CU x TMU WORKSHOP 2022
CU x TMU WORKSHOP 2022 Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University Editor : Waricha Wongphyat Text Editor : Chaipat Ngambutsabongsophin Cover Designer : Chawanon Wongtrakuljong Designer : Tawan Tantannasan
CU x TMU WORKSHOP 2022
FOREWORD Bangkok has evolved in response to a wide range of interacting environmental, economic, and demographic forces as well as socio-cultural fabrics and technological factors. Such changes have inevitably brought challenges to the practice of Bangkok dwelling. Given the 21st century challenges, architects in this way can produce work that helps promote sustainability and a sense of well-being. The first international workshop between Chulalongkorn University and Tokyo Metropolitan University was organized to serve as a platform where various issues and insights on architecture and urbanism in Bangkok could be raised and shared. Through exploratory learning experience, it aimed to enhance not only critical thinking, creative design process, collaboration, and communication—the learning skills necessary for the 21st century, but also a profound understanding in the interrelationship between the city, the people, and the environment. Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University and Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University would like to thank all participants of the CU x TMU Workshop 2022 for taking part. Without their insights and commitment to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable and well-being ecology, the goal of the workshop would not have been able to be achieved. We would like to extend our special thanks to Associate Professor Dr. Waricha Wongphyat, Associate Professor Dr. Yoshihiko Ito, and Associate Professor Dr. Fuminori Nousaku for their contributions in organizing the workshop. We would also like to thank to Chaipat Ngambutsabongsophin and Pundharee Viryasiri for their involvement in help coordinating this event. We sincerely hope that this publication reporting on the activities of the CU x TMU Workshop will reflect the aspiration and dedication displayed by the participants in their efforts to co-create human-oriented architecture that helps enhance the quality of life of Bangkok dwellers. Assistant Professor Sarayut Supsook Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University Professor Tohru Yoshikawa Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University
INTRODUCTION This book is a summary of the first international workshop on architecture and urbanism organized by Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University and Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University from October to December 2022. Focusing on architectural and cultural diversity of Talad Noi and Bang Rak districts, the program consisted of lecture series, surveys of literary works and field surveys, together with joint discussions and presentations of work progress and design proposal. To begin with, a series of online lectures, which comprised Deltaic Amphibious Settlement of the Southeast Asia by Assistant Professor Dr. Terdsak Tachakitkachorn, Talad Noi: Morphological History of a Bangkok District by Assistant Professor Dr. Pirasri Povatong, and The Futures of Living in Bangkok by Panthira Julayanont were given to participants during October – November to help foster knowledge and understanding of the past and the future of Bangkok dwelling and the city. In addition, talks on Japanese Architecture and Built Environment Reconsidered Inside-out/Outside-in by Associate Professor Dr. Yoshihiko Ito, Edifice of the Wild by Associate Professor Dr. Fuminori Nousaku, and Living with Intensity in Thai Dwelling by Associate Professor Dr. Waricha Wongphyat during the on-site workshop in December shed light on not only current issues on sustainable ecology and wellbeing, but also a cross-cultural comprehension between Japan and Thailand. Another core activity is the exploration of Bangkok, in particular Talad Noi and Haroon Mosque community, along with the field surveys to old water-based settlements in the north and the east of the city, adaptive reuse shophouses, and contemporary architectural projects. Representing how the old and the new co-present in different contexts, these cases helped encourage a vibrant exchange of ideas, reflections, and thoughtful design propositions. Divided into three main themes—customizability, in-betweenness, and multiculturality, the design proposals of six teams included Customunity, Customizable Shopfront, In-betweenness under the Roof, Reorganization of Local Street: Trok Rong Moo, Connecting the Multiculture: Haroon Community, and Talad Noi Communal Workshop. All proposals aimed at enlivening the relationship between people and place and enriching the quality of life of the communities. Waricha Wongphyat, Ph.D. Associate Professor
FOREWORD INTRODUCTION 01 ESSAYS 02 Deltaic Amphibious Settlement of Southeast Asia Terdsak Tachakitkachorn 04 Talat Noi: Morphological History of a Bangkok District Pirasri Povatong 06 The Futures of Thai Dwelling Panthira Julayanont 08 Living with Intensity in Thai Dwelling Waricha Wongphyat 12 Japanese Architecture and Built Environment Reconsidered: Inside-out / Outside-in Yoshihiko Ito 17 Urban Wild Ecology - Coexistence with Soil and Waste Fuminori Nousaku 19 KICK OFF 20 Building 23 Alley Street Canal 28 Open Space Old Tree 32 Work and Life 35 Social Cultural and Creative Activity
