Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Charoenkrung-Talat Noi
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Charoenkrung-Talat NoiSetting the stage for possibilities in Thailand’s first creative district.The first Creative District we’re introducing is the location of House No. 1, as well as the first foreign embassy, first hotel, first bank, and even the first roadway: the Charoenkrug – Talat Noi neighborhood.Even as the country’s first road with a history of over 120 years, the avenue that runs through Charoenkrug-Talat Noi continues to be a throughway for new ideas and creativity heralding Thailand’s future. Since its debut as a ‘laboratory’ for designers and creators, Charoenkrung has been serving as a place for the specialized showcases of Bangkok Design Week, fostering initiatives, endeavors, collaborations, opportunities, and even new perspectives on how to address the issues of the city. Charoenkrung continues to stride toward the horizon as Thailand’s first Creative District. Telling us about the road ahead for Charoenkrung is a representative of the Creative Economy Agency’s (CEA) Department of Creative City Development, explaining those early days and how Charoenkrug-Talat Noi became a model of creativity for so many more neighborhoods over the past six years, as well as the plans for Charoenkrug-Talat Noi during Bangkok Design Week this year.A Historic Neighborhood Rich with Materials for CreatorsBeing Thailand’s first road, Charoenkrung was known in the past as a thriving hub of commerce. Moreover, it has long been a place of multiculturalism, home to people from China, Europe, India, Japan, and more, who arrived in the Kingdom to engage in trade and eventually chose to settle in the area. These factors combined to give the neighborhood a distinct cultural identity that sets it apart even today.The arrival of the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) at Bangkok Grand Postal Building and its eventual development into the CEA in 2018 led to Charoenkrung becoming the initial testing ground for Bangkok Design Week, which in turn, initiated the excavation of the treasure trove of creativity contained in this ‘historic neighborhood.’ What was uncovered was a prime source of inspiration and motivation for a wide range of designers.Dispatching Designs from the Bangkok Grand Postal Building TCDCWhile the Bangkok Grand Postal Building no longer serves as a mail distribution center, the presence of the CEA in its hallowed halls has led it to distribute ideas and endless possibilities to everyone in the surrounding district.“Our first three years here were very fun. Everything was fresh, new, and ready to be explored. There was so much excitement. We hadn’t stopped to really think about the fact we were in Charoenkrung, but its residents eventually pointed out how the neighborhood had quieted down before our arrival and how we had brought new life and vibrancy to the area. We were able to rediscover a lot that had become hidden here and brought them into a brighter light. A lot of experimentation happened during that time.”What followed that period of excitement was the coming of creative businesses, who found a wealth of character in the area’s longstanding buildings. Storefronts that had long been left unused were transformed into shops, cafes, and even creative spaces. Sleepy alleyways awoke with the bustle of commerce and eventually attracted art and design festivals, which manifested new ideas by providing opportunities for designers to apply their concepts in the real world.“After Bangkok Design Week came Awakening Bangkok and gallery-hopping events. Media began to characterize the neighborhood as artistic, producing content inviting people to come see its artwork and cafes, to snap pictures of community art. Talat Noi began to see street art telling the cultural stories of its community and younger generations were able to gain a new view of the area. Eventually, when people thought of art, they thought of this neighborhood. New value was given to the area’s already rich history as designers and creators began to incorporate its stories into their works.”‘CO-CREATE’ the Beating Heart of the NeighborhoodOn top of the wealth of history and culture inherent to Charoenkrung, working with its people was also essential. With consideration to the needs and quality of life of people who gave the neighborhood its character, each CEA project is based on surveys and studies that take place both before and after for constant improvement and the agency makes collaborating with residents a priority.“During the three-year run of ‘Made in Charoenkrung’ we made sure to always ask for feedback from actual shops in the area to track our results. We would ask after nine days and then again after two months. We mostly received positive feedback with owners saying that while the project was yet to be a definitive success, its trial phase had benefited them. People in the neighborhood could see how our endeavor was positive for them. At the same time, designers were able to try their hand at working within the context of a community, they were able to turn younger generations on to the businesses of their elders and sparked intergenerational exchanges where there previously might have been no interest.”Promoting Policies for Creators to ‘Actually’ ThriveIn addition to projects and festivals, the CEA also made infrastructure development, from roads, walkways, and public transport to regulations, measures and privileges, one of its goals. The agency committed to fostering creativity and driving development in tandem, seeking policy level changes that would ensure creators could ‘actually’ thrive in the city.A clear sign of this in Bangkok Design Week this year is the inclusion of ‘HACK BKK,’ developed by the CEA in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to challenge creators to test out solutions to real issues in the city. The hope is that their tests might lead to applicable action.“Bangkok Design Week deals with policies more this year. It’s more about real life and providing spaces where creators can actually live and work while not detracting from the existing environment, lifestyles, crafts, and cultures of the neighborhoods. We are working with relevant agencies on matters such as infrastructure, facilities, and privileges for creators that go beyond this Bangkok Design Week. The intention is to take steps that may lead to real action in the next four to five years.”“Highlights Waiting to Surprise at Bangkok Design Week 2024”Representatives of Charoenkrung-Talat Noi said that they wanted to present a completely different set of programs this year, focusing on fresh faces who had never exhibited anywhere else before and designers experimenting with new approaches. The intent was to support these creators in actualizing their concepts during the festival. “Highlights this year include ‘Pocket Oasis Garden,’ which is all about designing compact green spaces and easily moveable street furniture for places with limited natural areas, and HACK BKK projects such the Bangkok bicycle signage test.”“We’re even adding two or three highlighted spaces that are sure to be a surprise. Visit a night gallery built into an unassuming building and the ‘Friendly Market’ offering a different take on Talat Noi.”Get to know Charoenkrung better through these recommended programsระบบป้ายนำทางจักรยานwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73525One Bangkok Pavilionwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/69453 กับข้าวมาแล้วครับ… กับข้าวwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71214 NEXUSwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/72717 PDM Supervisionwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/74914 POCKET OASIS GARDENwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/91843See all the programs taking place in Charoenkrug – Talat Noi here:www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=280 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Phra Nakhon
