AN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE FOCUSES ON WORKPLACE DESIGN WHICH CAN BE CAPABLE OF PEOPLE WITHIN Read More
J DESIGN & DECORATIVE HOUSE
Category: BITES
REC: RECREATIONBKK
“REC” OR “RECREATIONBKK” IS AN EMERGING LANDSCAPE PRACTICE THAT GATHERS CREATIVE PEOPLE FROM A WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONS WHO SHARE THE SAME IDEOLOGY: ‘OUR LIVING ENVIRONMENT TODAY CAN BE BETTER’
HANABITATE
HANABITATE IS AN ARCHITECTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FIRM FROM CHAING MAI THAT INTENDS TO CREATE A GOOD LIVING ENVIRONMENT WHILE SEARCHING FOR NEW DESIGN POSSIBILITIES IN CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT
WATSUK ARCHITECT STUDIO
PHOTO COURTESY OF WATSUK ARCHITECT STUDIO
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
Watsuk Architect Studio is an architectural practice with a focus on creating a design that exists in syn-chronization with its own context through an incorporation of nature, environment, people’s ways of life and needs, to enable a sustainable coexistence of all elements. That’s the concept behind Watsuk Architect Studio’s origin.
WHAT
Watsuk Architect Studio is an architectural practice with a focus on creating a design that exists in syn-chronization with its own context through an incorporation of nature, environment, people’s ways of life and needs, to enable a sustainable coexistence of all elements. That’s the concept behind Watsuk Architect Studio’s origin.
House Farm
WHEN
Founded in 2020 with the mindset to develop my own style of architecture, the actual beginning of the prac-tice dates back to my study at the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University where the notion and prac-tice of sustainability has always been an integral part of my architectural education. All of the works I cre-ated during my school years were environmentally conscious and put a great deal of consideration on cre-ating usable and livable spaces for everyone. Then I had a chance to work in a design firm with a really well-organized and managed thought process, and gradually I garnered experiences and created works toward my own intended direction.
House Farm
WHERE
I’m currently based in Chonburi and I operate as a freelancer.
WHY
We’re living in the time when architecture is very diverse and people are offered greater alternatives to find a designer or architect that best suits their preferences. I believe that the typologies of residential buildings are different but there certain commonalities they all need to deliver, which include convenience and sus-tainability. Everyone should develop and learn together because it is both challenge and fun; experiencing something with the people who share the same interests as you.
Brick Cafe
Brick Cafe
How would you define creativity?
The future. I think creativity is a path leading us to the future. The development of small possibilities or even impossibilities that can benefit a society more or less; that can inspire myself and others to create even more and greater developments.
Junjao The Pool Villa Resort Diagram
Junjao The Pool Villa Resort Section & Diagram
Junjao The Pool Villa Resort Plan
Describe your practice in three words.
Emphatic I good environment I happiness.
Where do you go, or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
Doing what I like is what I find to be a very good solution. I would draw, just about anything, and ideas would just come up. Sometimes, I would watch a movie on Netflix and some of the dialogues would catch my attention and became inspirations for me to think about my work. There was this one time where I worked on a project with my friend and our client said, “I got the inspiration behind the design of this resort from a song I was listening to. The album cover is this scene of a barbeque party in front of a house. I like how that image feels.” I think doing something else besides working really helps with how I find inspiration.
What project are you most proud of?
I’m proud of every work I did because each of them have their own context whether it’s the location, re-quirements, users or ecosystem. The Jan Jao Resort, for example, isn’t that visually striking in terms of design, but there is this quintessential Thai characteristic that makes it distinctive, as well as the experi-ences of being closer to nature it offers its users that are somehow healing.
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
I really can’t choose. I want to invite designers from different fields so we can have a discussion about new ideas, issues and possible future directions of what we can do, and how our works can evolve. That would be interesting.
TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAKANAO TODO DESIGN EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
WHAT
Architecture / Ceramic / Design Consultation
Bak Bodhi Pavilion l Photo: Chaiyaporn Sodabunlu Noted: Bak Bodhi Pavilion is a project in collaboration with the International Program in Design and Architecture, Chulalongkorn University (INDA) – The design team consists of Ann-pavinee Langenskioeld (Ann), Methawadee Pathomrattanapiban (Sincere), Napapa Soonjan (Luktarn), Natalie Pirarak (Tang), Natcha Thanachanan (Plern), Pheerapitch Phetchareon (Ode), Pitchaya Tangtanawirut (Pizza), Praewrung Chantumrongkul (Ping), Prima Rojanapiyawong (Pie), Slin Smakkamai (Kana), Tanon Theerasupwitaya (In), Thanapat Limpanaset (Than) and Yuhunny Baka (Hunny)
Bak Bodhi Pavilion l Photo: Chaiyaporn Sodabunlu
Bak Bodhi Pavilion l Photo: Chaiyaporn Sodabunlu
WHEN
Since 2017, I have won various scale international architectural competitions, leading to setting up my own design services. Ceramic production began in 2015. It started for sake utensils, and later specialized in tea utensils especially, after learning the Omote-Senke tea ceremony.
Koto Tea Space l Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
Koto Tea Space l Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
Koto Tea Space l Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
WHERE
I am based in Bangkok, but have projects in Chiangmai, Japan, for my architectural work. My ceramic works are displayed in both the Central Embassy, Open House, and the Central the original store, Kolophon also. Since I do not have my own kiln, I fire at various locations and methods from electric, and gas, to raku firing.
WHY
Thailand is a platform that allowing to collaboration with many talented people without much of barriers. Through the collaboration, it allows expanding the potential of design fields. Meanwhile, teaching and having projects from Chulalongkorn University, International Program in Design and Architecture (INDA) allows opportunities to experiment as well.
Lighthouse in Yokohama l Photo: Takeshi Noguchi
Lighthouse in Yokohama l Photo: Takeshi Noguchi
How would you define creativity?
Collision of various expertise, ability to find the latent connections, ability to interpret one’s personal experience, and knowledge of beauty in a classic masterpiece.
Describe your practice in three words.
Collaboration I Eternal Modernity I Joy
Where do you go, or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
Have a Matcha, Sleep, take a random walk or meditation
What project are you most proud of?
Tea X Tech project. It is a project of collaboration between FabCafe, Midori-kai, and TAKANAO TODO Design, working from the Architectural design of a demountable tea house, digital fabrication for a tea house and tea utensils, reflecting Thai design inspirations, and tea events came together with a small grant from Japan Foundation.
Tea X Tech: Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
Tea X Tech: Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
Tea X Tech: Photo courtesy of TAKANAO TODO DESIGN
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
I would like to meet Khun Somluk Pantiboon, the ceramicist.
He is an inspiration for a new generation of Thai ceramicists passionate about tea ceramic culture, and haven’t had a chance to meet him in person yet.
AIM INTERIOR DESIGN
PHOTO: PANORAMIC STUDIO
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
AIM INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY LIMITED
WHAT
AIM INTERIOR DESIGN is an interior architecture design studio founded in 2018 by Suthasinee Suwanwalaikorn. With our beliefs in the competence of interior architecture, we aim to express our philosophy through designs with the interrelationship between interior design, architectural space, and its context.
BAC Office, project in collaboration with SSAA Studio
BAC Office, project in collaboration with SSAA Studio
BAC Office, project in collaboration with SSAA Studio
BAC Office diagram
WHEN
Started off as a freelance interior architect in 2018 and registered a company in 2022
WHERE
Bangkok, Thailand
WHY
We “aim” to curate an aesthetically pleasing space that functionally escalates people’s quality of life.
MFEC Office (Phase 2) diagram
How would you define creativity?
We believe that creativity is an act of turning anything or any idea into reality. There is no right or wrong, just different perspectives.
Describe your practice in three words.
Attentive l Collaborative l Customer-Oriented
MFEC Office (Phase 3)
MFEC Office (Phase 3)
MFEC Office (Phase 3) diagram
Where do you go, or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
Put myself in the new environments, go to new places, see new faces, listen to other people’s stories or spend time on other kinds of art that could help activate my emotions and creativity.
What project are you most proud of?
Not particularly on any specific projects but we’re always proud when our clients are satisfied with the work we deliver to them : )
Reflection Jomtien Beach Pattaya Condo, Project in Collaboration with VIDA Design Studio
Interior : AIM Interior Design, VIDA Design Studio
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
Peter Zumthor since he has a very unique design approach with thoughtful details.
