Amanda Levete Architects is to develop a major retail and hotel complex
in central Bangkok, Thailand. Central Embassy, located on Bangkok’s
primary commercial artery Ploen Chit Road, will be a new architectural
landmark for the city and region.
The 1.5 million sq ft project will occupy the former gardens of the
British Embassy in Nai Lert Park, and will consist of a 7-storey retail
podium and a 30-storey 6-star hotel tower. Work on site is scheduled to
begin in 2010 and to complete in 2013.
“Central Embassy will be the first contemporary landmark building in
Bangkok. It is demonstrably of its time but rooted in Thai heritage and
culture. Our architectural ambition is matched by the ambition of
Central to create the best and most exciting retail and hotel
destination in Thailand.” – Amanda Levete
The design merges the distinct features of a podium and tower into a
sinuous and continuously twisting coil. The form wraps around two
vertical light wells in the retail podium and at the same time encloses
and exposes a series of exterior courtyards and roof gardens for the
hotel. Internal spaces break apart to reveal stepped terraces and
vertical gardens.
“Our design for this project has been underpinned by two strands of
parallel research. We carried out extensive studies in Thailand
exploring and documenting traditional patterns, materials and
fabrication methods. In tandem, we’ve experimented with the application
of advanced digital design techniques such as scripting and parametric
modelling as a means of abstracting our hands-on research to create an
innovative synthesis of technology and heritage that is specific to the
context of Bangkok.” – Alvin Huang, Project Director, Amanda Levete
Architects
Drawing on motifs and patterns found in traditional Thai
architecture, the facade of the building is composed of a dynamic and
fluid three-dimensional array of ceramic tiles. Changes in gradient,
rotation and spacing break the long spans of continuous frontage into a
rich pattern.
On regarding the facade, this design element will draw attention to
the building’s coiling form and give varied impressions of the depth,
shape and colour of its skin with each step taken. Conceived with the
intention of reinterpreting Thai heritage and culture in a modern
context, the project is a unique opportunity to merge traditional
craftsmanship with contemporary digital design.
Renowned for attention to detail and with a track record in
delivering iconic architecture for retail and leisure, Amanda Levete
Architects will produce a stunning landmark for the city of Bangkok.
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