WHO
Supar Studio was founded by Suvapat Choodoung. In 2013, Suvapat Choodoung graduated from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi’s School for Architecture and Design with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.
Later in 2015, he then joined the Architecture Program at the Glenn Murcutt International Masterclass in Sydney, Australia.
WHAT
Supar Studio is the architectural-design studio. We are determined to contribute unique and inspirational design processes to innovate everyone’s lives. We intend to revolutionize ideas and the thinking process that will modernize our way of life. Through a comprehensive site and contextual analysis, we aim to build a connection between what already exists and what will be created. Making sure to use materials that are available locally, we will utilize those materials efficiently while creating value in both beauty and application.
Baansomtum HQ, Courtesy of Supar Studio
WHEN
2019.
WHERE
Bangkok, Thailand.
WHY
We want to create a deep understanding of our natural environment through the emphasis of “humanistic architecture”.We are keen on bringing together happiness and tranquility whilst harmonizing between person to person as well as people to nature.
Baansomtum HQ, Courtesy of Supar Studio
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CREATIVITY?
For me, creativity is sharpening your instinct. I believe in intuition, and that we need to understand the foundations of things, do the research, and accumulate experiences. Be brave and fearless so that the light bulb will spark inside your head. Sometimes solving problems is like an exercise to stimulate your curiosity.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE IN THREE WORDS.
Human, Environment and Life.
WHERE DO YOU GO, OR WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET STUCK ON A PROJECT?
When I am stuck, I will spend a lot of time drawing everything by hand. Because our hand connects to our brain and our feelings directly. I have more freedom on a blank sheet of paper.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
The headquarter of Baan Som Tum restaurant is the project that I am most proud of. Experimentation through which the structure is built with modular of 1.2 x 2.4 m. as building proportion.
The building was inspired by the connection of traditional wooden boards and its limitations, came the adaption of materials that are available in this modern era. I feel that this building revives traditional Asian construction techniques like ‘dry process’ efficiently whilst retaining the original beauty.
This project summarizes what I have learned from my journey. And what I have learned from this project turned into an experience for other projects such as Ayatana Spa and Library House that is very detailed with poetic meaning.
Ayatana Spa, Courtesy of Supar Studio
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY CREATIVE OUT FOR COFFEE, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
I respect two architects, Peter Stuchbury and Richard Leplastrie who had collaborated with John Utzon and Kenzo Tange. Both of them are master architects from Australia.
It’s unfortunate that I had just a short time to learn from both of them. If I can choose and turn back time. I would like to invite both them for coffee so I can sit and have a chat with them again. They are the ones who open up my heart and let my plunge deep into everything that is around me.
When I was 26, I had the opportunity to ask Peter how to live one’s life.
His answer was, “You can look into this. Try being a pioneer. Be the discoverer, be the first. You should use your sense of touch, sight, thoughts, and judgment and work using your intuition and understanding free from any influences and fear.
Tai Thun House, Courtesy of Supar Studio
As for Richard, he was Peter’s mentor and the person who taught me to forget about being an architect. This is so that I can absorb new things in life that in turn refine my future work. Richard taught me how to sketch. He taught me how to draw birds, the fogs of the ocean, overhanging rocks on cliffs, and sprays of the waves. Richard himself is a sailer who even designs his own sailboat. He is the person who taught me to look deeper, beyond the surfaces of everything that I use to know.