SANITAS STUDIO

SANITAS STUDIO DELVES INTO THE REALM OF BOTH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ART, DRAWING FROM ELEMENTS SUCH AS SOCIAL CONTEXT, CULTURAL NORMS AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR TO DEVELOP WORKS THAT EXPLORE THE VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES OF INTERACTION AND FORMS OF DIALOG THAT CAN BE FACILITATED BETWEEN PEOPLE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.

 

What are the design approaches or philosophies behind your studio?
With our work, the design principle and concept is always about the juxtaposition between nature and humans; there is always a combination and a balance between the manmade and nature in both our artworks and landscape works as well.

 

Which of your studio’s projects describes your design philosophy the best and how?
WYNE on Sukhumvit was the studio’s first project where we created a sales gallery and a garden for the condominium. The main idea was to bring nature and the sense of a sanctuary that used to be common in the Phra Khanong area back again, while also encouraging people’s awareness of the relationship between the manmade and nature. I introduced the concept of ‘revealing’ where it is as if you are peeling back the architectural shell and revealing the sanctuary inside. I started experimenting with the local material of traditional Thai mirror glass that we commonly use in the temples. When set at different angles, it reflects the sky and surrounding landscape.

 

Another recently completed work is a commissioned artwork in a public park next to Central World. The city context there is very dense and diverse. We wanted to create a sequence for people to follow and move from an urban position where our mind can be everywhere to that of being in nature where you may feel smaller and more aware of your surroundings. We call it ‘Crafted Landscape’ and there are only two materials, rammed earth and the reflective stainless steel. People can visit the park to relax and have a conceptual experience as they cut through the topography and find their own space while also becoming more aware of themselves in the city.

 

In your opinion, what do you feel the role of a landscape architect should or could be?
Nowadays, it is very hard to be just one thing, as it is a very multidisciplinary period. So, when we are a landscape architect for a project we need to also be a landscape architect for the whole. The purpose is not just only to serve our client, but also to serve the world and be responsible for our project by thinking about other projects, the neighbors and people passing by.

 

How would you describe what is going on in Thailand’s landscape design scene now?
I think Thailand is starting to learn more about landscape architecture. Before I graduated it was very rare and there were not more than five offices in Thailand. Also, 15 years ago, people were concerned with aesthetics or the style of landscape but now I think people are more concerned about green architecture and sustainable thinking as they are becoming more aware of the environment.

 

How do you position yourself in the future?
I enjoy what I am doing a lot, working with both landscape and art installation and trying to combine these disciplines because they are similar but have a different kind of audience. I try to do what I do best and I believe that the message inside will get delivered to people. Ultimately, what we try to do is to build an attitude among people by the message of our works. For me it is not about building green architecture but rather to build an attitude and increase awareness of the environment.

 

Please give us your definition of a ‘Landscape Architect.’
In the past, people lived with nature more. When we developed what we call civilization we started to try to control nature and I think what we need to do now is to listen to nature and the landscape more and try not to control it but to frame it – bringing it closer to the people and the urban environment.

 

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