ZENSE: The Rebirth / Department of Architecture

Curated by ArchDaily

Text description provided by the architects. During 2010 Red Shirt Riot, many of Bangkok’s public buildings were set on fire. Podium of ZEN Tower in Central World Complex was totally unrecognizable. Smoke and heat went upward and destroy all furniture and finishing of all interior space on the tower. ZENSE, then a newly-opened yet one of the hippest Restaurants/Bars in the city, situated on ZEN Tower top floor, was one of the casualties of this unrest. As the original designer, DEPT was called to give ZENSE another life after the riot.

Our challenge is how to remind our guests of the splendor of the original ZENSE while not bring back memory of the unfortunate incident. We decided to enhance our original spatial design in a more vibrant color scheme and stronger articulation. We continue our original approach of fusing together four design disciplines: fashion design, interior design, landscape architecture, and architecture. The essence of landscape architecture in interior spatial articulation is also maintained.

To reflect character of the project owner, ZEN Department Store, we introduce the dynamic world of fashion in the static domain of architecture, by adapting aesthetic and technique of pleating fabric into architectural elements and function. In interior space, pleating elements are found throughout; from pleating stairs and railing, pleating seating, pleating performing stage, to pleating roof planes over show kitchens. To create energetic flow of the space and to obscure all piping underneath exposed ceiling slab, pleating planes of fine steel lines were added as floating planes below ceiling. These planes are also applied in floating dining pavilions which give such a unique picture frame to Bangkok city skyline.

To highlight the interface between fashion and architecture, elements of fashion were introduced in furniture and interior finishing. Hound-tooth pattern was used not only on fabric but also on dining table stone top. Layers of patterned & translucent partitions in restrooms were also inspired by lace fabric.