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HAS design and research

HAS design and research

Bangkok, TH

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The stacking volume created a gathering public ground space ©DOF SkyGround
The stacking volume created a gathering public ground space ©DOF SkyGround
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Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground is a meticulously designed architectural work that integrates a three-dimensional interior, a permanent structure, and a craftsmanship façade surface. It was created on the 90th anniversary of The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA). Initiated by Thailand’s aluminum company S-ONE Group and KIN, the acclaimed architectural firm HAS Design and Research was commissioned for the design.

Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) aimed for this building to not only reflect Thailand’s status as the most significant metal manufacturing exporter in Southeast Asia but also to provide a public resting place at the ASA 90th Anniversary Architect Expo. The space allows the public to participate for free in activities such as public learning, art exchanges, and educational lectures, serving non-profit functions. After multiple discussions and thorough understanding, the client fully embraced the concept proposed by HAS Design and Research founders and architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, ensuring that Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground became a center for free public access, devoid of commercial operations and promotion, and dedicated to idea exchange and learning.

Based on this premise, HAS Design and Research proposed an innovative design to create a valley-like grotto with a natural impression amidst the busy and densely packed exposition. This Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground not only recreates past scenes where Thai people relied on natural landscapes for their dwellings and lives, but also reflects the current situation where the average green open space per capita in Bangkok is only 6.99 square meters, much lower than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended 9 square meters.

During regular times, the elevated structure creates an open space underneath, generating more "gray space" to attract the public and extend the indoor and outdoor environments. This design also echoes the multifunctional "Tai toon" space of traditional Thai stilt houses. At special moments, the natural light illuminating the grotto-like space not only provides functions for education, learning, and forums but also creates a sense of ceremony, offering an unprecedented sensory experience.

The Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground is ultimately constructed from hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods, with a design that integrates the skin into the space, the space with the structure, and the structure with diverse functions, known as Total-ness Design. None of these aluminum rods are of the same length; each rod is meticulously cut and assembled by craftsmen, reminiscent of the intricate craftsmanship seen in Thai temples. Amidst rapid industrial development, the Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground integrates tradition and future with an unconventional concept, allowing Thai people to rediscover the potential of local craftsmanship.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground has been awarded the highest honor, the "Thematic Pavilion of the Year Award," at The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage Exposition (ASA Architect Expo). This prestigious exposition was organized by The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage in collaboration with TTF International Company Limited. This esteemed award highlights the work of acclaimed architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee from HAS Design and Research, who offer a new perspective on Bangkokians' lifestyle and future living trends. Their architecture focuses on the relationship between natural and man-made structures, seeking to create a new type of architecture that blends seamlessly with the city.

 
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Status: Built
Location: Bangkok, TH
Firm Role: Architect
Additional Credits: Project name: Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Completion year: 2024
Architecture firm: HAS design and research
Lead architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee
Design team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Saralchana Pueakhachen, Muze Ouyang, Jiamin Yang
Structure consultant: Buncha Layangkoon
Lighting consultant: Light Is
Aluminum production: KIN Thailand
Structure production: Pacific Pipe Co., Ltd.
Lighting production: Motion Tech Thailand Co Ltd, Neowave Technology
Constructor: Bangkok Canvas
Photo credit: DOF Sky|Ground

 
This impressive building has a large structure that cantilevers like a floating island ©DOF SkyGround
This impressive building has a large structure that cantilevers like a floating island ©DOF SkyGround
HAS Design and Research creates a sense of ritual in space, like a modern Thai temple ©DOF SkyGround
HAS Design and Research creates a sense of ritual in space, like a modern Thai temple ©DOF SkyGround
Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) create a dynamic space connecting the structure and surface design ©DOF SkyGround
Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) create a dynamic space connecting the structure and surface design ©DOF SkyGround
Hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods provide futuristic space ©DOF SkyGround
Hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods provide futuristic space ©DOF SkyGround
The continued curve space is also part of the structure ©DOF SkyGround
The continued curve space is also part of the structure ©DOF SkyGround
The flow of circulation allows visitors to freely use the space ©DOF SkyGround
The flow of circulation allows visitors to freely use the space ©DOF SkyGround
HAS Design and Research creates new natural senses for visitors in the urban concrete jungle ©DOF SkyGround
HAS Design and Research creates new natural senses for visitors in the urban concrete jungle ©DOF SkyGround
The cantilever structure is integrated with the program, public circulation, and open ground ©DOF SkyGround
The cantilever structure is integrated with the program, public circulation, and open ground ©DOF SkyGround
First sketch shows how floating architecture is integrated into the ground ©HAS design and research
First sketch shows how floating architecture is integrated into the ground ©HAS design and research
The physical model of a floating island turns into a public ground ©HAS design and research
The physical model of a floating island turns into a public ground ©HAS design and research
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground became a center for free public access ©DOF SkyGround
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground became a center for free public access ©DOF SkyGround
The space is like an urban park and gives people a sense of meditation ©DOF SkyGround
The space is like an urban park and gives people a sense of meditation ©DOF SkyGround
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground gives open-free access and creates multi-functional events ©DOF SkyGround
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground gives open-free access and creates multi-functional events ©DOF SkyGround
This valley-like design is also reflecting nature ©DOF SkyGround
This valley-like design is also reflecting nature ©DOF SkyGround
The detail of the façade ©DOF SkyGround
The detail of the façade ©DOF SkyGround
Isometric diagram ©HAS design and research
Isometric diagram ©HAS design and research
The multi-functional program is shown in Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground ©HAS design and research
The multi-functional program is shown in Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground ©HAS design and research
A full-scale mockup test by acclaimed architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee ©HAS design and research
A full-scale mockup test by acclaimed architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee ©HAS design and research
The study of the opening and the surface through a physical model ©HAS design and research
The study of the opening and the surface through a physical model ©HAS design and research
The champagne-clad aluminum surface reflected the traditional tile in the Thai temple ©DOF SkyGround
The champagne-clad aluminum surface reflected the traditional tile in the Thai temple ©DOF SkyGround
The building's integrated space, surface, structure, and program show the totality of the design ©DOF SkyGround
The building's integrated space, surface, structure, and program show the totality of the design ©DOF SkyGround
The large open space provides diversity in social programs ©DOF SkyGround
The large open space provides diversity in social programs ©DOF SkyGround