THE STORY OF ARCHITECTURE, FUNCTIONALITY AND COMMUNITY, FEATURING STEEL STRUCTURES BY STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK TOKYO ARCHITECTURE AND LOCAL CRAFTSMEN
TEXT: XAROJ PHRAWONG
PHOTO COURTESY OF BANGKOK TOKYO ARCHITECTURE
(For Thai, press here)
Architecture can be perceived through multiple lenses—some approach it as an exploration of aesthetics, others as a discipline rooted in the humanities. Yet, at its core, architecture is inseparable from the act of building. Any meaningful engagement with architectural concepts and theories must, therefore, be grounded in an understanding of construction itself. In this sense, architecture can be seen as the art of construction.
In Udon Thani province of Thailand, on the grounds of Bo Noi Prachasan School, a modest yet striking steel structure takes shape—its lightweight, open composition formed by an interplay of round and box-section steel elements. More than a built object, the project represents a pedagogical approach that moves beyond theoretical exercises to prioritize hands-on construction. On the grounds of Bo Noi Prachasan School in Udon Thani, a modest steel structure stands with an airy, lightweight presence. Composed of various steel profiles—both round and box-section—the project exemplifies an architectural education model that prioritizes real-world construction over theoretical exercises confined to paper. The initiative was realized through a collaboration with Wtanya Chanvitan and Takahiro Kume of Bangkok Tokyo Architecture, who guided third-year students from INDA, the International Program in Design and Architecture at Chulalongkorn University. As part of the Design and Construction Projects for Communities course for the 2024 academic year, students undertook the project during their summer break, engaging not only in the design but also in every stage of construction. This project was made possible through the support of various companies and individuals, underscoring the collective effort that brought it to life.
The project began with a site survey to identify areas in need of a new structure, followed by in-depth user interviews conducted by students to assess spatial requirements. This research informed the development of a multipurpose building—one designed to accommodate the diverse needs of teachers seeking flexible spaces for a variety of activities. Functionality dictated the design approach, with a simple yet effective layout that fosters fluid connections between different spaces. Internally, curving, free-flowing lines define the spatial organization, yet they are subtly regulated by an underlying grid. The exterior is clad in expanded metal mesh, a material chosen for its breathability and ability to maintain a strong connection between the interior and exterior while offering security when the doors are closed.
The building’s form emerged from a collaborative process between students and instructors, prioritizing ease of construction using readily available, cost-effective industrial materials. The resulting design features a curved roof supported by a lightweight framework of small-diameter round steel members. Instead of relying on conventional column-and-beam construction, the structure is reinforced with cross bracing to enhance stability. These braces are strategically positioned between columns at key junctions around the perimeter and within the spans beneath the rectangular steel girders, preventing lateral movement. This approach not only optimizes material efficiency but also contributes to the building’s overall lightness and transparency—qualities shaped by both the technical constraints of construction and the limitations of the project’s budget.
Within the expanded metal enclosure, the spatial experience is elevated by the use of translucent roofing panels, a material more commonly associated with utilitarian applications such as wash areas. Here, however, it is repurposed for the ceiling, creating an interplay of light and material that subtly transforms an otherwise ordinary element. The roof itself—defined by a three-dimensionally curved form with a gradual, sloping profile—is constructed from corrugated metal sheets supported by a curved steel framework. This approach results in a space that maximizes functionality while minimizing material use.
The relationship between architect and builder is just as critical to the project as its design. The construction process was carefully considered to align with local craftsmanship, ensuring that the techniques employed could be executed by local builders. This included the methodical layering of roofing sheets to achieve the desired curvature and the precise bending of round steel rafters to match the intended form. Beyond its structural resolution, the building responds to the project’s initial parameters—prioritizing ease of maintenance, straightforward and efficient construction, and ultimately, a process that was completed by only a handful of workers within a matter of months.
The project also offers a clear reflection of Bangkok Tokyo Architecture’s design ethos, as articulated by the architects themselves:
“Our approach is rooted in an awareness of ordinary materials—materials that are easy to source and assembled through innovative methods. It’s an ordinariness that is anything but ordinary, finding a balance between architecture that is built and architecture that can be self-built, fostering accessibility within the community.”
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Collaborators / Team Members: Praewa Sirimoung, Sutira Laokittiphanit, Vich Chinpraditsuk, Abhiwit Abhinayanurakt, Titus Panichpakdee, Natalie Dachavijit, Napas Rungruangsiripan, Rossukon Iampornchai, Kunyakit Karaket, Pakwan Punmongkol, Yosita Parnkhum, Ploynaphas Chusiriwat, Prasopsuk Munkong