Respond to local culture: nature, city and people

The International style formed placelessness, while postmodernism chose another side to create chaos.  Critical regionalism is something between two extreme sides, using modern gesture to reflect local features. Globalization brought innovative technology and efficiency. People enjoyed and celebrate  “less is more”.  After this big trend, they realized it’s not enough. Local culture shouldn’t fade away through the globalization. 

Since we learn architecture, we have been taught to respect the context, topography, climate and light. A design could be updated reflection of the site, nature, and the people. ‘The commons’ is a small retail building in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. It was built last year. It shares the same principles with critical regionalism. First, ‘the commons’ responds to the hot climate. The facade is a thin sheer steel mesh which allows natural ventilation all over the year and also leaves a uniformed impression. There are two industrial fans on the ceiling to activate natural air flow.

Second, ‘the commons’ mimics the nature. The concrete columns are the representation of trees. The material of steps and ramps are also wood. The whole environment passes a comfortable and inviting message to the people.

Moreover, ‘the commons’ dialogues with urban density. It cultivates outdoor space for citizens all over the year. The ground level of the building is an urban landscape of steps and ramps integrating with seatings and plants. The series of this urban landscape lead people to the upper level.

‘The commons’ is a successful case to connect with local culture. The ramp design reminds me of our studio design. We’re still figuring out the facade, maybe a uniform skin language cohering with the form just like what ‘the commons’ did. But I’m pretty sure our goal is to provide diverse spatial experience for the people, dialogue with the city and respond to the nature. 

Here is the video link if interested. 

https://vimeo.com/183454245