Royal Archive Center / Architects 49

Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - Image 2 of 19Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - ChairRoyal Archive Center / Architects 49 - FacadeRoyal Archive Center / Architects 49 - FacadeRoyal Archive Center / Architects 49 - More Images+ 14

  • Architects: Architects 49
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  17653
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2009

Text description provided by the architects. Royal Archives, Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary is the central archive for important historical evidence related to the Thai Royal Monarchy including manuscripts, photographs and other historical records. Previously these invaluable materials were stored separately in various sites.

Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - Table, Chair
Courtesy of architects 49

Therefore, the brief of this project was called for a permanent central royal archive building as a place for storing, researching and conserving any information related to the royal family – Chakri Dynasty. The main areas are listed below:

 Printed documents / objects Archives – approximately 13,179 square meters. ( this area is mainly used for storing documents except for Her Majesty Royal Highness the Queen’s section where a specially controlled environment room is needed for silk collections and other artifacts.

Archives area for any documents dated from King Rama IV until present. Temperature, humidity and lighting control are strictly monitored in this area.

Permanent exhibition space – a display area of the King Rama VI’s achievements and biography.

Temporary exhibition space

Conference room – 100 seats

Public library

Office

Car park – 80 cars

Conceptual design

Zoning strategy

Modern Thai architectural language

Energy conservation methodology

Floor Plan

1.0 Zoning strategy – The project can be categorized into main three zones:

1.1 Public zone – the areas where public users have full access i.e. exhibition rooms , the library (designated area) and 100-seat conference room. They are located in the front part of the building for easily accessible purpose.

1.2 Private zone – staff office area.

1.3 Secured zone – archives materials storage rooms where only authorized staff can have access.

Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - Image 7 of 19
Courtesy of architects 49

Three building forms are, therefore, a direct translation of this zoning strategy analysis. They are connected by a central courtyard which is sometimes used for holding official functions by Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary as well.

Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - Table, Sofa, Shelving
Courtesy of architects 49

2. Modern Thai architecture – Due to the narrow drive way to the main building entrance, the front of the building is designed to reach forward to receive the visitors. The canopy at the drop-off area is made of red wood, a warm gesture to welcome guests. Other metaphoric approach to communicating the essence of traditional Thai architecture can be found elsewhere such as teak textured wall at the main entrance. The large red entry doors, derived from entries commonly found in traditional Thai palace, are designed to reflect the importance of archives materials created during Chakri Dynasty.

Model

3. Energy conservation – the project site is a rectangular shape with east-west orientation. The building functions do not require much natural daylight therefore the buildings are designed to be stacked masses to create shadows casting over one another, reducing heated surface area. The 8-storey archives building is built with mostly solid walls and situated at the back blocking direct sunlight from the west, sheltering the library building in the south-east. All archives storage rooms have interior wall insulation to prevent any heat gain. On the eastern façade of the library, vertical precast concrete panels are designed to protect the interior space from direct sunlight.

Text provided by Architects 49

Royal Archive Center / Architects 49 - Windows, Facade
Courtesy of architects 49

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Project location

Address:Nakhon Pathom, Thái Lan

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Royal Archive Center / Architects 49" 25 Oct 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/177464/royal-archive-center-architects-49> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of  architects 49

皇家档案中心 / Architects 49

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