TEXT & PHOTO: SANTAWAT CHIENPRADIT
(For Thai, press here)
Buildings, temples, parks, and other structures are created by humans for a reason. Temples used to serve as the community center, not only for ceremonies but also to celebrate festivals such as Songkran, auspicious occasions or even New Year’s Day. The temple of each commune took on the role of the key organizer who brought these ceremonies and celebrations to life.
Over time, the number of people in the community has grown. A lot of people move into the city, often in search for good business opportunities . The big, tall buildings started to overshadow the trees on the ground. There will no longer be one business building but there will soon be more neighboring buildings that will have the same function too, along with train stations and shopping malls. Then, all of a sudden you’re surrounded by tall buildings.
Another change in many buildings nowadays are the design function and the way facilities are used. The buildings need to be designed to stand out or maybe have hybrid functions. While the aged buildings stand still, keeping the neighborhood’s old sense.
What you will see around you might be a shopping mall building along with a business building with office spaces. The British Council Building (1980) is an example of this – it has been transformed into a fashion warehouse and is now surrounded by new buildings. The Temple is now nestled between a bustling city and the park is also surrounded by high-rise buildings.
Look around and see for yourself. There are many things that are often unnoticed. Every little detail is next to you, hidden in plain sight.
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Santawat Chienpradit is an emerging photographer with an interest in architectural and still life photography.