Table of Contents 39 JOINT TEAMS 40 Site Survey 43 Joint Presentation A - Customizability 43 A1 The Past The Present and The Future 45 A2 Customizability in Japanese Architecture B - In-Betweeness 47 B1 In betweeness shophouse 49 B2 Definition of Inbetweeness C - Multiculturality 52 C1 Food 55 C2 Gentrification 63 FINAL PRESENTION A - Customizability 64 A1 Customunity 69 A2 Customizable Shopfront B - In-Betweeness 74 B1 Under the Roof 76 B2 Shophouse Trok Rong Moo C - Multiculturality 80 C1 Multicultural Connection 86 C2 Multiculturalism and Hybridization 98 EPILOGUE 100 TEAM IMAGES
00 ESSAYS
ESSAYS 02 Deltaic Amphibious Settlement of Southeast Asia Terdsak Tachakitkachorn Chaophraya Delta, which occupies a quarter of Thailand’s whole area, has transformed its topographical features both horizontally and vertically. At the young delta zone, we could identify a pattern of settlement adaptation paralleled upon transformation, which correlates to the deltaic dwelling features. Moreover, focusing on a comparison between Bangkok and Bangchang, as a significant twin orchard region of the young delta, could clarify an upon theory. Chaophraya Delta is the largest delta in Thailand, occupying 25% of the country’s area, combined with four major rivers, including the Bangpakong, Chaophraya, Meaglong, and Tahchin rivers. It can separate into two zones; the old and young deltas. The old delta is 5-30 meters high from the sea level located in the upper zone, and the young delta, which formed 2000 – 3000 years ago in the lower zone, is 1 – 3 meters high from the sea level. Most areas of upper wetlands of the Chaophraya young delta become plains of rice fields. The lower wetlands turn into rice fields combined with orchards and small areas of mangrove forests. In particular, it has notable and significant twin orchard areas in Bangkok and Bangchang; Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, lying astride the Chaophraya river, and Bangchang is located on the Meaglong river. “Suan Nai Bangkok, Suan Nok Bangchang; (The inner orchard is Bangkok, the outer orchard is Bangchang)” is a famous quote in Thailand referring to these two regions. The Deltaic amphibious settlement on the Chaophraya young delta can be grouped into three types; Multi-centric network settlement, Strip-axis settlement, and Single-centric settlement.
ESSAYS 03 1. Multi-centric network settlement This type of settlement is found in Bangkok and Bangchang. It is related to the labour system of Thailand before 1850; every commoner had to serve aristocrats and do public works. These areas were adapted and transformed from forests to orchards for producing fruit products serving the capital city. Therefore, The large complex pattern of the waterway system was canalized by a huge number of labours under the orders of aristocrats. Canals and waterways helped and supported the extension of orchards and created communities spreading on this area. We can trace to temples in Bangchang as a centric point of each settlement. Areas around temples usually develop to be waterfront markets and towns. The centric points are connected together by waterways and construct a multi-centric network of orchard settlements. The network distributes and encourages fruit producing and trading. 2. Strip-axis settlement This settlement style was created and grown spontaneously by small groups of the commoner. It differs from the first style because it was not sponsored by aristocrats or canalized with abundant labour. Accordingly, it began from a single-stripe waterway by individual families, then slightly split its branches, forming a fishbone shape. The towns established along these fishbone waterways are connected in linear lines, not the complex pattern network. Consequently, settlements in the strip-axis settlement are more isolated and independent dwellings than the multi-centric network settlement. 3. Single-centric settlement It is a settlement that established a town on the estuary of rivers or waterways along the coastline of the Chaophraya delta area. It is dissimilar to the upper styles from it was not established for orchards or rice fields but for aquaculture, charcoal manufacturing and salt fields. The former estuary areas were mangrove forest areas. The people reclaimed mangrove forests and turned them into single-centric settlements. Moreover, towns of this style are compact, more isolated, and disconnected from other settlements when we compare them to the other two types, the strip-axis and multi-centric network settlements. References: Tachakitkachorn, T., & Shigemura, T. (2005). Morphology of the Agriculture-based Deltaic Settlement in the Western Basin of the Chaophraya Delta. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 4(2), 361-368. https://doi.org/10.3130/jaabe.4.361 Multi-centric network settlement Strip-axis settlement ingle-centric settlement
ESSAYS 04 Talat Noi is located on the southern mouth of Phadung Krung Kasem canal, the third ring of Bangkok city moat. This district is one of the most complicated sites in Bangkok, with many layers of history and urbanization. The evidence of the multi-ethics and semi-aquatic communities in Bangkok can be seen in the case of Talat Noi. In the early stage, it was an expanded Chinese community from Chinatown or Sampheng located in the northwest part of the current Talat Noi area. During the 19th - early 20th century, the Sampheng area was the pivotal port, distinguished market, and warehouse area before conveying goods to the city’s inner zone. The Chinese community expanded from Chinatown along the river to the south and settled in the current Talat Noi area. The term, “Talat Noi,” in Thai means the “little market.” It has one theory explains that it may name parallel Chinatown, which some people have called “Talat Yai” meaning the “big market.” Both these areas are essential commercial zones in Bangkok. Although the