Reflection Jomtien Beach Pattaya Condo, Project in Collaboration with VIDA Design Studio
BUDDHAANDZ
PHOTO: PURIN CHAWARATTANAWONG
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
Buddhaandz
WHAT
A modern art studio inspired by Buddhist mythologies, expressed using various combinations of old and new techniques to cultivate an appreciation in both art and Buddhism.
WHEN
It started with a senior project while I was studying Material and Context base at the Faculty of Architec-ture’s Department of Industrial Design, Chulalongkorn University. The project I did was a continuation of my experimentation on materiality with the help of Assitant Professor Dr. Takerng Pattanopas, Assistant Professor Pim Sudhikam and Assitant Professor Dr. Juthamas Tangsantikul. The work was first shared on my personal social media account and the feedback was quite good so I decided to carry on with the de-velopment.
WHERE
I work at home and at temples at times (when I want to focus on my thoughts) and there may be exhibitions happening in the future.
WHY
Buddhism has always been an integral part of my subconscious since I was young. It has always been a part of the environment I grew up in. I was lucky enough to be able to go to a Sunday Buddhist school when I was a kid. My friends would talk about Conan the Japanese comic and I would picture images of a Chadok tale from the Bhuddha’s teaching, Conandhawisan, in my head.
Then I started to watch a lot YouTube videos and felt inspired by many content creators so I would read the books they recommended and apply what I read to my work. My dad is an avid amulet collector but I wasn’t all that into the conventional stuff. I like art toys. So, the idea of mixing that with Buddhism sort of gives birth to this work that I’m doing.
How would you define creativity?
It’s an application of existing objects and know-how into the development of something useful. It’s some-thing that allows me to practice and learn. At the same time, the creative process helps me meditate and prepare myself to handle changes because once the production process takes place, the reality will be dif-ferent from what you envision in your head. The important thing you can do is to control your emotions at all times because it affects how your work turns out.
Describe your practice in three words?
Dharma l pop culture l ancient processes (it’s like how there’s a specific type of ice cream made with this so-called traditional process but nobody really knows for sure what ‘traditional’ really is).
Where do you go? or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
When I’m stuck with my thoughts, I would go do something entirely different from the work I was doing. If I want to keep my creative flow, I have to go take a walk outside and take time to observe my surroundings. Listening to hip-hop music helps tremendously with my creative process. Going to temples to make merits also helps me creatively. If I’m too lazy to walk, I would read. I read poetry sometimes. Ideas usually come when I let my mind wander and I would write them down. When there’s a project that comes along, I would match it with one of those ideas.
What project are you most proud of?
The Still Buddha and Cloud Robe. It was magical when I found this part of the Buddha sculpture and it was like I saw this vision of this wave and that I was supposed to create it into a sculpture, and several other works that would follow.
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
Daniel Arsham. I was such a huge fan of him since he wasn’t that very well known but his works have in-spired me so much whether it the actual making process, the thought process, how cool and expensive they are. I was in the Netherlands and saw his works being exhibited with Banksy. Being there and seeing the real thing with my own eyes, I was super impressed. With that work, he played with time and historical objects, and how the present is the past of the future. He signed his signature and dated it a thousand years from now. For example, if it was the year 2022, he would sign 3022. There are actually many crea-tive individuals that I would love to have a drink with because there is so much more for me to learn.
fb.com/Buddhaandz
ONLY HUMAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ONLY HUMAN EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
Only Human, an architectural practice founded by 2 architects.
Only Human Studio
Only Human Studio
WHAT
Only Human believes that good space has vibrations which could elevate humans both physically and metaphysically. These kinds of spaces come from concept-forming through observation and experimentation while cooperating with the users to understand their behaviors and needs.
Sohelou St.Marc Catholic Chapel l Photo: Acki
Sohelou St.Marc Catholic Chapel (Photo: Acki)
WHEN
Since 2018
WHERE
In our small garden in Bangkok, Thailand
WHY
We named our studio “ONLY HUMAN” to remind ourselves of how small we are in this world. To keep in mind that there are many things that we do not know and could not predict.
Baan Monmakok Resort l Photo: Acki
Baan Monmakok Resort l Photo: Acki
How would you define creativity?
Creativity is a process of seeing existing things from different perspectives and interpreting them through our experiences. It keeps us searching for possibilities.
Describe your practice in three words?
