Department of Architecture & Planning Renovation KMITL GAIN INSIGHT INTO STUDIO PHASARN WHOSE DESIGN DIRECTIONS ARE BLENDING DIFFERENCES TO BE HARMONIZED ADJUSTING THE INTENSITY OF EACH ASPECT ACCORDING TO THE PROJECT’S OBJECTIVES
TEXT: STUDIO PHASARN
PHOTO: RUNGKIT CHAROENWAT
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WHO
Studio PhaSarn was founded by Assoc. Prof. Teerachai Leesuraplanon, who is currently a faculty member of the Department of Architecture and Planning of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s School of Architecture, Art and Design. The studio collaborates with students whose work ethics and directions coincide to design architectural projects together.
Department of Architecture & Planning Renovation KMITL
Department of Architecture & Planning Renovation KMITL
WHAT
This endeavor aims to transmit ideas and methods to students who share similar interests, enabling them to practice, experiment, and apply them in their design work, from academic assignments to real professional practices. It manifests as a collaboration between professors and students who trust each other and share a compatible approach, engaging freely without the confines of a traditional corporate structure.
WHEN
The actual collaboration began in 2015, starting with the first major design project, the Lean House.
Material Innovation Lab KMITL
Material Innovation Lab KMITL
WHERE
The teaching and practical training processes take place at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s School of Architecture, Art and Design.
WHY
The belief that everything in the world has its strengths and weaknesses inspired the approach to analyze and ‘combine / interlock / blend / merge’ the best aspects of each element, reflecting the studio’s philosophy.
How would you describe your work?
Our design philosophy can be described as seamlessly ‘blending differences,’ such as old-new, past-future, local-global, passive-active, wisdom-technology. The intensity of each aspect is adjusted according to the project’s objectives, needs, and context.
What is your inspiration and guiding principle for each creation?
Every project is like a jigsaw puzzle, making our philosophy more tangible with each creation. The actual construction of these designs motivates us to excel. Since most projects are residential homes, our principle is to harmoniously combine the homeowners’ and designers’ desires, negotiating compromises when necessary.
Lean House
Lean House
What project are you most proud of?
I believe that every project is like a child, so I feel proud of each one in its own way. The project that stands out the most is the Lean House in Ang Thong Province. It was the first residential home I designed after a period of focusing on public buildings. This project allowed me to utilize a wealth of ideas I had accumulated. Coupled with the homeowner’s trust and freedom in decision-making, the outcome was exactly as I envisioned. It also came at a time when my health and responsibilities were perfectly balanced, allowing me to devote myself fully to this project.
Lean House
Which stage of the design process do you like the most?
I believe that nearly every architect, once they have designed something, eagerly anticipates seeing it built. There is immense pride in seeing a design transition from paper to reality. My favorite part of the process is visiting the construction site. Each visit, despite being physically exhausting, is like watching a child grow. It fills me with a rejuvenating energy born from deep satisfaction.
CHUB CHUB House
If you could invite a ‘creative’ to coffee, who would you invite and why?
I would choose Mathar Bunnag, as I have admired his work since my days as a student. I have had the opportunity to personally experience the architecture he designed, which is characterized by its delicate perception through diverse sensory interactions, and meticulousness in transforming ideas into both concrete and abstract forms. He is one of the architects who has significantly influenced the thoughts and design approaches at Studio PhaSarn. If given the chance, I would love to have a conversation and exchange ideas with him.
CHUB CHUB House
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