early Chinese who migrated to Bangkok started working in Chinatown and Talat Noi as labourers, some families climbed up to be merchants and business owners in a few generations. Hitherto, we can see rich Chinese merchant houses that are still located in the Talat Noi area; Sow Heng Thai House, one of the oldest houses in Bangkok, for instance. Talat Noi is a part of semi-aquatic communities in Bangkok. Its settlement is related to the canal network system. The canals (or Khlong in Thai) are significant parts of the previous Bangkok metropolitan area. The canals were used for agriculture, transportation, and irrigation. Talat Noi houses were constructed facing the waterway and took advantage of the Bangkok water network as significant transportation routes. However, the canal networks in the Talat Noi area are different and complicated compared to its surrounding areas. The canals in Chinatown and the Bang Rak area in the south of Talat Noi are man-made irrigation canals with a gridline system. By contrast, one of the main canals in Talat Noi is the Hua Lam Pong canal, a devious natural canal. Houses and shops in Talat Noi, which were constructed faced this canal, are creating disarray and mess zoning compared to Chinatown and the Bang Rak district. In particular, Talat Noi is recognized as a Chinese settlement area. However, we can trace the multi-layer of ethics and cultures in Talat Noi from many religious monasteries. The local Thai Buddhist temples were found in this district before the Chinese settlement; there are five temples including Wat Ko, Wat Sampheng, Wat Khae, Wat Sam Chin, and Wat Tha Kwian. Wat Sampheng, or the current Wat Prathum Khongkha temple, is the largest and most significant temple in this area. It was built near the Chao Phraya River with a traditional style layout and Thai cosmology murals in its interior. This area was previously counted as the rural area outside the city wall. Wat Sampheng was used as a crematorium for crops from the inner city. Talat Noi: Morphological History of a Bangkok District Pirasri Povatong 1850 Expansion : The 3 rd City Moat
ESSAYS 05 Talat Noi was also an area of western settlement. There is the Holy Rosary Church, the Portuguese catholic church, located in this area. We could discover the Western communities and buildings that were created in late of the 19th century during King Chulalongkorn’s reign (1868-1910) around Talat Noi, for example, the United Club and the Portuguese consulate. Additionally, not only ordinary people or merchants but some Thai royal family members also lived in Talat Noi, such as Prince Sai Sanitwong. His palace was found in the Northern zone of Talat Noi. Another issue regarding Talat Noi is that it became a significant commercial and industrial area of Bangkok during King Chulalongkorn’s reign. We can read the importance of this area from many manufacturers and banks; the Kiam Hoa Heng company and Hong Kong Shang Hai bank, for instance. Albeit, the King Chulalongkorn modernization gradually shifted the water transportation system to prioritized a road and rail system. Talat Noi was not disrupted and had opportunities from its area near Hua Lam Pong station, the major central station in Bangkok that was constructed in that era, combined with one tram line passing this district. Accordingly, it became a very distinctive manufacturing area. Furthermore, the Chinese were acknowledged in mechanical. Talat Noi area slightly added more layers as the area of foundries to produce and sell spare parts for vehicles, trains, and ships. We can see the Siang Kong or the scrap metal and mechanical shops in Talat Noi up until now. After the Second World War, the commercialization of Talat Noi gradually declined after ports moved from the Sampheng area to the Khlong Toei area, approximately five kilometers south of Talat Noi. Moreover, the Don Mueng airport opened in the northern part of Bangkok. Consequently, many manufacturers relocated to these new areas. It could be concluded that this area is a significant and unique area in Bangkok. Talat Noi has grown and developed for over 200 years. This Chinese settlement district is a very dense area combining many aspects and layers. The streets and canals are very contrasting and complicated. We can express the gentrification that currently happens in this old town from its transformation to serve some new creative businesses; boutique hostels, cafes, and galleries, for instance. In addition, from the land prices in Bangkok are sored, some prominent land plots that were once old factories may develop into new modern highrise residential buildings. However, we can still discover many old buildings owned and occupied by their original residents. Furthermore, this community preserves its tradition and culture remarkably well; we can attend the traditional Chinese vegetation ceremony that still occurs every year. Talat Noi morphology is unique and reveals the combination and confrontation between the new city and the old city of Bangkok. The Construction of Khlong Phadung and Khlong Trong