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Phra NakhonCombining old and modern elements to develop a timeless creative district.If you ask your foreign friends where they would go when visiting Bangkok, popular answers would likely include visiting the stunning Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, touring the Grand Palace, queuing for Raan Jay Fai and Pad Thai Pratu Pi, and ending a perfect day with a good time at Khao San Road. As a top global tourist destination, Bangkok undoubtedly recognizes its old town, Phra Nakhon, as one of the main destinations for travelers.Amidst these famous attractions, Phra Nakhon is concurrently facing a transformative challenge in urban space utilization. As the original residential area morphs into a full-fledged tourist zone, residents and local workers who live hand-to-mouth are forced to relocate due to urban expansion. What remains are numerous old buildings, abandoned and awaiting repurposing in a way that better fits the drastically changed societal context.As locals, how will they address these issues? Join us to find the answer with Dr. Pheereeya Boonchaiyapruek, an Urban Ally representative serving as a key Co-Host for Phra Nakhon in this year’s Bangkok Design Week.An ‘Old Town’ District Conducive to ‘New Business’With valuable assets accumulating for over 240 years, Phra Nakhon has become an area filled with significant historical sites, cultural capital, and an old-world charm that evokes nostalgia. One thing the old town possesses in abundance is an identity that seamlessly merges the old with the new. However, another aspect that Dr. Pheereeya sees as a strength is the area’s compact urban structure that contains several significant landmarks within a walkable distance, seemingly better designed than some of the newer districts.“Actually, the old town’s characteristics are that of a truly walkable city. It has sidewalks and small interconnected blocks, making it a 15-minute town. This is a clear characteristic. We also had the opportunity to speak with new startups that moved into the area. After staying for a while, they mentioned that it’s easy to find food, convenient to buy things, and everything is accessible in the old town. This is the inherent capital of the city’s structure, which is good. Ultimately, the identity of the old town is clear. It has distinct properties. It’s the original area of the city, with valuable buildings and lots of vacant space waiting for development. It features ‘shophouse’ architecture, which is ideally scaled for developing micro or creative businesses.”‘Maintaining the City’ with CreativityThe process of ‘maintenance’ refers to the steps taken to care for various things, restoring them to a usable condition and enabling them to function again to meet the needs of its users. Thus, ‘maintaining the city’ in this context means maintaining different areas within the old district that may have been neglected, so they can be effectively used once more.“Over the past 15 years, the Phra Nakhon district has undergone changes. There has been a reuse of old buildings for various activities. However, at the same time, another group of buildings has been abandoned. Many general businesses, not related to the creative industry, have shut down — approximately half of them. We have noticed that the businesses in this area are heavily related to tourism. In addition, there are not a lot of businesses related to design or production in the area. Instead, businesses involve buying and selling of an intermediary nature. Consequently, the area is becoming more of a downstream business district. If this continues, the identity that the area once had will disappear.”The tool that Urban Ally has chosen to for maintaining and revitalizing the old town is ‘creativity.’ Dr. Pheereeya explained that their main goal is not just to organize occasional creative events in the district, but to transform Phra Nakhon into a ‘smart business city’ that can attract creative minds to move in, live, and work here for the long term.“This concept of a ‘smart business city’ refers to a creative city with design work as its core. It’s a district where new startups and businesses are eager to move into. There’s an increase in businesses related to design and more products being produced in the area. It’s not just about using design or art to create tourist attractions for people to visit and leave, but about creating factors that make creative individuals want to move into the district. That’s the kind of destination we want.”An ‘Assortment’ of Allies to ‘Maintain the City’Developing a district isn’t something that can be achieved by working alone, especially in important areas filled with various stakeholders like government officials, established communities, designers, entrepreneurs, tourists, and others, as in the Phra Nakhon district. Another indispensable element in Urban Ally’s process is, therefore, the uniting of these diverse people into ‘partners’ ready to join in maintaining the city together.“We have been working for three years on matching designers, government officials, and communities. We understand what the government wants and what designers dislike doing. So this is our role: to link everything and everyone so that everything can progress. It’s also about creating a space where designers feel comfortable enough to work freely. Then the government have a better understanding of its benefits, and the community understands how they can participate in these projects once they are initiated.”Besides coordinating cooperation among various parties being a key pillar in the big picture of the district, Dr. Pheereeya explains that the role of ‘making allies’ is equally important in Bangkok Design Week.“In this event, we’re not just a single group of designers, but a combination of multiple disciplines coming together, which also reflects the process of urban work. Working on a city cannot be done alone, and no single discipline can operate by itself. It needs a blend of many elements. This is the DNA of what we’ve been trying to push forward — that it requires many people working together to make what we hope for a reality.”Combining Multiple Disciplines to Create New Experiences in Old Town at BKKDW 2024From her three years of experience as a Co-Host for the Phra Nakhon district, Dr. Pheereeya revealed that Urban Ally’s new objective for this year’s Bangkok Design Week is to reshape the image of the district through new experiences that visitors may have never encountered before, along with new approaches to utilizing spaces that have been underused in various ways.“One problem with the Phra Nakhon district is that many areas are still unused. After our work last year, we saw people who felt a connection to this area, whether they had worked here before or lived nearby, seeing it in a new light. Even those who have never known this place started using these spaces and understanding the feelings of those living in the old town. It’s very interesting. This year, we want to focus on experimenting with new experiences in using these old spaces in a variety of ways.“For instance, we work with groups specializing in projection mapping and moving images to create new experiences in these spaces. We’re thinking about how another form of art can change perceptions. The locations include the Maen Si Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Office, Rommaninat Park, Mahakan Fort, and the courtyard inside Bangkok City Hall.“The courtyard also hosts the ‘People Pavilion.’ This year, we’ll be organizing the event in a semi-public government space, conveying the idea of a 15-minute city, while discussing the future role of the City Hall building, as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is planning to completely relocate government officials and City Hall to Din Daeng. This event will act as a platform for people to ask what this space can transform into as well as what the people and the community want.“The ‘Phra Nakhon Audio Guide’ will offer another kind of experience, guiding visitors with audio similar to a museum tour. However, we see the entire district as an exhibition space, both the indoor and outdoor. People can walk freely and experience new things through the audio guides. You don’t need to open a map, just listen and follow the instructions, like turn right here, turn left there, see that building, try entering that shop. This is a new experience we are trying to introduce in the district.“There’s also a lighting design project by the FOS team called, ‘Bangkok Nostalgia at the Mahakan Fort,’ which is now an unused public park. How do we attract people to it? The FOS team has stepped in to take on that task, and we welcomed the gesture. After so many historic events taking place there, it now remains idle. We should be bold in doing something with it. There will also be a projection mapping project at Mahakan Fort by The Motion House team.”The more Dr. Pheereeya describes what’s about to happen in the Phra Nakhon district, the more exciting and interesting it gets. Another thing that has become vividly clear through the intense preparation process is the gathering of designers from various teams and disciplines, joining forces as one. It’s truly an ‘assortment’ of allies coming together to ‘maintain the city.’Learn more about the Phra Nakhon district through the neighborhood’s recommended programsPeople Pavilionwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76271 Phra Nakhon Audio Guidewww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76296 “มา/หา/กัน” Join (joy) togetherwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76265 ExperienceScape: The Legendary Scapewww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73204 คลิกเพื่อดูโปรแกรมทั้งหมดของย่านพระนคร ที่นี่www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=49828 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Pak Khlong Talat
