THALAT PHLU RE-DEVELOPMENT

Talat Phlu District is a historic area with roots dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It is located at the edge of the Bangkok Yai canal, connected by a small canal to the Bukkhalo, Dao Khanong, and Mahachai districts. Due to its strategic location, it became a hub for trade with other areas and developed into one of the major shopping centers on the Thonburi side in the past. The district’s main product is “betel,” which is grown in garden furrows within the area.

With the growth of Bangkok, the Thonburi side has seen an increase in residential areas, improved infrastructure, and convenient transportation. This growth has impacted Talat Phlu district, leading to an increase in users and activities in the area. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop the existing area of Talat Phlu to meet the current situation.

The challenge is to address the issue of “Talat Phlu redevelopment” while focusing on the diverse growth of users, quality of life, and local values. The design process should incorporate the district’s heritage and values to create an identity and composition that gives Talat Phlu district a unique image. This includes connecting and developing key areas of the district, ultimately establishing Talat Phlu district as a quality-supporting area for the city’s expansion while still maintaining its sustainable value and way of life.

The Thonburi side of Bangkok has been impacted by the city’s development, which has led to an increase in population and expansion of the city. Furthermore, the area’s economic status has been elevated to a sub-central business district, creating opportunities for growth in the Thalat Phlu district.

Due to the expansion of the city and the increasing population, the vision of the project is to develop a commercial district that supports the city’s expansion. The strategy to achieve this vision includes two main elements:

1.Creating a space that connects the district to its surroundings.

2.Establishing connecting routes for transportation and circulation within the district.

Potential Problem

1. lack of unity in the district.

2. quality of people.

3. disconnected route to entry and transportation

1. cultural heritage

2. strong community and diversity of activities

3. opportunities provided by entry and transportation.

The background of Thalat Phlu district is a commercial district that developed from trench farming to a floating market. The commercial area is a flexible space that can change with activities. The tool used to describe the identity of the district is “transition,” which can show the diversity of cultures and people who live there.

Elements In Design

1. MARKET ELEMENT :

In the past, the market in Thalat Phlu district had a wide variety of products. The market’s location is flexible and its use is controlled by function and user. The market has the ability to adapt over time, which is why the project aims to keep and incorporate this concept as a design element to showcase the site.

2. CANALS ELEMENT:

Canals have been an important mode of transportation in the district. In the past, people used small canals and boats to circulate through their daily lives that were closely linked to the water. While canal transportation may not be as prevalent today, they remain important in other ways. Therefore, the project incorporates the canal as a design element to showcase how local people used to live with water and emphasize its importance.

3. BETEL ELEMENT:

Characterized by its trellis framing pattern, the betel plant was once a popular product in this district. Although it is not as widely used today, the project seeks to incorporate the betel plant as a design element to highlight the district’s history and story.

1.Creating a space that connects the district to its surroundings.

Creating a space that connects the district to its surroundings: The project aims to create a space that allows the district to be connected to other parts of the city. This would enable people to move more easily between the district and other areas, thereby facilitating economic growth and development.

2.Establishing connecting routes for transportation and circulation within the district.

Establishing connecting routes for transportation and circulation within the district: The project also seeks to establish a network of connecting routes that link the district’s transportation infrastructure and enable better circulation within the district. This would make it easier for people to move around within the district and would improve accessibility to businesses and other commercial opportunities.”

Strategy Detail

To compact the center area, the first strategy is to group together important areas that create a strong sense of arrival. This can be accomplished by using betel and hardscape to build these areas. Additionally, an open entrance space can be created to link the space from the road to the canal. Under the Ratchadapisep Bridge, which currently represents the district’s image, the space and surround will be connected to create a core space in the district. This will enhance the overall appeal of the area and contribute to a cohesive community. By implementing these design elements, the district can be transformed into a more vibrant and attractive space.

Strategy Detail

Based on the problem, the design solution will explore creating open public spaces and connecting routes to link different areas together. Additionally, the design will increase the value of the district by incorporating color and element concepts. Moreover, the free space will be converted into a multi-purpose area to create new activities.

Thalat Phu Square

Functional Diagram

The conceptual design uses the betel element and trench farming pattern to create a design that makes sense for Thalat Phlu.

Regarding the issue of public space, the space has the potential to connect the area between the road and canal. The project will be developed into a multi-functional public space that will cater to diverse and resilient activities. The entrance will be connected to the route through an open area, creating a continuous scene that extends to the canal.