The Making of Urban Ally & Humans of Flower Market

Urban Ally & Humans of Flower MarketThe mission of the academia that drives the learning process through the district development of Phra Nakhon and Pak Khlong TalatOne of the important forces that drive the activities in Bangkok Design Week is educators from various institutions who brought their experiences and information from research to create district development activities. They are also the mainstay who brought in their new waves of students to join to work on the projects with BKKDW. This article piece will take you to get to know Dr. Phee – Pheereeya Boonchaiyapruek, Deputy Director of Urban Ally, Project Manager of ‘Mitr-Bumrung-Mueang’, and Assistant Professor Dr. Nong – Supitcha Tovivich from Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn Univeristy who oversee the ‘Pak Klong Pop-Up | Bangkok Flower Market Festival 2023’ project to understand the city to the core essence more.‘Mitr-Bumrung-Mueang’ (Ally takes care of the City) with 25 activities ‘Mitr-Bumrung-Mueang’ is the project by Urban Ally or Centre for Urbanism+Design Initiatives of the Faculty of Architecture at Silpakorn University, which created 25 main activities in Bangkok Design Week 2023 at three main venues along the Bumrunmueang Road and surrounding communities which are Silpakorn University (Wang The Phra), Hall of Sculpture (Department of Finearts) City Square, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Maen Si. The activities have gathered tens of creatives and teams who came together to develop the city. One of the highlights that many won’t miss out on checking is the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Maen Si venue, where they opened up for people in and out of the district to admire the classic architectural structures of 20-year-long abandoned water tanks. There are also interesting projects by the Creators in Residence, 8 groups of both local and foreign designers who resided in the Phra Nakhon district to collaborate with the historic community and create art projects as well as other interesting activities overseen by the Urban Ally team. ‘Pak Khlong Pop-Up’ Flower Festival, inspired by community living.For Assistant Professor Dr. Supitcha Tovivich, she has brought about information and experience from her ongoing field research around Pak Khlong Talat to (re)present and highlight the charms of the largest and oldest flower market in Thailand for this special occasion. The important aim is to present a clearer identity of the district, through a variety of activities such as a photography exhibition, pop-up exhibition exhibiting flower-inspired works, AR technology used as colorful interactive media, and Pub Jub Bua exhibition where everyone can have fun and fold your lotus. And after indulging in all the exhibitions and sightseeing, you can pick up some beautiful flowers back to decorate your home. The Balance between Identity Preservation and City DevelopmentApart from the fun activities created to attract people to learn more about the historic district, we also want to hear expert opinions on the City Gentrification phenomenon. The phenomenon used to explain the changes in the old district by instilling new lifestyles from a group of people with monetary and creative assets called the Creative Class. This is a phenomenon that happens in cities around the world including Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district and is also the challenge for Bangkok Design Week to find the balance between Identity Preservation and City Development.  “We want to see this (phenomenon) to have a positive and negative side” answered Dr. Phee further explained that “the positive side gives a push to change. Gentrification can be a positive thing when there’s still diversity in the district, and the old and new people are living together. People didn’t parade in investments and completely change something too much at once. But the change happens gradually, new people slowly infiltrate and get along with the neighbors which produce changes that blend better with each other. If the change is rapid in a short time, it has a negative impact for sure. In the view of the City developer, I think Phra Nakhon has enough people to spread out so changes won’t get cluttered in one road area where the identity disappears. Also, the district is flexible for the change because they’re familiar with tourists and have always faced many changes.” Asst.Prof Nong voices another angle that is also interesting “Firstly the people within the district should get the benefit along with the outsider, in terms of improving society, emotion, economy, or physical location. The people in the district should feel proud to be the people of Pak Khlong Talat. These days people are seeing our district to be quite dynamic. Second, district development needs people on the inside to add new things. And third, we should really make the district a strong sense of place, there were foreigners who came all the way and arrive at Pak Khlong Talat but still ask the vendor ‘Where is the flower market?’ Because they can’t find the flower market. This has become a challenge for us to bring out a more lively identity of the district. So we have recruited new waves to help think of ways to make Pak Khlong Talat lively and inspirational. These factors are something that can support and sustain city development in many aspects. The role of professors and city developersWhen asked about how the role of lecturer and urban development work complement each other? Asst. Prof. Nong immediately replied, “it helps each other out so much. Thanks to the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn, who is very open, allows lecturers to bring in Live projects or Living projects that become a part of the teaching that includes (all level students) bachelor to Ph.D. This allows us to get fresh ideas and thinking with efficient working processes. The fact that we conducted the field research in the name of educational institutions meant that we don’t require benefits from the Pak Khlong Talat district, which makes for more straightforward communication (and coordination). And we always make sure that designers are doing their field research for the community. We’re not angels from the sky. We use the same skills and experiences for them just like our regular clients. Which is the skills where we use creativity and solution generate thinking – skills that provide benefits to both ourselves and others. As we are students of design, so we try to revitalize the districts with our existing knowledge. It will be even more fun when there are more skilled people from various different fields jumping in to help develop the district here.” Dr. Phee added to the topic, “As a researcher, I use academic techniques or tools to analyze the possibilities of the city, but I also enjoy walking about in the city to observe its happenings. So when I work on both the research and community design, I come out to experience working with the community, creating programs and activities for the city, expanding our networks, and searching for ways. All these become my experiences in creative works that can relate to my teachings and better my perspectives. And even bringing out my students to participate and work together, is considered as outside class learning that combines experience on the field with knowledge from class and expands their knowledge horizon further.”Although Bangkok Design Week 2023 has ended, Dr. Phee and Asst. Prof. Nong’s city development mission is still going without rest. Keep an eye out for Urban Ally and Humans of Flower Market’s next projects, to see what fun and exciting things they have in store.–Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zationเมือง-มิตร-ดี4 – 12 FEB 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation

CEA จับมือพันธมิตร คิกออฟ Bangkok Design Week 2023

CEA จับมือพันธมิตร คิกออฟ Bangkok Design Week 2023 พร้อมปลุก 9 ย่านในกรุงเทพฯ ด้วยความคิดสร้างสรรค์ 4 – 12 กุมภาพันธ์นี้วันที่ 23 มกราคม 2566 ที่ผ่านมา สำนักงานส่งเสริมเศรษฐกิจสร้างสรรค์ (องค์การมหาชน) หรือ CEA ร่วมกับกรุงเทพมหานคร หน่วยงานภาครัฐและเอกชน สถาบันการศึกษา องค์กรระหว่างประเทศ และภาคีเครือข่ายย่านเศรษฐกิจสร้างสรรค์ จัดงานแถลงข่าวเทศกาลงานออกแบบกรุงเทพฯ 2566 หรือ Bangkok Design Week 2023 ที่จะจัดขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 4 – 12 กุมภาพันธ์ 2566 เพื่อกระตุ้นเศรษฐกิจ 9 ย่านสร้างสรรค์ตลอด 9 วันเต็มในพื้นที่กรุงเทพฯ โดยมี ดร. ชาคริต พิชญางกูร ผู้อำนวยการสำนักงานส่งเสริมเศรษฐกิจสร้างสรรค์ นายศานนท์ หวังสร้างบุญ รองผู้ว่าราชการกรุงเทพมหานคร ตัวแทนเขตผู้ร่วมจัดเทศกาลฯ ภาคีเครือข่ายผู้ขับเคลื่อนย่านเศรษฐกิจสร้างสรรค์ และคณะผู้บริหาร CEA ร่วมงานแถลงข่าวในครั้งนี้ด้วยเทศกาลฯ ในปีนี้จัดขึ้นเป็นครั้งที่ 6 ภายใต้ธีมหลัก “urban‘NICE’zation เมือง-มิตร-ดี” ที่มีโจทย์หลักให้การออกแบบสามารถยกระดับคุณภาพชีวิตของผู้คน ผลักดันกรุงเทพฯ ให้ ‘น่าอยู่ น่าลงทุน น่าท่องเที่ยว’ สร้าง ‘เมืองที่เป็นมิตรต่อคน’ สร้าง ‘คนที่เป็นมิตรต่อเมือง’ สร้างสมดุลระหว่างเศรษฐกิจ คุณภาพชีวิต และสิ่งแวดล้อม เปิดพื้นที่ให้ร่วมกันค้นหาแนวทางแก้ปัญหาใน 6 มิติของเมือง พร้อมผลักดันให้เกิดธุรกิจสร้างสรรค์ ส่งเสริมเศรษฐกิจหมุนเวียน เพื่อให้กรุงเทพฯ เป็นเมืองที่สามารถพัฒนาบนพื้นฐานของการเปลี่ยนแปลง รับมือกับความท้าทายใหม่ได้ตลอดเวลา ร่วมสัมผัสบรรยากาศแห่งความสร้างสรรค์ ปลุกกรุงเทพฯ ให้มีชีวิตชีวาไปกับเทศกาลงานออกแบบสุดยิ่งใหญ่ ผ่านการจัดกิจกรรม 4 รูปแบบ ทั้ง Showcase & Exhibition, Talk & Workshop, Event & Program และ Creative Market & Promotion ที่นำเสนอกว่า 530 กิจกรรม ใน 9 ย่านทั่วกรุง ได้แก่ 1) เจริญกรุง – ตลาดน้อย 2) เยาวราช 3) สามย่าน – สยาม 4) อารีย์ – ประดิพัทธ์ 5) พระนคร / ปากคลองตลาด / นางเลิ้ง 6) วงเวียนใหญ่ – ตลาดพลู / คลองสาน 7) บางโพ 8) พร้อมพงษ์ 9) เกษตรฯ รวมทั้งพื้นที่อื่นๆ ต้อนรับการเปิดเมือง ได้ตั้งแต่วันที่ 4 – 12 กุมภาพันธ์ 2566 เวลา 11:00 – 22:00 น. ติดตามความเคลื่อนไหวได้ที่:Website : www.bangkokdesignweek.comFB : BangkokDesignWeekIG : bangkokdesignweekTwitter : @BKKDesignWeekLine : @bangkokdesignweek–Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zation เมือง-มิตร-ดี4 – 12 FEB 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation

The 30 Highlights Bundle from BKKDW2023

The 30 Highlights Bundle is here, from the 480+ programs in BKKDW2023Bangkok Design Week 2023 will be here in 2 weeks, so set a reminder, pin what you’re interested in, and pre-register for the activities.We handpicked 30 must-see highlight programs from 500+ programs of talks, workshops, showcases, tours, exhibitions, and creative markets from creators all over town under the theme ‘urban’NICE’zation’.‘urban’NICE’zation’ is presenting creative solutions for people, city, and society through 6 aspects that will respond to a wide view and through to the human heart.Nice for Environment How can we revitalize the city and green spaces?Nice for Mobility How can creative ideas and innovations help improve the urban commute and safety?Nice for Culture How can we create an opportunity for urbanites to express and admire the ever-evolving culture?Nice for Diversity How do we embrace various people with open arms?Nice for Community How do we keep the small urban units strong and happy?Nice for Business How can the urban environment be enhanced for businesses? In addition to the 30 highlights programs, there are 500+ more programs to check out that present solutions to urban‘Nice’ the city and people’s life here www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2023/programSee you at Bangkok Design Week 2023–Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zationเมือง-มิตร-ดี4 – 12 FEB 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation

ร่วมสร้างกรุงเทพฯ ให้เป็นเมืองที่เต็มไปด้วยมิตร

Road to BKKDW 2023

NICE FOR DIVERSITY

NICE FOR DIVERSITYUrban‘NICE’zation, where no one is left behind.All the people living in the city are the key to driving the city forward. A ‘nice’ city is a city that leaves nobody behind, regardless of their different identities and needs. Bangkok is considered a diverse city with people from all walks of life. We do have a common mission in developing a city that is diversity-friendly to create a safe space for everyone to live. There is the main challenge in designing a city to respond to the concern of urban‘NICE’zation to ensure that diversity is embraced. First off, it is important to understand the core needs of each group of people before designing or launching any project for a vulnerable group such as the homeless, people with health conditions and impairments, the elderly or the unemployed. Mindful communication and allowing people and society to be part of the solution, not limited to just organizations for vulnerable groups, are crucial in achieving the goal of inclusivity.Getting to know and understand the diversity of the people in the cityOne of the easiest ways to get to know people more is to sit down and have an open-hearted conversation. Quality talk and listening without judgment lead to a better understanding of each other. Sometimes, we only consume news and content from our social circles, bouncing in our echo chamber and our worldviews have become inevitably limited. It might be better if we are more open to the world from a different view.This notion inspired the creator of the Facebook page called “Humans of Bangkok”  www.facebook.com/bkkhumans, which was inspired by the globally recognized Facebook page “Human of New York”. Kwanchai Damrongkwan, the Human of Bangkok’s creator, has been on his journey of talking to people from all walks of life with the core belief that humans are all connected, in one way or another. However, we rarely have a chance to realize the lives of those who are out of our social circle. We, therefore, lack chances to get to know them and oftentimes, come into conflict. Kwanchai tells real-life stories through his writing, to convey diverse lives in Bangkok. This allows ‘typical people to tell their own unique stories and experiences, some of which touch the readers’ hearts and resonate with them more than anyone could have imagined.Fulfilling life opportunities and well-beingWe all desire to live the life of our dreams, but not everyone has an equal opportunity to do that. Especially, in this modern world where the wealth gap is widening, some have to struggle just to get their basic needs met. Particularly, the vulnerable who are deprived of their opportunities and choices, not only need help from the welfare system, but they also need effective and systematic help for them to be able to support themselves.On the account of that, the Mirror Foundation, who have been doing social projects since 1991, launched a project called ‘Jang-wan-kha (Thai; ‘Hire-me’ pun intended with ‘the hitman’) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impoverished are getting more impoverished from the lack of income due to the pandemic. The Mirror Foundation stepped in as a mediator in matching homeless people who are ready to work with employers who are looking for cleaning services to raise the quality of the homeless lives and ensure a stable income for them to support themselves a residence.Another interesting project is ‘STEPS Community, a social enterprise and a career training center whose aim is autism therapy and creating careers for youth with aphasia or speech impairment, autism and down’s syndrome to open up opportunities for them to reach their full potential in their best condition and able to sustain lives with a career.Life opportunities for all lives in the cityWhen talking about diversity in a big city, the residents are not only just humans but also stray cats and dogs who share the same walk with us and we cannot just leave them behind. Managing stray cats and dogs is a big-scale public work from the government and relies on cooperation from many sectors. University professor Yodsaporn Juntongjeen, a dog lover who has been helping stray dogs elaborate on her love for research into “Stand for Strays” project where unused ads boards are designed into foldable shelters for stray dogs to take shelter from scorching sun and rainfalls. These foldable dog shelters keep the area organized.   There is a ‘Dogs In Our Community’ project that takes care of stray dogs living around the Muang Thong Thani area. Apart from giving nutritious food, baths and vaccines for them, the project also designs dog collars which allow the community to know about stray dogs more. There are three colours, the red ones for timid dogs that people might need to be careful in getting close to them, the yellow ones for dogs that only trust people they already know or are familiar with and the green ones for friendly dogs that love to play with just anyone. These collars help the dogs to communicate with people both from inside and outside the area for their safety in living and sharing the same habitat.   The definition of livable cities is not only just facilities for conveniences but inclusive ones where all the dwellers (apart from humans) get equal access to resources and quality life. Let’s share some ideas on how to create a livable city for ALL with Bangkok Design Week 2023!–Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zation เมือง-มิตร-ดี4-12 February 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation