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Pak Khlong TalatCreating new experiences to elevate commerce at Thailand’s largest flower market through design.Previously, someone might visit Pak Khlong Talat on special occasions throughout the year, whether Valentine’s Day to shop for a large bouquet of red roses for their partner or when buying banana leaves, incense sticks, and flowers for crafting krathong or Teacher’s Day floral offerings. Back then, nobody could have imagined that Pak Khlong Talat would become a popular dating spot: bustling with young couples holding bouquets of flowers, densely packed on the Buddhayodfa Chulalok Maharat Bridge, and shooting TikTok videos.In the midst of these major and interesting changes, Asst. Prof. Supitcha Tovivich or “Ajarn Nong” from the Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University, as the district’s Co-Host of Bangkok Design Week 2024 and someone who has been intimately involved with the neighborhood for over 8 years, shared her insights on the challenges, opportunities, and future of Pak Khlong Talat. Let’s search for these answers together.When Thailand’s Largest Flower Market is Disrupted by TechnologyPak Khlong Talat, once the greatest wholesale flower market in Thailand, is has undergone several transformations throughout its history. The most significant change came in 2016 with the reorganization of the space encroaching on sidewalks. This affected vendors at Pak Khlong Talat who used to set up their stalls on the sidewalks and could no longer do so. The market, once vibrant and dazzling with flowers spilling out onto almost the entire Chakkraphet Road, had to transform into an enclosed market by moving almost all its shops inside.This change coincided with the time Ajarn Nong and her team started working in the area. It was then that we began to see new approaches and creative ideas brought in to reinvigorate the area, which had become somewhat stagnant.Today, Pak Khlong Talat has once again been impacted by online purchases and new wholesale channels.“With an ever-evolving society, if you continue to do business in the same, old, wholesale manner, it’s uncertain whether it will remain viable due to technological disruptions, the fact that, nowadays, there are markets in every corner of the city, or that local needs are being met regionally. There might not be as much demand for wholesale florists as before. But is it still substantial? Absolutely. However, just by observing, you can feel that if things continue this way, business as usual, it’s uncertain whether the market can remain viable for another 10 or 20 years.“Many major merchants agree that, soon, buying flowers will become much easier. For example, some shops will order flowers, and others can just piggyback on their shipping. They will be able to order flowers from the same shop in China as the big shops at a price that is not much higher. It becomes much more affordable, with more options to make smaller purchases. So, opening a flower shop in the future is going to be very easy.’From ‘Viral’ to Sustainable TransformationIt was a stroke of luck for Pak Khlong Talat that the changes in the area coincided with the disruption caused by online sales channels, presenting a new opportunity that would become another important branding element for the area, namely the adolescent culture of buying flowers and taking photos at the Buddhayodfa Chulalok Maharat Bridge.“Suddenly, it became a natural viral sensation. It wasn’t a fluke. Teenagers buying flowers and taking pictures at the bridge was already happening before Bangkok Design Week, but not in large numbers. However, as events became more frequent, other teenagers started coming and taking pictures. More and more people followed, turning this place into a popular tourist spot among the youth.”To outsiders, this trend might seem fleeting and superficial, but Ajarn Nong said that for her and locals, it represents a significant new opportunity that has a profound impact on the area’s adaptive strategies moving forward.“At first, there was a feeling that when younger generations visited, they came in large numbers but didn’t buy much. We wondered if there would be any real benefit. But after a while, as it started happening organically and consistently, what some thought was silly — taking pictures — wasn’t trivial at all. From February to November 2023, there were still a lot of teenagers. Previously, they just bought flowers and took pictures. Now they’re beginning to frequent and support the cafes in the area. What’s interesting is what a major shop owner said about the short-term perspective. He noticed that teenagers spend 60 to 100 baht. But by focusing on weekend sales and catering specifically to teenagers, they made over 50,000 baht. And that’s just from selling small bouquets of about 60 to 100 baht. So in the short term, it’s not bad at all.“What’s more interesting is that the flowers teenagers buy are usually a bit more in bloom. If it were up to the older generation, they might prefer their flowers to blossom at home. However, the teenagers want them already in bloom, which is usually not the best choice for big shops, since they’re considered old. However, it perfectly meets the teenagers’ needs: beautiful, ready for photos, and still good for another couple of days at home. It turned out to be a solution to a pain point. The teenagers want them this way, and normally, these flowers would be sold at a discount, so they’re sold cheaply and in large quantities.”Developing New Markets by Offering Memorable Experiences As the consumer behaviors and relationships of visitors began to change, Ajarn Nong explained that an important lesson learned by local merchants from this situation was the concept of ‘experience design.’“In the past, Pak Khlong Talat thrived without having to think about creating experiences. But now, if you go there, the atmosphere has changed significantly. The surly mom-and-pops are certainly still there, naturally, but they’ve become much more hospitable. Where they previously focused mainly on wholesale customers, now they’ll cheerfully call out to youngsters standing at their storefront, ‘Hello there, youngster, choose any flowers you like, I’ll arrange them for you.’ This sort of interaction never happened before.“As we kept experimenting, we discovered that the younger generation doesn’t want to buy flowers in large quantities to arrange at home. That’s not their nature. That’s the nature of the older generation, who might like to buy a lot and arrange them at home, posting pictures on Facebook. That’s the 40-and-up demographic. On the other hand, the younger generation wants to create experiences with the place. They want to spend time here, so we need to design experiences that meet their needs.“Now, we’re starting to see people who are the children or grandchildren of the owners of traditional flower shops in the area decide to evolve the family brand. They’re opening shops where customers can pick out their flowers. This addresses the pain point of youths who don’t want to buy in bulk like wholesale, but prefer buying single flowers to arrange their own bouquets.Following the focus on experience comes the aspect of creating an identity. Ajarn Nong said that the people of Pak Khlong Talat are also striving to push this aspect at the same time.“Some merchants want to create a new image for the market and for themselves, making it appear more open. They want to be seen as a group of people and a neighborhood ready to collaborate and cooperate with new groups of people and new opportunities.“They think like businesspeople. They don’t know for sure what direct benefits they will get from these collaborations, but they see them as new opportunities. So, they thought, ‘Let’s try to find a modern identity for Pak Khlong Talat together.’ That’s why we’ve held various activities, including projection mapping, photo exhibitions, flower installations, and workshops. We are trying to experiment with many things, figuring out what can be done right now and what should be planned for the future.”I Flower You: Expressing Emotions with FlowersFor this year’s Bangkok Design Week in Pak Khlong Talat, Ajarn Nong explained that the intent is to shift from the previous year’s focus on attracting people to the area through various means, creating more meaningful relationships between people and flowers.“The central theme, ‘I flower you,’ is to say, ‘I love you,’ ‘I like you,’ ‘I miss you,’ but with flowers. It’s about choosing a flower at Pak Khlong Talat to express these sentiments. We want to start with the meanings that are the most associated with flowers. Last time, the theme was Pop-Up, as in ‘Pop it up.’ We wanted to bring in a lot of people lights and colors. But this year, we want to make it a bit more meaningful. We’re trying to get people to think about how they feel about that flower, or what feelings that flower evokes, and whether they want to give this flower to themselves or to someone else. We want to talk about the emotions people have with flowers and to go a bit deeper. We expect that this will lead to buying flowers with more meaning, not just buying to take beautiful pictures (though if anyone wants to take pictures with flowers, that’s fine too, as you will be supporting the vendors).“For the ‘I flower you’ theme at this year’s Bangkok Design Week in Pak Khlong Talat, there will be a section for photo exhibition involving two photographers. One is a recent graduate, Nui, who will explore how people use flowers to express their feelings. Nui intends to delve into the places where flowers are grown. The second is Kop Kap, a talent from Pak Khlong Talat whose work was also showcased last year. The task for Kop Kap is to capture how people in Pak Khlong Talat buy flowers under the ‘I flower you’ theme. I’m personally excited to see what Kop Kap will bring to the table.“There will also be an interactive component, the specifics of which are still unknown, but the same team, 27JUNE Studio, will be involved, and it’s expected to be delightful. Additionally, there will be workshops, including the ‘How are you doing?’ workshop at the Sunflower shop. They have come up with the theme, ‘How are you feeling today?’ that uses flowers to express daily emotions. There will also be a discussion on the topic of flower waste, a challenging issue since flower waste is difficult to repurpose. This year, while not scaled up significantly, there are new ideas from the younger generation, like turning flowers into paper and then using that paper to wrap flowers again. The issue of flower waste is complex and requires gradual progress.”What flower would you use to express your feelings? Come and choose your flowers at Bangkok Design Week 2024 in the Pak Khlong Talat area.Explore Pak Khlong Talat in greater detail through the neighborhood’s recommended programs:I Flower You: Street Photo Exhibitionwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/67998 I Flower You: Pak Khlong Collective Bloomswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/67976 How are you doing?www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/69296 Click to view all programs of Pak Khlong Talat District here: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=50632 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Yaowarat
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: YaowaratTrue to its legacy as a world-renowned street food district, Yaowarat is brimming with a generational Chinese cultural identity.Today, Yaowarat is not only the largest Chinatown in Thailand, overflowing with Chinese culture from various eras, but also known the world over as a must-visit evening food district. Additionally, it is deeply ingrained in the hearts of many Thais as both a trendy area where new businesses can spring up at any moment and an attractive destination for people of all ages and lifestyles wishing to change their fortunes after an unfavorable year.It may seem daunting working with a district viewed by many as ‘already perfect,’ and when it comes to Bangkok, this description perhaps most aptly applies to Yaowarat due to its reputation as one of the liveliest tourism hotspots in the city, constantly bustling with visitors, foodies, and shoppers almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week.In such a busy and celebrated district, one might think design isn’t necessarily the solution it needs. Certainly this has been the challenge facing Wipawee “Aum” Kittitian, CEO of SATARANA and Co-Host of this year’s Bangkok Design Week in Yaowarat for a second year. Today, she will share with us what she learned from last year’s experience, as well as her new strategies for 2024.Yaowarat: A Land of Dynamism and Unceasing OpportunitiesWhen discussing Yaowarat, Khun Aum recalls how last year’s decision by the SATARANA team to work in the district started with their recent relocation from the Sao Chingcha area. As newcomers, they noticed issues which many locals might have overlooked due to their familiarity with the district.“Being new to the area, we could recognize the city’s gaps more clearly than local residents. Given that Yaowarat is a highly active and bustling economic district, it was evident that some of the facilities were not up to standard. There are needs when it comes to various public utilities that can be addressed through design processes or creative thinking. That’s why we chose this place as our challenge for the design week.”However, besides the infrastructural issues the team sees as areas for improvement in the district, they also recognize the potential and charm of Yaowarat, especially in terms of its diversity and dynamic economy that is constantly evolving.“The allure of Chinatown is that it’s a district where Chinese people have gathered to live, but the ‘Chinese-ness’ we speak of encompasses many eras and periods, from the old to the modern community that continues evolving to this day. We find this dynamism quite fascinating.“From an economic perspective, we feel Yaowarat is like the birthplace of Thai tycoons, with many people having stories or origins tied to this district. There are residents in the area who may appear to be small business owners, but in reality a single shophouse could be distributing products all across Thailand. At the same time, new businesses are constantly emerging with the potential for incredible growth. We therefore find that Yaowarat has many interesting dimensions in that respect.”Festivals May Not Be the Dream Solution for EveryoneAn important lesson learned by the SATARANA team from organizing Bangkok Design Week in Yaowarat last year is that designing solutions to fit the restless lifestyles and livelihoods of the Yaowarat community can be quite challenging, and holding festivals may not always be the best answer.“As we’ve mentioned, market people tend to be very busy and have little time for us. Yaowarat is also an area that frequently hosts events, including annual festivals like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival. There’s not much space left for us to insert our own event as a result, and so we’re more of an added element at a time when they would already be very busy. But we must analyze and innovate further. Having gone through the process, we now better understand the gaps involved. Aligning our work with the Yaowarat way of life was nevertheless probably the biggest challenge we faced last year.“This year, we’re learning and building upon what we learned last year when we tried to cover as many areas as possible in exploring the culture of Yaowarat. We’ve since found sharper ways to tell our story by collaborating with locals who’ve provided their input as part of a more satisfying partnership that avoids disrupting their daily lives.”Same Old Life, but BetterWith such a goal in mind, the mission of the SATARANA team this year has shifted from being idea-rich designers to ‘supporters.’ Rather than looking to alter the lifestyles or internal dynamics of the district, they instead aim to support and enhance the work already undertaken by locals, while simultaneously opening up new possibilities.“Our integration this time around does not involve changing or adding anything new to their lifestyles. Instead, we seek to support what they are already doing. They can then take these elements to help beautify the city where necessary, adding aesthetic value and bringing their existing stories to other areas. This doesn’t disturb their work but nevertheless helps to consolidate the district’s branding and establish a clearer identity.”Introducing new people to urban and design work is another area Khun Aum sees as successful and wishes to carry over from the previous year.“Last year, we started under an academic program in collaboration with the CEA. We wanted the city to pose a challenge and not have Design Week be just about showcasing the work of each institution in an open house format. We wanted various academic subjects to be able to ‘hack’ the city as well. This was the hypothetical we put forth before launching the project last year. To that end, we invited various academic departments that we never thought would participate in Design Week to work with us, including scientific, archaeological, and engineering groups.“This turned out to be very effective and yielded solutions that were quite interesting. They were also things that people in Yaowarat already do as part of their daily routines. One example that we feel had a significant impact was the “Eco-friendly Incense” project initiated by the Faculty of Arts at Silpakorn University, which researched how lighting incense could help reduce pollution. They convened with temple authorities and determined that because so many people were visiting a local temple, there was less available room for incense. They therefore created incense that only burned at the tips, with incense factories following suit and the temple abbot agreeing to utilize them. This year, we want to continue with the same concept of fresh and fun solutions while adding new groups of people.”A New Journey in Bangkok Design Week 2024Building on the original idea of connecting people and new disciplines to help tackle urban problems, Khun Aum shares how the team wants to expand the story of Chinese culture and Yaowarat this year to a more diverse generation by targeting early high schoolers. They hope to achieve this through the medium of comics and comic books.“One area the team is focusing particularly on this year is the comic segment, which we want everyone to look forward to. We realize the comic market has grown more than we previously anticipated. We’re also familiarizing ourselves with the ‘webtoon’ format and want to support more Thai artists. Most prominent webtoon artists are Korean or Japanese, but we want to emphasize that our approach to the district this year is not just about admiring the community event, as we also want to entertain people through these stories. It’s an area in which the team is really focusing a lot of its efforts, so we would like to invite everyone to stay tuned.