn’t miss.
Art and design objects made from recycled materials by Chiang Mai designer Pichakorn Chukeaw, from Tua Pen NotAn opportunity to explore production techniques used in making leather lifestyle products by Labrador x FabcafeA unique technique of mixing clays by Inclay Studio, a local ceramic studio in Chiang Mai“Ta-Ton-Yon: Keep it Slow, and Grow Better,” an exhibition by Design Plant, supported by COTTO
Rachamankha Hotel
Elegance never fades. The best of Chiang Mai Design Week culminates in “720 New Originals,” which consist of three shows at the iconic hotel in Chiang Mai.
“Every Woman Deserves Elegance”, an exclusive art to wear collection inspired by Princess Dara Rasamee, is made by SARRAN and supported by JIM THOMPSON.Turn waste silk thread into a beautiful bangle by SARRAN x JIM THOMPSONA bangle made using techniques in pearl inlaid furniture by SARRAN x DEESAWAT“Wear Our hearts,” an art to wear collection for charity by 17 guest designers“72 Seats,” the joy of the outdoor living co-created by SARRAN, JIM THOMPSON, and DEESAWAT
Thapae East
“Re-Design Anonymous Chair” features an exhibition depicting the thinking process that goes into making a traditional chair with curved wooden arms.
Virtual diagram of the thinking process of this project“Ele” by Doonyapol Srichan, of Re-Design Anonymous ChairA design called “Same, Same” by o-d-a, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair“Ping” by ease studio, of Re-Design Anonymous Chair
Gallery Seescape, Nimmanhemin Soi 17
“Gallery Seescape” puts on an art exhibition by Anon Pairot, a Thai designer who is curious about the goings-on in our society.
Come 2017 the exhibition “Souvenirs from Depressions” will be staged on an even bigger scale at the Art Stage in Singapore.
As a child he liked designs connecting old traditions with environmental awareness. This found expression in this straw-covered cubical building reminiscent of a farmer’s paddy hut.
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Story: Nutt /// Photography: Chaiyaphon Sodabanlu
Design: Ronachai Khanbanya, Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd
A single large pane is expensive, so smaller ones are set into a metal frame, economical and also tasteful, reflecting the framework of the building.
Ronachai “Art” Khanbanya, architect from Mae Khaning Creative Co., Ltd, has redesigned a lot of old offices and developed a preference expressed in the slogan “reuse, repair, recycle.”
“Reuse” is putting things that are still usable back to work again.
“Repair” is fixing broken or abandoned things and making them useful once more.
“Upcycle” is designing discarded materials for new use.
“Our old office near the city moat was small and inconvenient. We relocated here for the pleasant atmosphere. Having to rent, we designed a structure we could easily dismantle and reassemble. Budget was important in choosing building materials.”
The structure is tent-like: a frame of 6-meter-long box steel beams supports a high gabled structure. The entrance gable has glass panes set in a metal framework. Outside walls are thatched with cogon grass, effective heat insulation that helps save energy and is also excellent soundproofing. Sheet metal lines the inner walls.
An old door panel transformed into a sliding counter for a multipurpose table: adaptable to work desk, dining table, or for kitchen use.
“Easy-to-use materials like cogon grass are locally available, and give the building a distinctive look. I wanted to show that cheap materials could be not only effective, but also beautiful. We’ve had pretty good success without having to use expensive imports. The new generation of designers should get aware of what’s here already.”
Metal wall, second floor heat insulation, creating intra-wall space for good air circulation. /// Cogon grass roofing, effective use of local materials for good heat insulation and soundproofing.
Furniture and décor here is quite simple, as seen in the particleboard shelving and the use of an old door to create a sliding counter. Art was aiming for a universal space, with furniture adaptable for work, eating, or food preparation.
The tabletop is made from an old unused pane of glass attached to make a new table using shims and pegs.