NICE FOR ENVIRONMENT

urban ‘NICE’ for the EnvironmentUrbanites’ Environment 101Environmental concerns are the global top pressing issues. We are not living in a time of prevention but rather a time when we should find solutions to nature’s responses and turn the situation around. One of the causes of this centuries-long environmental issue is our production and consumption. This year Bangkok Design Week 2023’s goal is pushing towards urban‘NICE’zation. Our prioritized mission is to revitalize the environment and create a greener city. If we change our ways of life, be mindful of our consumption which affects nature–air, water and waste pollution would be reduced. Our life’s quality will surely get better. Let’s explore some ideas for change from each individual–like us. Where could we possibly start in tackling environmental issues in this Bangkok city?Proper Waste ManagementThe waste problem has been here for such a long time that we (shouldn’t) somehow get used to it. Thailand is not familiar with the concept of ‘waste sorting’ where garbage can be reused or recycled. As an individual, we can start small on proper waste sorting and managing so that the waste management unit can recycle some and eliminate them properly.Start a business and create goods from ‘Recycling’ and ‘Upcycling’Anyone with a creative idea to upcycle garbage can make them a new merch or business that promotes a circular economy with environmental awareness. ‘Previous Plastic’ is an organization by a small individual who has a strong desire to manage waste issues and to promote goods production by recycling and upcycling plastic. There emerges a workspace providing full equipment and materials for people to try creating works from recycled plastic which promote both marketplace and connection that support the environment. This project started in another country, and somehow spread globally, making its way to Bangkok, Thailand as well.Eat sustainably, be mindful of food wasteNot only just general waste but throwing away leftovers creates food waste. This is another threatening global issue as it takes natural resources and human resources to eliminate waste. This problem can be reduced if we are mindful of our eating behaviour, eat moderately, eat within the expiration date, leave no waste, and support daily fresh food from the community. However, this is not easy in the food industry. That is why ‘SOS Thailand’, an organization started distributing edible food (almost) waste from the supermarket and community for those in need, tackling food waste and ending hunger in one round.Say Goodbye to Fast Fashion, Say Hi to second-hand and long live fashion!The Fashion Industry has been on an A-list for creating waste. Fashion is about being IN a trend. A sudden change in style perpetuates people to wear them a few times, throw them away and get a new one–fast fashion, that’s what it’s called. This surely is affecting the environment and the organization involved in waste management. However, some fashionistas are well-aware that some come up with a solution. They create and encourage a second-hand clothes marketplace to prevent using more natural resources for more fashion products such as reducing pollution in the industry. ‘Fashion Revolution Thailand’ is a group of fashion-lovers who host events and campaigns to ‘reduce, stop, quit’ fast fashion. They encourage people to do a clothes swap or a group called ‘Reviv’ which offers clothes repairing services to lengthen the lifespan of your clothes.Co-living with the trees and the ecosystem Green spaces or trees are an important factor for urbanites’ quality of life. They are the city’s lungs which help absorb pollution, take care of the ecosystem, including our body and soul and also little living creatures who share our city. The problem is in developing the city sometimes an uninformed tree-cutting occurs. Those who protect the trees are the heart of helping nature to grow along with the city.‘Big Tree Project’ is one of the groups that is well-aware of environmental issues. They initiated ‘Ari Eco Walk’, a group that spread ideas about how to take care of trees and understand nature more with 60 parks around Bangkok. They help people to get in touch more with nature by hosting a walk-rally activity to explore plants and various ecosystems hidden in the area. People can get to learn more about insects, birds, squirrels and other small species including the hidden damp area in the community.Supporting the creation of green spaces and getting closer to natureAs the importance of trees has always been emphasized, what we, urbanites, can do is push for more spaces for trees and nature where we can get closer and learn more about them. We do not need big spaces but we can do it by our means, as much as our space allows. We can plant a few trees within our space, more trees mean a little greener space!‘We! Park’ is a non-profit organization whose aim is to promote public parks. They cooperated with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation to revive an abandoned area in Bangkok into a small public park for people. They also create a handbook for people who want to create a ‘Pocket Park’ or small green spaces in their communities.  These are simple, yet very practical ways that we, people, can help reduce environmental problems. It would take us a lot of effort and will but it is within human abilities. Sustainable nature is in our hands!   Anyone who owns any idea about tackling the environment, don’t just keep it to yourself. Let’s share and get creative with us in Bangkok Design Week 2023 to come. Let’s make urban ‘Nice’zation together! –Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zation เมือง-มิตร-ดี4-12 February 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation

NICE FOR COMMUNITY

NICE FOR COMMUNITYUrban-NICE, product of a strong and happy communityThe big city consists of many small communities. Each community is full of unique charms and local people who are central to city development. These people know and understand their areas very well with all the nooks and crannies. To move forward and develop the city, strongly and happily, needs a hand from the people of the community.  Bangkok Design Week 2023 urban‘NICE’zation, this year, wants to present the idea of people development through community development. This includes giving importance to space for learning, recreational and art activities, and lessening the inequality gap in the community by widening access to the fundamentals of living. It will be great that one day the people in the community are confident in themselves and open up their homes to welcome visitors from other areas which helps advance the creative economy development, increase community income, as well as sharing enjoyable stories with the visitors.Youth development through creative activityYoung people are the main forces to develop the city when they’re older. But due to the inequality gap in household income and limited education within the community, these young people are missing out on the chance and opportunity to learn and develop themselves to their full potential. Therefore, it is important that a nice city creatively offers spaces for learning to those less fortunate in the community. But this is a challenge that needs everyone in many sectors and it is even better when people in the community recognize this importance and drive the change as well. As you can see with the project ‘Klongtoey deejung’ who are trying to create a new learning ecosystem for the kids in the Klongtoey community, distancing them from dangerous substances present in the area for a long time.  And ‘Young Thon’ is a group of the local young generation who comes together to work in Thonburi by forming networks, bringing young locals to be a part of the movement, and developing more skills. This will allow them to have space where they can unleash their creativity. And hopefully, become a seed and spark them to keep continuing to share with others, turning it into a nice community and society.Local Stories, Told by LocalsMost people think Bangkok travel trips are mainly shopping malls, but the alleys, the nooks and crannies of Bangkok have many interesting attractions and activities that people often overlooked. It would be nice for the community to gather stories and information for the people in the area to learn about the community and feel like they’re a part of the community. It can also promote local shops and activities to attract visitors from outside the area as well. The Facebook page Ari around  www.facebook.com/AriAroundTH, presents stories about the hip district of Ari, focusing on environmental and sustainable issues. There’s also another Facebook page SUNA www.facebook.com/SUNAneighbormove, presenting themselves as Sukhumvit-Bangna district’s neighbour introducing the best and the new attractions, food and activities within the districts. From Travel suggestions to Travel TripsCommunity travel is another way to create a nice city for people. We can design creative travel routes that are connected to sustainable city development, by presenting the highlight of the trips from the communities and importantly involving the people of the community in the travel design process as well. Trawell Thailand group is a good example of this model. The group presented a social business program that focuses on community visits, learning art and cultural aspects within the community as well as creative shops. This opens up space for visitors to learn deeper authentic community ways of living. The program has received quite a response which lead Trawell Thailand to launch an e-book on community travel routes in 3 historical districts in Bangkok, Wang Burapha-Giant Swing-Rachadamneon, Ta Tien Pier-Pak Klong Talad Flower Market, and Sanam Luang-Banglumphu-Tewet. For those who are interested inthe e-book, can be downloaded here: www.facebook.com/Trawellthailand Another group of people that also work to develop and strengthen the community is ‘Banglumphu Guide’, a collective group who come together to found the ‘Saneh Banglumphu’ project to show the charms of Banglumphu district, a historic market in Bangkok. The group wants to shine a light on its historical importance and preserve the history and culture of the district by bringing visitors to immerse themselves in the community’s ways of living with in-depth information from the Young Banglumphu local guide. The young generations also get to learn about the history and heritage of where they live, as well as seeding the conservation and community development mindset. Let’s wait and see what changes these powerful young generations make to better Banglumphu. Bangkok Design Week 2023 wants to invite everyone to join the brainstorming and tackle the challenge of creative, friendly, and nice community development. What more can we do to push the community forward? What a nice story can we tell about the community. Because to make Bangkok into a dream city, it’s not a one-person job but everyone’s responsibility to take part to drive the city forward.–Bangkok Design Week 2023urban‘NICE’zation เมือง-มิตร-ดี4-12 February 2023#BKKDW2023#BangkokDesignWeek#urbanNICEzation