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.
link: https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsbkk/