Course Description:

Bangkok’s grand trees are an essential part of the urban landscape. They provide shelter and shade; they act as gathering points for food sellers and tuk tuk drivers; they give the streets their distinctive character; they absorb airborne pollutants, and they sequester carbon. Trees provide habitats for birds, squirrels, and insects, and they have bridged human generations, embedding experiences and rooting communities. ‘Treescape’ embraces our inescapable connection with Bangkok’s trees through the construction of an elevated structure that brings together the local community in Phra Khanong. Students met with arboriculturalist Rainer Reichel to better understand the features and characteristics of the local trees, created a highly precise 3D photogrammetric scan of the trees, and presented their design proposal to the Phra Khanong District Authority for approval. A reinterpretation of a childhood tree house--an enchanting stage elevated above the site--the structure provides safe access to higher branches in the tree’s canopy and creates a unique space for play and for environmental connection.

Instructor:

Will Hulbert

Thomas Lozada

Collaborators:

Rainer Reichel, arboriculturalist

Meinhardt, structural engineer

Thailand Urban Tree Network

Students:

Phapot Putthammarong

Koonanan Panyahom
Rachapon Jidapasirikul
Tanapat Adulteerakit
Napas Simarangsun
Varinda Suphantharida
Thanakorn Phonthanakornkul
Tanadon Wanitnunttada
Lalitsiree Ponsombatnun
Lalipat Sirirat
Natnicha Opasserepadung
Thatsama Leeumnadwong
Natnicha Pornteparak
Kasipang Phantajak
Chanakarn Pongteekayu
Arnon Vongarnon
Chidapa Kongsuphol
Phurichya Jirayutat
Suchat Telavanich
Pann Sermchaiwong
Kanchaporn Kieatkhajornrit
Paweenda Patarathamaporn
Tinn Kiewkarnkha