25 Mar 2009

Amanda Levete Architects Announce Architectural Landmark for Bangkok

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 Bangkok images © Amanda Levete Architects:



"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.

Central Embassy Bangkok image / information from Amanda Levete Architects 250309

Bangkok Buildings - Selection:

Central Embassy - retail and hotel complex
Amanda Levete Architects

image © Amanda Levete Architects
Central Embassy Bangkok

Bangkok International Airport - Suvarnabhumi Airport
Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects

photo : Rainer Viertlböck
Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thailand Architecture



World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

World Buildings

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Central Embassy Bangkok Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt