ExperienceScape by Urban Ally, DecideKit, LPN

ExperienceScape: Creating New Memories to Drive Phra Nakhon Old Town into a Creative District by Urban Ally, DecideKit, LPN

At this year’s Bangkok Design Week, Urban Ally by Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture is hosting Phra Nakhon District for the third consecutive year. This time, they’ve named their festival “LIVE Metropolis Maintenance” under the theme “Everyday-life Festival.” It aims to present innovative approaches to creatively utilizing the space in the old town, creating vibrancy and a new image of Phra Nakhon District.

The idea behind revitalizing the Phra Nakhon District aligns with the “Livable Living Experience” concept by LPN, which is dedicated to developing high-quality living spaces and emphasizes the importance of building a good community and fostering well-being, both physically and emotionally.

The ExperienceScape project is a collaboration between Urban Ally, DecideKit, and LPN. They’ve invited leading Thai and international artists to create new media art and projection mapping works that transform public spaces, revitalizing areas that have long been neglected and preserving the architectural heritage of the Phra Nakhon District. Here are some of the featured art installations in the festival:

– “Back to the Past” by Kor.Bor.Vor

at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This projection mapping piece narrates the story of a living entity known as ‘Tank’ that has existed in the area since the reign of King Rama V. The ‘tanks’ hold numerous precious memories, and now, they are ready to share their stories.

Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73204

– “From Now to Future” by DecideKit

at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This projection mapping piece communicates the importance of self-reflection through the lens of Tanks, encouraging people to embrace new things and relearn the world by filtering experiences that bring growth and resilience to our core.

Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73204

– “Join (joy) together” by The Motion House

at Mahakan Fort: Local artists use projection mapping under the theme “Living in a Color,” incorporating eye-catching optical illusion techniques. The area features multiple zones for visitors to explore with joy.

Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76265

– “Call Me Susan” by Yellaban Creative Media Studio

at Saranrom Park: This project consists of two parts. The first part is a projection mapping that tells the story of the architecture in the area, from past to present and future. The second part involves transforming the observation tower, a symbol of Saranrom Park, into a character named ‘Susan,’ who will serve as a tour guide for the Phra Nakhon District. You can follow her on IG: @callme.susannn.

Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/86893

– “Night Blooming” by Yimsamer

at the Giant Swing: This projection mapping piece uses the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, to narrate a story of growth and awakening from the clay of ignorance, akin to the spiritual journey in Eastern beliefs.

Learn more: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/86918

To make a city ‘livable,’ it requires collaboration and unity from all parties.

In the past year, the Urban Ally-led development project for Phra Nakhon District has received widespread media attention. To continue this success and turn this neighborhood into a potential creative district, they are consistently generating ideas in collaboration with partners. This ongoing effort aims to provide opportunities and possibilities for adding vibrancy and economic value to this historic area through the addition of color and the introduction of new ideas, ultimately fostering a sense of community and of the importance of art and innovation in city development.