“I’m thinking a completely new lifestyle, not like old office designs, more an arrangement of work tables in a relaxing environment, like working at home or chilling at a café. We find comfortable work environments work for other sides of life, too.”
A shelf is crafted of simple materials such as unpainted particleboard. /// A stepladder: When not in use, it can be used as shelving.
The garden outside is a comfortable space where you can drink coffee at a table made from a cable spool. Landscaping features fountain grass, which doesn’t require a lot of care and fits in with the “paddy hut” theme. The walkway curves around before shortcutting into the building, evoking the image of paddy dikes. “Everyone wants to live in the country. In Chiangmai these days you see only buildings, not many plants. The plants here make it fun to come to work.”
The outside area in front of the building is used as a living and relaxation space for drinking coffee. A cable spool is used for a table. Landscaping is fountain grass, easy to care for and evoking thoughts of a life in the fields.
This office is comfortable. It has complete functionality, and saves on materials, construction, and energy. Good for the environment, good for the folks working there. “The more you think, the more you save” should be the credo of a good designer. The evidence is here: as Art says, it’s a great place to work.
The Commons, a new community mall, describes itself as one that stands for a “common” concept. Shops here offer a variety of consumer goods that are necessary for healthy living and meeting daily needs. Open every day from 08:00 to midnight, the new-fashioned building is located in the posh Thonglor neighborhood of Bangkok.
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Story: Fernkul /// Photos: Suppakorn Srisakul
Enjoying a social space status, the Commons is open and accessible to the public. People are welcome to visit for business or pleasure as often as they like. Psychologically speaking, the modern complex is designed to focus on a sense of community, promoting the bonds of friendship that members of the public have for one another. Its purpose is slightly different from what is generally referred to as the “Commons” in other countries. Out there it’s more about public spaces that are open and being used by the public at any time for any reason. Ammata Lupaiboon of the Department of Architecture designed this ultramodern four-storey mall.
The Commons’ interior is stylishly chic thanks to the ingenious choice of raw concrete finishes that bring out a warm industrial loft look. Softly white shades on the walls help reduce the harshness of bold patterns and textures, making the interior feel friendly and very inviting. Meantime, the lower section boasts wide-open spaces with steps and slopes nicely designed to extend a warm welcome. The third and fourth floors are different. They feature box-shaped design adorned with windows crafted of steel frames, resulting in a light and airy atmosphere. Up here thermal comfort comes from cool breezes that flow in for much of the day. As a precaution, electric fans come in handy to boost natural air circulation if need be.
The trendy mall is designed to offer lots of clear spaces. “Visual continuity is very important. Almost all of the upper floors can be seen in full view from down here,” said Ammata. “Apart from that, our concept has always been about creating a place that thrives on a sense of community. It’s the sense of belonging that will keep people coming back.” To facilitate temperature moderation and natural daylight, the designer put in plenty of leafy trees both in and around the building. Meantime, good orientation helps to maximize certain aspects of the surroundings. As he put it, the project relies on those patches of greenery to connect the built environment to nature.
The Commons is divided into 4 zones, namely; the Marketplace that offers a variety of foods and beverages, and the Village zone, which is a retail area specializing in daily consumer products. The other two include the Courtyard capable of hosting all kinds of activities for both children and adult populations, and the Rooftop zone, which offers rental venues for social gatherings, workshops, and private parties.
Designed to meet urban lifestyle needs, the ultramodern mall is anything but common. It offers plenty of spaces for social gatherings, where people meet for business or just sit back and relax in the company of friends and loved ones. In the shortest possible word, it’s a new kind of urban community center, one that offers much more than just shopping experience.
The Commons is located at No. 335 Thonglor Road, one of the hot spots in Khlongton Nue, Wattana District of Bangkok. It’s open daily from 08:00 to 24:00 hours.
The New PAM Centre just has opened in Bangsar, Kuala Lumper. The design incorporated the use of a narrow tract of land and provides a unique ventilation system as a climate solution. The striking black aluminum façade of this building has made the new architecture icon in Malaysia.