ESSAYS 06 This lecture presents key findings from a research project called “The Futures of Thai Urban life – The Futures of Urban living,” which applies strategic foresight as a tool to answer the following questions; 1) What is the current situation and factors that affect changes of living pattern in Thai society, and 2) How will those changes transform our living style as well as architecture for dwelling in the next 20 years. The answers provide crucial future scenarios of urban living that policy planners might not have taken into account before, therefore, allowing us to deliver robust public policies for a more sustainable and equitable environment for living. Although most Thai people are familiar with horizontal living, Thailand has constructed vertical living since 1970, such as apartment buildings by the National Housing Authority. This residential style in Bangkok increased significantly after 2000 from the development of the rail-based transportation system. Many private sectors create mass production of highrise condominium buildings along the mass transit train routes. They serve the demand of Thai people who aim to live in the city near the workplace and use the sky train as their main transportation system, which can avoid traffic problems in Bangkok. The trend of vertical living in Bangkok is substantially growing to the demand and population growth rate. As stated previously, Thai people used to live in horizontal housing, owning land plots. However, after the popularity of vertical living, many new generations prefer to own and live in this residential style, and some Thai people who already have suburban houses also choose to rent inner-city condominiums, which are convenient for them to live near their workplaces. Moreover, other factors increase and distribute vertical residential trends; city land prices, foreign investors, and aging society, for instance. It leads to curiosity about the transformation of Thai dwelling that shifts from horizontal housing to vertical living, the effects that occur in Thai society, and how it will be in the future. It seems possible that current vertical living might contribute to changes in Thai dwellings and especially affect a family with children. Nowadays, the new Thai condominiums’ rooms are usually smaller than in the past. They may fit people who live individually, but these vertical living are insufficient for a family. Besides, they often decrease many functions and spaces that appear in a common house, creating an inappropriate quality of living. For example, kitchens were reduced size, while some may be constructed without proper ventilation systems. Consequently, it is difficult for residents to cook in their rooms, making many people spend more time to eat outside rather than using their own kitchen. Furthermore, ultrasmall rooms lead to physical and mental health problems. In addition, many academics pointed out that raising babies and children in highrise condominiums distracts their development and skills like socializing. The Futures of Thai Dwelling Panthira Julayanont Timeline of residential development in bangkok Alternative Future
ESSAYS 07 The research project “The Futures of Thai Urban life – The Futures of Urban living” found the four scenarios of urban living that will happen in Bangkok in 2040. These scenarios are beneficial for the government and relevant agencies for future urbanization planning and developing of verticle living in Thailand with regard to quality of living and dwelling. Scenario 1: Cocoons on concrete shelves People will transform to live individually in the high-density area of the city. They work in the city and return to their units near their workplaces. They will live alone and dwell in their separately dependent compact units like cocoons and will not socialize with other units even if it is constructed in the same structure. Scenario 2: Owl hole in the jungle The residential area will expand to the suburban area. However, people who live there still have to go to the inner city area to work in the morning and return to living units in the evening. Hypothetically, people will live individually and will not socialize with neighbourhoods surrounding their places resembling the owls that live separately in their holes in the jungle and fly out to hunt in other areas. Scenario 3: Rabbit warren in desert People will live with family and relatives in residential areas that will expand to the suburbs. They will socialize and connect to neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, suburbs may still not have suitable employment positions and facilities. People will have to go to the inner city area in the morning to work and return to living places in the evening. Scenario 4: City of sociable weaver People will transform and become familiar with vertical living. In this scenario, people will live in vertical residences in the high-density area of the city. They are near workplaces and employment in the city, and is contrast to the scenario 1 in that people will live with family and relatives. They will share spaces and facilities and socialize with neighbors in their area. The condominium will have larger rooms for family living and more public areas and co-living spaces for residents to connect and socialize. References Julayanont, P., & Ratanawaraha, A. (2020). Urbanites 4.0: The Futures of Thai Urban Life. National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). https://www.khonthai4-0.net/content_detail.php?id=117&fbclid=IwAR3L1K1QWTg4J8iBJngU3wiCVTOIpC12Qrx8k7B1-9p-189G_9Hnh6ZSR9M The four scrnarion of Bangkok Urban living
ESSAYS 08 Living with Intensity in Thai Dwelling Waricha Wongphyat This article, entitled “Living with Intensity,” aims to explore integrated work and living spaces in Thai dwellings and their characteristics in different situations. Focusing on the vernacular Thai rather than the traditional one, case studies include waterfront shophouses in Bangkok surburb, street-side motorcycle taxi shelters in the city, and small alleys in old neighbourhoods. Despite their smallness, which seems to relate to lacking standard of living and a sense of well-being, these cases constitute shared aspects that help generate the qualitative use of space and the unique characteristics of Thai dwellings.