“The comics will be published on a platform, but the event’s first episode will start with us organizing an exhibition where everyone can read these stories for themselves. Five artists are currently involved in the project, which will be developed from scripts of traditional Chinese state opera (Ngiew), connecting various stories.”Another highlight of SATARANA’s work is the “Street Art” activity in the theme of the mat and pillow business on Song Wat Road.“As the area encompasses Song Wat Road, an old trading district, we will have activities that speak to the stories of the historical mat and pillow business. While making preparations, the team discovered the logos and trademarks of each store, which Illustrators found very exciting. These included the logo of crispy jelly and the dragon logo of a sago factory. There are also many unsightly spots along Song Wat Road, as well as unused areas and bare walls. We want to transform those walls into enlarged trademarks of each store, like adding street art that connects with a respective location. We want people to come and see these symbols, as they can say a lot about the district, from the thought process involved to the selection of various auspicious animals. We will also narrate the stories of each store’s logo.“The intention is to create street art on the walls, but there will be separate content to explain where each piece comes from. Most were made possible by interviewing the stores, and while there might be some inconsistencies, overall it’s just good fun. These pieces will be scattered around the alleyways as some stores might not have walls next to their properties. Nevertheless, we intend to spread them out to make walking around Yaowarat more enjoyable. The experience is not only about taking photos of the walls, but also learning their stories. Thus, the name of this year’s Yaowarat event is “The City that Prospers and Flourishes More and More.”From the legend of opening a dance floor in the heart of the old market area to transforming the traditional Chinese stage opera theater with Thai narration, how will a walk around Yaowarat during this year’s Bangkok Design Week feel different from before, and what new discoveries await? Don’t forget to come and find the answers for yourself!Get to know Yaowarat District more through the neighborhood’s recommended programs:Chinese Opera story books and exhibitionswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/83667 Yunnan Arts University-School Local Cooperative Creative Series Activitieswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/84034 Waste Life สายมู Workshopwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/83680 Local Gallery of local shopwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/83655 Click to see all the programs of Yaowarat here: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=49827 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Nang Loeng
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Nang LoengEnhancing a vibrant neighborhood’s local wisdom through collaborations between existing residents and new designers.When we talk about Nang Loeng District, the first image that comes to mind for many are the ancient pink row houses and the dazzling array of Thai foods and sweets crammed into Nang Loeng Market, Thailand’s first market on land. This is followed by the beauty of Sala Chaloem Thani, a nearly 90-year-old wooden theater that houses the enduring legacy of the legendary actor, Mitr Chaibancha, and is deeply connected to this place.Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that the once-bustling image of Nang Loeng — teeming with people and stories — is not the current reality of the neighborhood. With demand falling for its traditional kind of tourism and Nang Loeng Market edged out by more convenient food options, the area’s growing dullness poses a significant challenge for its new residents, such as the Urban Studies Lab, whose office is located in the former Satri Julanak School. To introduce changes to the neighborhood, they wish to try new approaches involving creativity and festival work.What was the inception, concept, and result of their mission to restore Nang Loeng to its former glory as part of Bangkok Design Week 2024? Ahead of the festival, we invite you to search for answers in the words of Wirakan ‘Gave’ Rakamma, Design Manager of Urban Studies Lab, which is serving as Co-Host of the Nang Loeng District for this year’s Bangkok Design Week.A Historical Neighborhood as Seen by ‘Ordinary People’Most historical areas around Rattanakosin Island are often significant places enriched with high art, intricate temple architecture, and ancient traditions, marking them as administrative centers. However, just a short distance away, Nang Loeng represents the everyday life of ordinary people. People who live hand-to-mouth, go to temple, cook food, enjoy entertainment, play music — this is what Ms. Gave believes makes Nang Loeng a historical neighborhood unlike any other.“Nang Loeng is not just a well-preserved or old neighborhood. It’s ancient, indeed, but it represents the lifestyle of ordinary people. There is a strong emphasis on gastronomy, with a multitude of eateries, as well as some cultural aspects that are hidden gems, like the Chatri theater or the making of scented garlands. The community leaders, themselves, constantly bring these elements into our neighborhood’s tourism. Therefore, to say that Nang Loeng is a historical neighborhood is to see history through the eyes of the people living there. After working with the community, we get a sense of their pride in the neighborhood as a unique blend of the old and the new, unlike anywhere else.”Challenges of the People’s Diverse Identities The strength of Nang Loeng lies in the lifestyle of its people, and the neighborhood isn’t just about one group, but a living space shared by all. Embracing and integrating the diverse perspectives of the people in the neighborhood to establish its boundaries and identity is always a challenge when Urban Studies Lab works with the Nang Loeng area.“The term ‘Nang Loeng District’ has always begged the question: What does ‘Nang Loeng’ mean exactly? Where are the boundaries of Nang Loeng? Some say it’s confined to around the market area, while others extend it to the Phanpha area or even to Padung [Krung Kasem] Canal or Samananam Borihan Temple. Everyone has a different view, which is interesting. It’s like the community doesn’t try to specifically define Nang Loeng as a certain area. And when the area isn’t narrowly defined, what follows is the diversity of identities that come with it. Talking about the uniqueness of Nang Loeng is challenging; it’s hard to pick just one thing and say Nang Loeng equals that thing. It’s not just about food, because we have more than that. The Nang Loeng area has many communities, each with its own unique identity, and we must remain impartial amid the diversity.”Opening the Door to New Possibilities with ‘Festivals’To revitalize a neighborhood with diverse identities that are difficult to consolidate into a single entity, Ms. Gave outlined the team’s simple approach: to open doors to new possibilities so local residents can recognize the potential of their own area. Instead of defining the limits of Nang Loeng, they must view the area as a blank space, ready for endless new experiments.“Given that Nang Loeng is very much in the infancy of integrating festivalization with an area’s cultural development, our team hopes that at the very least, Nang Loeng will have a robust social media presence among younger generations. Of course, in the short term, this is to help stimulate the economy at the micro level, bringing new customers to the shops. But in the long term, we intend to help the community see its own possibilities and potential, including new opportunities to tell the story of their community.“Right now, many shops are planning to shutter because they feel the neighborhood has become very quiet. They are uncertain if customers will come. Therefore, we want to use this opportunity to communicate to the community itself that we still have potential, there is interest, and there are new ways to tell the neighborhood’s story. This can be achieved through activities that might not necessarily be the traditional approaches, like visiting temples or telling ghost stories, but through various events that’ll attract more diverse groups of people who reflect the diversity of the community itself.”Reviving the Neighborhood with Entertainment for Both Locals and OutsidersWith rigorous work — from conducting field research, having conversations, and collaborating with the community to brainstorming in the ‘townhall’ of the Urban Studies Lab — the team challenged itself to organize Bangkok Design Week activities that were as broad, varied, and representative of the community as possible. The concept emerged as “Entertainment in Everyday,” with the goal to bring back the lost entertainment of Nang Loeng.