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Story : Samutcha Viraporn /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham
Malaysian Institute of Architects or also known as Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) held the competition to build the new PAM centre in 2012. The winner, HMA & Associates came up with the ultimate solutions in designing this unique space. The 10-story building features black aluminum screening, concrete slabs and blocks, brick walls, steel staircases, exposed pipes, and green spaces inside the building to balance the space.
Mohd Heikal bin Hasan of HMA & Associates
“It is a linear site, very narrow. Actually the size is suitable for a bungalow. The concept is how to bring external space into the building. You can see the green spaces in many areas as staircases design. Because of the limited size, we didn’t have the external Space needed.” Mohd Heikal bin Hasan of HMA & Associates explains.
This type of architectural designcontains 4 main elements
The Space Between, This void merges necessity, functionality, and aesthetic beauty into a remarkable facade.
The Stairs, The vertical staircases create excellent ventilation from one floor to throughout the structure.
The Plane, Also known as the shields blocks neighboring bulky design with eye-straining color scheme.
The Screen, A breathable skin that helps to protect the building from the sunlight from the west.
Once you step into this building, you can feel the natural ventilation around you. Of course, this design reduces energy consumption for saving electricity. All of the elements are not only appealing but also functional. This building is an excellence example of regional tropical design.
The auditoriumThe exhibition room
Moreover, this building has even more small surprise inside of it. Before the building was built, a small 2-story dwelling was previously located on the land. The architect decided to keep the structure of the house inside the big building. On the first and the second floor, you can see the original columns and beams in the exhibition room. It is amazing how the older structure remain in this big project. The architect wanted to communicate to us to “Please do not forget who you are and where you come from in the new modern world.” Brilliant!
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.
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.
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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
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.
Maiiam, the new art museum in San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai is officially open. The ground-breaking opening event attracted art lovers and passersby with private art pieces from 30-years of Bunnag-Beurdeley family (the executives of Jim Thompson) artwork collection.
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Story : Samutcha Viraporn /// Photo : Press, Samutcha Viraporn
The collection was accentuated by the museum’s giant glass wall reflecting the green area across the road. The two-storey building was designed by Rachaporn Choochuey from all(zone)limited.
On the lower floor situated a hallway dedicated to Jao Jom Iam, the great grandmother of Erik Bunnag Booth and the King Rama V’s concubine. She was the one inspired the creation of this museum, hence, the name “Iam” with the prefix “Mai” (meaning new in Thai).
Alongside Jao Jom Iam history was Maiiam’s first exhibition ‘The Serenity of Madness’, by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a Thai independent film director and a Palme d’Or winner. The upper level housed various art collections from modern and contemporary Thai artists, i.e. Kamin Lertchaiprasert, Chatchai Puipia, Navin Rawanchaikul, Vasan Sitthiket, Rirkrit Tiravanija and more.
Maiiam regularly seeks interesting art & craft works. Its upcoming exhibition is ‘The Timeless Present Moment’ by Kamin Lertchaiprasert, where audiences are invited to find the meaning and value of present through Kamin selected artworks.
Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum opens every day except Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee is 150 THB per person.
Where are books, ideas, arts, entertainment, kid activities and networking are located in the same space. B2S opened the 3,000 square meter concept store which was designed by Klein Dytham Architecture(KDa) and M&A Architecture at the Central East Ville, shopping mall in Bangkok.
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Story : Samutcha Viraporn /// Photos : Rithirong Chanthongsuk
B2S, The Thai retail of bookstore has made a surprising new shop with pleasurable concepts for everyone. Think Space B2S was designed as a lifestyle concept store with over 100,000 books. The shop is made up of 5 spaces of inspiration, the Lifestyle Book Space, the Art x Idea Space, the Entertainment Space, the Play x Learn space and the Networking Space. You can see the Book Terraces as landscapes of knowledge in the center of this open plan interior design. Also, you can take your time with café, booth of stationery, furniture, arts, collection of records around you or activities for the family on the second floor. The concept was created by Klein Dytham Architecture(KDa), the international multi-disciplinary design firm who devised PechaKucha Night. The successful event is a simple format of projects and designers with 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide presentation. They also have another bookstore project in Japan which Central Group and B2S appreciate a lot. That is the reason for of this collaboration to be among the big change in digital lifestyle.