ESSAYS 09 1. Waterfront market and shophouses in Bangkok surburb Hua Takhe market, or HTK market for short, is an old waterfront market located along the Prawet Burirom canal constructed approximately a hundred and fifty years ago. This market is situated at an intersection between waterways, which in the past served as an important node of transportation, communication, and trade. At present, it has evolved distinctly into an art and creative place. Historical context Considering the term “Hua Takhe,” “Hua” means “head or skull” and “Takhe” means “crocodile”; altogether become a crocodile skull. One plausible assumption of the place name is that, according to the residents, there were several crocodile skulls found at the canal. Such explanation connotes the fact that water resources and aquatic animals were plentiful in this area. In addition, owing to its close proximity to the waterways, there are a number of water-related activities of multicultural residents, such as the floating merit-making festival of the Mon people, the Thai wedding procession along the canal, and the Loy Kratong Je of the Chinese Thai. In the past, the HTK market was renown as an important commercial center and hub of skilled craftsmen. Nonethelss, major portion of the market was converted into cheap accommodations for art college students and alien labourers since the arrival of the streets and land settlement. Furthermore, fire incidences that occured from time to time caused the decline of the traditional settlement and damage to the waterfront market. These crises somehow provoked a sense of belonging among the residents and thus an attempt to revitalize their living environment. In collaboration with neighboring academic institutions, the market has been revitalized and become known as an art market with an increasing number of adaptive shophouses and art events all year round. Physical components The waterfront shophouses at the HTK market are two-storied wooden buildings with narrow frontage but great depth. Each shophouse is three meters wide and approximately twenty five meters long. In front of the shophouse is a narrow walkway that directly connects to the waterfront space. This front passage is ordinarily used by both the residents and the visitors. However, the passage at the back is often used by the residents. The interior of each unit is composed of three parts; shop space at the front, service space at the back, and living space in the middle and on the upper floor. Spatial characteristics Based on field surveys and interviews with the residents, this article proposes five spatial characteristics of the HTK shophouses—be it, intimate space, intermediary space, spaces in space, dialogical space, and communal space—that represent the essences of the waterfront Thai dwellings Physical components and Spatial characteristics of waterfront
ESSAYS 10 Intimate space is the optimization of small space through the adaptive use of the unfinished nature of structural and architectural wooden components. Various means of stacking, hanging, and hoisting are implemented to multiply useable space. On the other hand, the term intimate space also refers to a sense of home-like atmosphere created by the shoe-off lifestyle and by the intimate relationship between the work and the living spaces and among the residents. Intermediary space is the strategic use of open space, such as a small backyard, hanging plants, and potted plants; openness, such as double-volume space at the shop front and at the service area; and openings, breathable wall, for example, to serve as a mediator between outside and inside spaces. In other words, it helps enhance light, ventilation, and greenery in these small dwellings and improve the inhabitants’ quality of living. Spaces in space is another crucial attribute of these shophouse dwellings. In essence, it provides individuals with private living and/or sleeping spaces that concurrently afford a sense of relatedness to other household members. Examples of the spaces in space include mezzanines overlooking the ground space and a flexible sleeping space created by moveable equipment such as a mat and a mosquito net. It is important to note that the HTK shophouses serve not only for habitation but also for social interaction. The location and dimension of dialogical space vary according to the types of ownership, which closely relate to the types of products and services of the shop dwellings. A small shop space at the front of the inherited shophouses and a large waterfront space of the long-term rental shophouse are examples of this social space. Nonetheless, in some cases, the entire ground space of the long-term rental shophouses becomes the area for socializing. On a broader scale, the waterfront space of the market offers communal spaces for collective dwellings. Created by semi-fixed feature elements with few enclosures, the shared space offers rich possibilities for human connection and thus social cohesion. These communal spaces make manifold kinds of art-related and community activities possible.
