Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Interior Photography
roof. Image © W Workspace

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Exterior Photography, Stairs, FacadeBank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, ChairBank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Exterior Photography, Waterfront, CityscapeBank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Image 5 of 26Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - More Images+ 21

Khet Phra Nakhon, Thailand
  • Competition Collaborator: Somdoon Architects Ltd.
  • Competition Phase Exhibition Design: designLAB NLSS Co., Ltd.
  • Competition Phase Historical Consultant: Pirasri Povatong
  • Client: Bank of Thailand
  • City: Khet Phra Nakhon
  • Country: Thailand
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Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Exterior Photography, Stairs, Facade
approach stairs. Image © W Workspace

Text description provided by the architects. The BOTLC project presented opportunities to tackle two major issues simultaneously; preservation of National heritage and lack of public space for Bangkok.

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Exterior Photography, Cityscape
facade. Image © Beersingnoi
Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Image 13 of 26
layout
Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Exterior Photography, Waterfront, Cityscape

The brief was to transform the redundant, historically significant, Thailand’s first note printing works into an Economic-Cultural Centre. The existing building was a factory and therefore has an impermeable quality. The adaptation removed solid walls and alter circulation routes so that pedestrians can penetrate to the very core of the building, reflecting its openness.

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Image 5 of 26
museum. Image © W Workspace

The completed design offers larger public area than the brief specified within the initial budget. The building has a mixture of paid and unpaid areas to ensure accessibility to the riverfront for all. As much of the existing site was kept as possible, careful considerations were made in the context of historical value and functional practicality. A clerical building adjacent to the site access road was demolished to create a proper approach from the street. Landscape steps were inserted to invite people to the second floor above dam level, creating a sense of arrival and allowing visitors to fully appreciate the river. Original finishes are retained, and new additions are expressed via a simplified language. The existing building showcased cutting edge design and construction technology of its time. The renovation continues this heritage of technical achievements. The wide span convex casted concrete roof showcased Thai architecture and engineering prowess of the past, the ‘hovering’ ballroom on top of the existing vault represents the architect and engineers of today.

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Image 14 of 26
section

The transformation from mint to the BOTLC marked an important moment in history for Thais, as it symbolizes the opening of a previously state-owned restricted monument for the public to enjoy. The project highlights a period of Thailand architectural history, often forgotten. Because these buildings are not listed and protected like temples and palaces, public interest in the BOTLC and modern architecture will be the best deterrence against demolition which has happened to others landmark in recent years.

The project saved a national monument, allows the public to reconnect with Thailand’s past and Bangkokians to reconnect with our beloved Chao Phraya.

Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Interior Photography
original interior. Image Courtesy of Creative Crews
Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, Chair
library. Image © Spaceshift Studio

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Project location

Address:273 Samsen Rd, Wat Sam Phraya Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

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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: "Bank of Thailand Learning Centre / Creative Crews" 17 Sep 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/919194/bank-of-thailand-learning-centre-creative-crews> ISSN 0719-8884

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泰国银行教育中心 / Creative Crews

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