“We asked several communities what they think about being in Nang Loeng, what they felt was missing, and what they wanted to see return. Even though they all view the existing identity differently, everyone felt that Nang Loeng used to be a livelier entertainment district where people came to eat, visit, and play, which is now missing. So, our challenge of “Entertainment in Everyday” is to revive our Nang Loeng, which was once known as the entertainment district of Phra Nakhon, to be entertaining again. The term ‘entertainment’ can be defined in many ways, allowing different community perspectives to work together under this theme.“The event will feature various activities; about five sub-events, including tours, workshops, and exhibitions related to entertainment. For example, the book tour is inspired by the experience of many locals who grew up hunting for comics at the various book shops. This is the kind of experience they want to bring back.“One activity that arose from lessons learned in the previous Bangkok Design Week and has received funding from the CEA is the ‘Nang Loeng Menu,’ a deck of cards introducing the area’s many delicacies and restaurants. This arose from the challenge of how to best represent Nang Loeng’s many food options in the most comprehensive way possible. There are many ‘scales’ — there are old established vendors, home-style eateries that just use their houses as restaurants, and new restaurateurs in the neighborhood. This year, we’re building upon Nang Loeng Menu, following feedback from various participating shops. We’ve gathered their opinions on how they want to develop it further. For instance, some want to maintain it in a deck of cards with more restaurants, while others suggest it should be a guidebook, so people can tour the food spots themselves without needing intermediaries or guides.“Another activity is ‘Graffiti for a Better City,’ where we’ve got graffiti artists who are passionate about enhancing the landscape of Nang Loeng and the surrounding area. They are connected to Nang Loeng Market, having spent their childhood in the area, and feel it has deteriorated. Therefore, they want to come in and do what they are good at — creating graffiti that tells the story of the Nang Loeng neighborhood.”Will they succeed in their mission to revive entertainment as expressed by their diverse identities? Find out for yourself during Bangkok Design Week in the Nang Loeng District!Get to know Nang Loeng District through the neighborhood’s recommended programs:Nang Loeng Menu HUNT!https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/67602 Untitled Case : Learning from Tragedies www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/76485Graffiti for Better Cityhttps://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/67032 Toth Kin Kao Nok Bannwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73128 Click to see all Nang Loeng programs here:www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=50628 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
รู้จักย่านสร้างสรรค์ ก่อนงาน BKKDW2024 : พร้อมพงษ์
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Phrom PhongA neighborhood where designers gather to develop a space that is good for the body and soul, for both residents and visitors alike.Phrom Phong — a major commercial district in Thailand filled with various luxurious shopping malls interspersed with modern offices, condominiums, and residential areas for affluent locals and expats — is a new district that, at first glance, seems to lack a distinct identity compared to other areas. However, it has increasingly stood out as a new highlight of Bangkok Design Week, blending its existing assets as a hub for quality design studios with the development of daily living and public spaces.What are the concepts and secret works of the creators in the Phrom Phong District? What new ideas and showcases will we see at this year’s Bangkok Design Week? To discuss these topics, we’re joined by Ms. Suttida “Yam” Tharanatham, a Partner of Landscape Architects 49 (L49) and a representative of this year’s designer community in Phrom Phong.The Designer Community of Phrom PhongThe ‘identity’ of Phrom Phong is a question that many people often wrestle with. ‘What should be the identity of this important commercial and entertainment district in the capital?’ Ms. Yam and her fellow designers at various studios have always held this question in their hearts. Amidst a sea of possibilities, they eventually concluded that the district’s identity may not need to be something which has endured through the ages. Instead, it lies in the existing everyday life assets, which lie at the core of their existence as ‘Designer Community of Phrom Phong’ — ready to use their talents to improve the quality of life for the people in the district.“The identity of Phrom Phong will be quite different from other districts. Phrom Phong is not a historic area, but rather, a newly emerging district. We, therefore, strive to push its identity in terms of having a variety of design studios, emphasizing how we — as designers coming together — can play a significant role in bringing about societal change.“With this year’s theme of ‘Livable Scape,’ we want to connect to identity of our designer district by addressing more area-specific problems and developing this into one of the district’s characteristics. When people think of Phrom Phong, we want them to recognize it as a designer district.”Creative Spaces for Creativity and ConnectionHaving established the goal of promoting a ‘designer district’ identity, the next important challenge is to strengthen connections and networks. This involves connecting designers with each other as well as with the district.Ms. Yam believed that a vital missing element in this process is the availability of public spaces within the district that allow diverse people to relax, meet, and exchange ideas.“The problem is that currently, we coexist, we pass by each other, we know each other, but we don’t have a gathering space for us to become more acquainted and connected. Therefore, having such a space is important. By connecting with each other, our society becomes stronger, our district becomes stronger, and working together, designing together, is one way of creating stronger connections.“In terms of work, different studios specialize in different fields. For example, some may specialize in furniture design, others in architecture, so there are many situations where we may not collaborate all that much. We would, therefore, like to have a space that really brings everyone together and improves our living conditions.”Transforming Unused Spaces on Weekends Into Relaxation Areas for EveryoneMs. Yam explained that to turn the envisioned exchange space into reality, studying and building upon the existing insights in the district is crucial. One such insight, seen in daily life and possessing the potential for further development into a project, is the unused spaces available on Saturdays and Sundays, known as ‘rest spaces.’“Since we are a district with many office buildings and warehouses, what happens is that there are quite a few rest spaces over the weekends. During weekdays, these areas are used for parking, but on weekends, they turn into wide, unused concrete spaces. However, many people live in the area throughout the week.“So we thought, why not improve these unused areas by transforming them into rest spaces for the residents of this district, not just parking spaces for when people come to work? We wanted to create a space where residents can walk their dogs and bring their children to play. One of these areas is located around Warehouse 26.“We are not only designing for people or pets like dogs and cats, we also want it to be a place where naturally occurring animals like birds and squirrels can coexist. One standout characteristic of Soi 26 is its lush trees, so adding birdhouses and squirrel homes to provide real habitats for these animals would be ideal. As architects who create homes for people, this time, we want to build homes for these small animals too.”Ms. Yam explains that although they are starting with a single rest space, they hope this initiative will become the catalyst for popularizing the notion that zones which go unused during the weekend should be developed as a part of the community to help improve and strengthen society.Exploring Homes and Neighborhoods Through DesignFor this year’s Bangkok Design Week, Ms. Yam explains that they are putting forth the concept of “Giving Matters, Living Better,” which is about giving back to society to improve living conditions. She lists three main highlights:“The first point is the outdoor space from the front of A49 to A Square. It’s a short section that’s 100% public. We’ve added birdhouses and squirrel houses and are piloting a station parking area for motorcycle taxis. This initiative has attracted interest from relevant groups and has also improved orderliness in the area. We hope it can be extended to other areas across Bangkok because we don’t want the idea to end with just us.“The second point is the central section of Warehouse 26, which is currently being used as a shared space. On workdays, it remains roughly the same and serves as a parking area, but on weekends its utility can expand further. Local shops can also use this shared space to sell their products, making the area more lively and friendly while welcoming visitors to the district. It also connects to K Village, which has joined us this year as a partner.