Humble l Appropriate l Explorative
Where do you go? or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
We surround ourselves with lots of books about design. Sometimes we drive into small alleys to get inspired by observing architecture both old and new, by architect or no architect. These elements which are out of our scope of thoughts are then reinterpreted and applied to our works.
What project are you most proud of?
The Sohelou St. Marc Catholic Chapel is one of our favorites. The project received so much love from all the people involved; the client, the builders, and the villagers. They have given in so much effort.
Sohelou St.Marc Catholic Chapel Photo: Acki
Sohelou St.Marc Catholic Chapel Photo: Acki
Sohelou St.Marc Catholic Chapel Photo: Acki
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
We could not pick! Too many, it should be a feast!
ARAYA KUBOTA ARCHITECT
PHOTO: BEER SINGNOI EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
Araya Kubota architect
WHAT
An architecture firm with a focus on holistic design with the belief that a good work of architecture is an important backdrop with the ability to help improve people’s quality of life.
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
WHEN
May 17th 2021
WHERE
Nang Linchee Road, Bangkok, Thailand
WHY
I like the feeling of being a part of someone’s dreams and helping to make them come true.
K.Kanawat House l Photo courtesy of Araya Kubota architect
K.Kanawat House l Photo courtesy of Araya Kubota architect
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CREATIVITY?
Creativity is having an understanding of different things, whether it be a brief from a client, or a daily-life situation, and the ability to further such an understanding into something new.
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE IN THREE WORDS
Delicate / Learning / Happy
WHERE DO YOU GO, OR WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET STUCK ON A PROJECT?
Go to a nearby cafe.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m proud of every project, whether its the completed ones or those that are still a work in progress, because each work has its own story that allows me to learn from different experiences and use them to further develop what I do.
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY CREATIVE OUT FOR COFFEE, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
If possible, I would love to have a cup of coffee with Dorte Mandrup because she’s one of the architects whose works I’ve admired and been studying about since I was a college student.
Baan Louk Pla l Photo: Beer Singnoi
OFFICE WHOM
PHOTO COURTESY OF OFFICE WHOM EXCEPT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
WHO
Office WHOM
WHAT
Office WHOM is a collective of architects, interior designers, and product designers specialized in the renovation of existing structures through the thought of environment and people for both residential and commercial purposes.
Parquet House l Photo: Thanapol Jongsiripipat
WHEN
Korn Supsakorn founded Office WHOM (originally named “health of whom”) in 2018, a thesis he worked on during his master’s degree at Columbia University GSAPP, New York City, USA With the support from Stephen Cassell (ARO), Brad Cloepfil (Allied Works), Nerea Cavillo (C+ Arquitectas). I started to post my studio works on my Instagram to collect my ideas on how the built environment shape lives.
Vertical Living at State Tower level 50 l Photo courtesy of Office WHOM
WHERE
The idea was inspired in New York and executed in Bangkok.
WHY
We believe in an architectural coproduction that every member of a construction project has the authority to design and contribute ideas from their experience for the optimal benefit of the project including builders, artisans, architects, designers, engineers, and owners.
How would you define creativity?
Creativity is the vision beyond the existing reality. Together with wits, good intentions and a touch of humor, a creative work should be inventive, purposeful, and free of form. Our creativity comes from making multiple quick design iterations working with multiple contexts of the project.
Coconut Groove Resort House Interior l Photo courtesy of Office WHOM
Coconut Groove Resort House Interior l Photo courtesy of Office WHOM
Coconut Groove Resort House Interior l Photo courtesy of Office WHOM
Describe your practice in three words?
Harmony | Occupants | Method
Where do you go? or what do you do when you get stuck on a project?
Places around the office. I would go outside and take a walk just to keep my body moving. My ideas usually pop up along the way.
What project are you most proud of?
Parquet House. It is a renovation project that fully supports our initial idea about value of construction materials and building parts upcycling.
Parquet House l Photo: Thanapol Jongsiripipat
Parquet House l Photo: Thanapol Jongsiripipat
If you could invite any creative out for coffee, who would you choose and why?
Maartin Gielen (Rotor DC). He brought up the idea of deconstruction; a side i never saw in my architecture career, his lecture inspired me a lot i would like to thank him.
Parquet House l Photo: Thanapol Jongsiripipat