3 Months later after Think Space was open. We found there is one of the successful stores in the area. Many people come to visit this hybrid lifestyle book store again and again. That is the real proof of creative design for book stores.
/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Damrong Leeviroj, Xaroj Phrawong /
“Saving every tree on the property” is the motto from this resort owner. Studio Miti designed these tropical houses that blend in with the forest, as architecture that fuses modern and traditional Thai tropical living styles.
The house-on-stilts design allows nature to permeate and ensures good air circulation. Plenty of under-floor spaces allow small vegetation to thrive.
At a glance, the houses conjure up images of little houses in the big woods. Four beautiful and tranquil tropical houses are nestled in a surrounding forestland of northwestern Uthai Thani.
This house-becomes-hotel is the brainchild of the owner, Chantita and Paisan Kusonwatthan. They started re-growing and restoring the area some thirty years ago. Later when development began in earnest in 1996, the area was meant to be their retirement home.
Through hard work and dedication, the property grew to become a lush woodland full of vitality. It gave rise to the idea of opening it to the public.
Now the post-retirement project becomes a resort, appropriately named “Bansuan Chantita.” Bansuan is Thai for garden home.
The architect of the project, Prakij Kanha of Studio Miti, explains:
“First and foremost, we set out to save every tree on the property. It is our duty and responsibility to find common ground between nature and architecture.”
In the design process, the architect took great pains to measure every space among the trees. The average area was then used as the basis for designing homes on the property.
Only after that did the design team begin work on the design concept. The project took the form of a “plus” symbol as its layout.
The tropical living house design and remain Thai lifestyle by design terrace in front of the house.
“The plus symbol plans fit in well amongst the trees. The result was perfect harmony between architecture and the existing natural environment. The design scheme was about putting together five rooms, all of which are easily accessible from the central court,” explained Prakij.
“The four homes come complete with wood decks, seating spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The house-on-stilts design keeps them elevated from the forest floor.
“Each home is set at a different level to promote good air circulation through the hotel property. It is the different level design that creates an enchanting aesthetic.”
All living spaces are designed to be proportionate with one another in size, amount, and frequency of use. Different spaces are designed with different needs in mind.
The design scheme calls for the four tropical houses to be conveniently linked by a system of wood passageways winding through the lush botanical garden setting. From the outside in, the resort looks and feels like it is an inextricable part of the forest in the backdrop.
By emulating the Thai-style design, the architect ensures that no space goes to waste. Small vegetation thrives on the forest floor below. Crisp, cool breezes are ever present, and nature permeates everywhere.
Inspired by the Thai-style house design, the wood deck provides a lot of nature at the doorsteps and easy access to all parts of the hotel.
The house’s exterior walls and outdoor decks are made of recycled wood. The preference was based on two reasons.
First, it was a smart move because the price was right. Second, it creates a warm and enchanting atmosphere in the midst of nature.
Recycled wood still shows signs of use, while painted surfaces in a variety of colors serve as camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.
The owners, Paisan and Chantita, on the wood deck of their little homes in the big tropical woods
Somehow it is the roofing made of steel sheets that often go unnoticed. Asked why he chose steel over other roofing materials, the architect said:
“If boats made of steel can float on water, likewise roofs crafted of steel can effectively keep the weather out.
“Steel construction is expedient especially where roofing is composed of multiple parts. Such is the case here.”
What makes these tropical houses stand out is the understanding of nature and the knowledge to incorporate it into the design scheme. The garden paradise is an escape into nature.
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