“Lastly, ‘Exploring Homes.’ This may not be a program per se, but it revolves around the fact that our area is a design district. Last year’s survey indicated that many visitors wanted to know where the ideas originated from and why this area was designated for design. Initially, we were disinclined to organize an ‘open house’ event, as we had already done so last year. But many people expressed interest in seeing what a design office looks like, where the work originates from, and whether it’s a serious or casual environment. So, we’ve retained the concept of an open house, allowing outsiders to observe how we work. Some studios will also have smaller exhibitions on display.”Come and check out the new public space in Phrom Phong District and exchange ideas with the creative minds at Bangkok Design Week 2024.Get to know Phrom Phong District better through its recommended programs:49&FRIENDS : Play Matters, Pet Matterswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71641 49&FRIENDS : K Village neighborhood mallwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/69951 49&FRIENDS : Social Matterswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/71369 Click here to view all programs of Phrom Phong District: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=54158 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Ari-Pradipat
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Ari-PradipatWeaving relationships through a creative space that enables people, nature, and the city to coexist harmoniously.When it comes to the Ari-Pradipat District, the first thing that may pop up in many people’s minds is its reputation as a chic café hub, packed into every street corner. It’s a district of office spaces and residences for young working adults, along with an increasing number of shops, restaurants, and creative ventures, constantly evolving to meet relentless demand.However, upon speaking with Arunee Atipapong, co-founder of the AriAround creative platform and Co-Host of Bangkok Design Week at the Ari District, we discovered that for locals, Ari has much more charm and character. They wish to showcase various other aspects, whether it be the area’s historical roots, its status as a hub for important government agencies, its past residences for officials, nobility, and leading figures, its classic architecture, or as a natural space in the city where everyone can safely learn and explore.What would Ari look like as envisioned by the creative minds of the area, and how will these visions be manifested at Bangkok Design Week? Read on to explore these answers.A Downtown Area Where Neighbors Weave Connections Through Public SpacesFor Ms. Arunee, the allure of Ari lies in its embodiment of a downtown area that still retains a full-fledged neighborhood essence. This includes neighborly relationships among the original residents, new business owners, social networks, expat communities, and even government agencies.“People in the area know each other organically, creating a very strong neighborhood feel. For instance, various groups of young people have come together to develop the area, like Phuean Ban Ari, People of Ari, or even AriAround. We meet, connect, and constantly support each other. When something comes up, we share and help, deciding which project suits whom.“In the past, this area was considered a new city, with many large houses from the era of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram. There’s the Phibun Village, Thailand’s second housing estate, established around 80-90 years ago. It was home to large, tall houses of nobility and government officials, evident from the small alleys here named after prominent people.“The area also hosts many government centers, such as the Public Relations Department, the Ministry of Finance, various financial institutions, land administration offices, the Treasury Department, the Revenue Department, as well as the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Pollution Control Department, and newly established departments dealing with climate change.“Most people usually meet in public parks, and in Ari, we have many natural spaces. The Public Relations Department has allocated an area for Phaya Thai District to manage as a public space. People come here to exercise, with a park suitable for walking and running, tennis courts, football fields, and recognizeable regulars. Those skilled in tennis teach others without any charge, fostering a sense of community. Here, you’ll find families and expats working temporarily in the area.”Balance of Growth vs. IdentityWith the growth and expansion of Ari, alongside the bustling and lively atmosphere brought by the launch of numerous new businesses, there has been an inevitable rise in the cost of living within the area. Many long-time residents of the area are consequently apprehensive about the influx of new groups, fearing that the identity of Ari they have known for so long may fade over time (and with escalating land prices).“They have a sense of, ‘Hey, what are these new people doing? Are they going to create something new?’ The ones who have been here are afraid of losing what they’ve had, scared of higher rents, and worried that the familiar eateries they’ve frequented will disappear.“To be honest, before the recent boom, this area has long been a hub for creative people since the 90s. Back then, there were many artists and designers living here because the land back then was still affordable and close to the city. People like Note from Dudesweet and DuckUnit had their offices around here. They thought it was a good deal, but as time passed, the regular places they dined at couldn’t survive, the rents gradually increased, and they started feeling the strain.”Developing Living Spaces with the Eyes of Actual Ari ResidentsTo ensure that the growth of the Ari area occurs without negatively impacting the local residents but instead supports the existing way of life, AriAround and its network intend to focus on improving the quality of life and creating new possibilities in the area’s main living spaces, like the Public Relations Department’s Public Park.“The point is we want to work with the inner areas that real Ari residents use in their daily lives as much as possible, because in previous years, like during Bangkok Design Week, the focus has been on spreading out to various cafes. In reality, the residents of the neighborhood don’t frequent these cafes much. They have their own living spaces in the park. It’s common for the elderly to jog around there.“The main theme of a livable city that we envision is to enable all groups, regardless of age, to see the potential of using the existing public spaces in Ari to a greater extent through the infusion of creativity. For instance, we want them to see that a park can be more than just a place for exercise, to see the potential of using the space in other ways. Normally, they just jog, but there are unused spaces, like in the center. They run around the park, but the central area with trees, which is quite suitable for relaxing, is not used as much. If these spaces are better utilized, they will attract more attention, as people are not yet aware of their potential. We try to bring out this potential to show people, to stimulate their involvement to express their opinions on how this place should be developed.”Transforming Public Parks into Sacred Spaces for EveryoneFor this year’s Bangkok Design Week, Ms. Arunee explained that the festival’s concept is to turn the Public Relations Department’s Public Park into a ‘sacred space for everyone.’“We want this area to be a place where people in the neighborhood can train, explore, and express themselves through any means, whether it’s exhibiting art, showcasing work, selling products, or organizing exhibitions. Anything is possible here.“With the park being a sacred space, we plan to set up areas similar to shrines. We are collaborating with Less Plastic Thailand to use recycled plastics to create good luck charms and talismans. We’re not sure yet what form they will take, but they will relate to our concept of worshiping sacred items, showing that plastic doesn’t always have a negative connotation if managed correctly.“Other activities in the area are plentiful as before. Last year, there was a Kid’s Space because it’s also a playground, and we had activities for children to play. Last year, Khun Tum from the Suk Jai shop had an activity where people gathered vegetables from the area to make dishes together. This year, he wants to invite people for a picnic, possibly with music and a cacao ceremony. We’re also considering doing a tea ceremony, related to the sacred space concept, using local plants for the ceremony and making it meaningful. In the area, some people grow kratom, which could be used to connect people with nature.“Ari Ecowalk, which happens every month, will also be organized special for Bangkok Design Week. We want to invite people to explore nature in the area and then enter an Ari mascot competition. This is connected with Thinkster, whose office is also in our area.”Not just fostering connections with residents of the area, Bangkok Design Week in the Ari-Pradipat neighborhood also features activities like the ‘random tour.’ This guideless excursion leads strangers to explore the area together, turning them into friends and reinforcing Ari’s spirit of friendship building.What else can the green spaces in the Ari area transform into? Find out at Bangkok Design Week 2024 in the Ari-Pradipat District!Get to know the Ari-Pradipat District better through its recommended programs:Ari Shrine Onwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/84480ARI ECOWALK – Let’s make nature POP!www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/85241 Playful and inclusive citywww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/87412 AriAround Ari Picnicwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/85246 Click to see all the programs of the Ari-Pradipat area here:www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=282 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape
รู้จักย่านสร้างสรรค์ ก่อนงาน BKKDW2024 : วงเวียนใหญ่ - ตลาดพลู
Get to Know the Creative Districts Ahead of BKKDW2024: Wongwian Yai-Talat PhluAdvancing the Thonburi side’s culture by connecting generations in two rail-linked neighborhoods.Wongwian Yai, a historic neighborhood long inhabited by native and Chinese-descent Thai communities in the Thonburi area, and Talat Phlu, an ancient culinary district centered around a bustling market and train station operating 24 hours, are notable for their cultural assets and strong community bonds. These areas are among the design showcases at this year’s Bangkok Design Week.What challenges are the venerable creative neighborhoods of Wongwian Yai and Talat Phlu currently facing, and what are their design plans for this year’s festival? To elaborate, we have Dr. Nattha Savavibool from the School of Design and Architecture, Sripatum University, Co-Host of Bangkok Design Week in Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu.The Land of Unity, Rich in Food Culture“Actually, the Wongwian Yai and Talat Phlu areas have prominent backstories. Talat Phlu, specifically, is about food culture, the lifestyles of the local community, beliefs related to shrines & temples, architecture, and various local wisdoms. Last year in Wongwian Yai, we talked about leather making, which was well-received. This year, we thought to continue expanding on leather to further its impact.”The Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu District is a prominent food culture hub on the Thonburi side, notable for its long history of settlement and famous array of eateries, as well as the accessibility of their gastronomical excursions. Originating from Wongwian Yai, where four major roads converge — Prajadhipok Road, Lat Ya Road, Somdet Phra Chao Tak Sin Road, and Intharaphithak Road — the area is also well-served by the BTS, MRT, and railways by the State Railway of Thailand.With the self-sufficiency and the strong collaboration of its community, including groups like “Talat Phlu Du Dee,” “Ask Me, I am from Talat Phlu,” “Young Thon,” etc., the Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu District has been recognized as another creative district that consistently develops at all levels.A Bit of Love that LastsIt wouldn’t be wrong to say that Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu District is sought-after, as it continuously attracts many people interested in offering help and working consistently. This includes networks of citizens, organizations, and various universities. However, Dr. Nattha explained that from another point of view, this aspect of the area does not benefit it as much as one would think. The challenge is how to make the community able to sustainably run various projects independently, given the influx of people wanting to work in the area.“The community really wants to work continuously, but sometimes different groups come in only for specific projects. Once the project period is over, the community members have to find ways to continue on their own. But when there are more projects than the community can handle, it might lack the manpower to run these projects continuously. This also involves budget issues, often waiting for state funding, which disrupts continuity. However, having an event once a year or conducting workshops periodically can stimulate them occasionally.”Integrating the Community into Coursework to Sustainably Enhance Student KnowledgeFor Sripatum University, an educational institution that has long worked with the Talat Phlu area, Dr. Nattha explained that the team strives to design collaborations with the district systematically and inclusively. It begins with accepting challenges from the community and designing them into coursework so that students can learn through hands-on experience in real-world settings. It concludes with evaluating feedback after the coursework is completed to improve it for future iterations, repeating this cycle continuously.“From the student’s perspective, the primary approach is to first accept a challenge. We already have a course on exhibition design and furniture creation. We believe we should utilize our knowledge and teach it to the students, providing opportunities to work on real projects. Nowadays, students prefer learning outside the classroom, enjoying hands-on experience.“The local community also benefits. Sometimes they want to do something but don’t know how. For example, tours in the area have existed but weren’t sustained. Once we accept a challenge, we consider which student groups to involve or how to integrate it with other subjects, managing the students’ time to help. Thanks to our continuous work in this area over several years, we enjoy good cooperation, a familiarity with the locals, and the community sees the benefits of organizing activities, leading to excellent collaboration. The district administration is supportive too, making the process quite smooth.”Invitation to ‘Tour Long’ in Wongwian Yai – Talat PhluDr. Nattha concluded by revealing the concept of Bangkok Design Week in the Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu area for this year: “Tour Long,” which is Thai slang for getting torn apart or heavily criticized online.“This year, we come with the concept ‘Tour Long,’ but in a positive sense. We want to encourage people to journey into the area for cultural exchange. This includes the older existing residents and the incoming younger generation. Fundamentally, we aim to build upon the existing cultural capital of the community and open spaces for people to learn through creative design work. Moreover, the workshops will aid in generating income and revitalizing the area, making it more vibrant.”The activities are divided into three main groups:“First is the Exhibition/Installation group, including street furniture that’ll remain in the area for public use after the event. The exhibitions will narrate stories, particularly in Talat Phlu, focusing on food culture. The exhibitions will be situated near the train station, embodying the concept of ‘Tour Long: Train’ to connect Talat Phlu with Wongwian Yai. From the train station, visitors arrive at Talat Phlu, which features exhibition/installation art and street furniture. Just beyond Talat Phlu, there will be installation art at the shrine, discussing beliefs and superstitions and providing photo-ops for visitors to check in. On the Wongwian Yai side, installation art will tell stories about leather, located in the tunnel near King Taksin Monument, a popular spot for taking photos, leading to Charoen Rat Road, known for leather businesses. This will be coupled with a walking tour led by local residents from the group, ‘Ask Me, I am from Talat Phlu.’“Second is the academic symposium related to design held in collaboration with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), using the KX Innovation event space at the university.“Finally, the workshop group mostly continues from last year, such as wooden toy workshops, ‘Chula’ kite-making, and lion head crafting, which received positive feedback. These workshops will be led by members of the community, who are eager to participate. New additions include handcrafted notebook workshops and craft beer workshops using local ingredients. In Wongwian Yai, there will still be leather workshops and dried flower making.”Experience diverse food culture and craftsmanship by taking a train to the Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu District at Bangkok Design Week 2024.Get to know Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu better through the neighborhood’s recommended programs:Tour Long Talat Phluwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73705 Shrine Tour: 7 8 9 Fire to Firewww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73672 DIY: Handmade Leather Productswww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/74031 DIY: Uncle Buerk’s Kite Workshopwww.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program/73880 Click to see all the programs of Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu District here: www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2024/program?nbh=49829 –Bangkok Design Week 2024Livable Scapeคนยิ่งทำ เมืองยิ่งดี27 Jan – 4 Feb 2024#BKKDW2024#BangkokDesignWeek#LivableScape