Museum Architecture

Public Art Art Museum

Building Type: Museum Architecture Location: Bangkok, Thailand (Academic Project) Year: 2020

The project’s main purpose is to create a space that responds and connect to the surrounding area apart from the main roads by applying concepts and characteristics unique to “Thai public space” in hopes that it will help people feel more thoroughly connected to the area.

The project is located in the Pathum Wan district, the art and fashion center of Bangkok. The site is surrounded by public spaces and art showcases, from graffiti pieces to outdoor sculptures. graffiti art spots around the area

Phaya Thai road

Connecting the Surrounding Public Art Spaces into the Project

Apart from connecting open spaces in the surrounding area with the building, the project also aims to foster appreciation of Thai graffiti artists and Thai graffiti culture by linking the building with the “Graffiti Art Route.” Graffiti pieces are common sights throughout the Siam area; therefore, the project will also play a part in boosting the area’s image as a graffiti hotspot. Visiting amateurs and seasoned artists alike are encouraged to create graffiti art in almost every part of the building,

Design Process

Spaces inside the project are designed to strengthen the link, both functionally and aesthetically, between the project and the surrounding areas. Open spaces on the street level of the building—where two walking streets meet—invite visitors into the building. Public spaces within the project are designed to be customizable in order to encourage activities in the site.

Main Roads

Local Roads (soi)

Public Space

Circulation in Thai Public Spaces

Thai public spaces are often hidden and accessible only by small local paths, and the elusiveness of these “in-between” spaces usually effects a pleasant feeling of discovery when they are found. The building incorporates paths that are used to find Thai Public Spaces into its circulation, which lends to the idea that every main path leads to local paths, and local paths lead to public space.

Every Main path leads to Local paths Every Local path leads to Public Space Qualities of Thai Public Spaces

Thai public spaces do not commonly include open-sky outdoor areas due to frequent excessive heat.

Locals find a sense of place in spaces with a restricted isovist field,* and spaces featuring continuous shade. *isovist field is a technical term referring to scope of vision from a particular spot.

Thai public spaces are usually small, narrow, and intricately networked, with entry points on the sides of local roads.

Thai public spaces are extensively interconnected. public private

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light / shade / light

Uses and Characteristics of Thai Public Spaces

Traditional Thai gathering spaces form in the “in-between” spaces separating public and private life. This concept is applied to the building as it provides “in-between” spaces for visitors and locals to hang out.

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Lighting in Thai Public Spaces

Traditional Thai public spaces use structures that creates patterns of alternating sunlight and shade. Therefore, the building incorporates this distinct feature of Thai public space by making light/shade patterns visible upon entering each space.

The height of the space on the fourth-floor galleries is designed to simulate the feeling of entering a traditional Thai public space. Visitors will experience a light/shade pattern as they walk through the second-floor galleries.

Basement Floor Plan Second Floor Plan Building Structure

The structure for the building was designed to provide as much open space as possible on the ground floor to maximize opportunities for visual stimulation, and to allow visitors to roam freely throughout the area.

Graffiti Areas:

Visitors are encouraged to create graffiti works in all areas throughout the building on various surfaces, including brick walls, concrete structures, and aluminum panels.