2. Street-side motorcycle taxi shelters in the city It is noted that the motorcycle taxi is one of the crucial means that helps Bangkok public transportation become more seamless. Set aside such social issues as the privatization of public space, the street-side shelters for motorcycle drivers unveil intriguing ways of how Thai combine their work and living space in a rather compact domain. As the integrated work and living space, these shelters are generally equipped with a queue sign, seats, and cleaning equipment. Due to their visibility to a large number of passers-by, the shelters located close to major nodes such as BTS station often receive free items, in particular large umbrellas that come with sponsor logos. For the shelters far away from the major nodes, such elements as a television, a spiritual shelf, and a decorative plate can be typically seen. This equipment comparatively reflects the fact that these drivers are less busy than those situated close to the BTS stations. As shown in several cases, in addition to the organization of this small space, how the drivers manage to keep their shelter and surrounding nice and tidy is also fascinating. 3. Small alleys in old neighbourhoods Situated at the joint of networks of waterways with the intricate system of streets, Talad Noi has mixed geometries of the lands. Dense land use and diversified shape of the land has brought about the unique characteristics of this area, which clearly reflect in their alleyways and the liveliness of lives between buildings. Based on the theoretical framework of the streetscape (Ono, 2018), these small alleys can be analyzed through the interrelationship between the distance between the boundary wall and the building wall and the property of the boundary wall itself. To put it simply, the less distance between these two layers of walls, the less rigid/less fixed the boundary wall, the more ambiguity between the outside and inside space and the more liveliness of the alley. In this regard, it is evident that Talad Noi has a variety of alleyways; some more residential, some more commercial, and some mixed. Although several alleyways in Talad Noi might unveil a glimpse of the tropical and humble version of some alleys in Yanaka Ginza, Shinjuku Golden Gai, or Akebane area in Japan, it is important to note that the standard of living does not always equate to the quality of life. Living with intensity does not invariably mean lacking well-beingness. Last but not least, as this article has explicated, it is worthy to mention that different culture accounts for different dwelling pattern. References: Wongphyat, W. (2019). A Proxemic Study of Waterfront Shophouses at the Hua Takhe Market, Bangkok, Thailand. Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, 16, 101–118. https://doi.org/10.54028/NJ201916101118 Wongphyat, W. (2014). Bangkok Dwellings. SMALL TALK BANGKOK: WHAT MAKES A CITY A GOOD PLACE FOR EVERYONE?. Parbpim Limited Partnership. Wongphyat, W. (2012). The Proxemic Study in Waterfront Shophouses: A Case Study of Khlong Suan Market, Samutprakarn and Chacheongsao Provinces, Thailand. Proceeding of the 9th International Symposium on Architectural Interchanges in Asia., B-5-8. ESSAYS 11 Street-side motorcycle taxi shelters in the city Small alleys in old neighbourhoods
ESSAYS 12 Japanese Architecture and Built Environment Reconsidered: Inside-out / Outside-in Yoshihiko Ito My concern was how to transmit a way of viewing or thinking about Japanese architecture’s essence quickly and understandably for the logical framework of Western culture without falling into an exoticism or simplification. What is different in Japan compared to Europe? What is Japanese Architecture in brief sentences? This article will briefly present some of the world-famous examples from Japanese Architecture that are admired by everyone: Ise Shrine, Katsura Imperial Villa, and Nakagin Capsule Tower. Ise Shrine. One of the vacant precincts is waiting for the next Sengū or ceremonial relocation of the identical pavilions. Katsura Imperial Villa. View of Koshoin across the pond. Nakagin Capsule Tower. Capsule A606. View of the round window from inside. Ephemeral Eternity of Ise Ise Shrine is one of Japan’s most prestigious and once politically important Shintoist sanctuaries. It is uncertain when it started to be venerated. Still, the crucial moment of its development was when its first Shikinen Sengū, or periodical rebuilding-relocation ceremony, was organised by the empress Jitō in the late 7th century. From then on till now, all of the essential buildings of Ise Shrine have been rebuilt every twenty years (except for the Warring State period, 15-16th century), changing their locations between the two identical sites situated side by side. Apart from its paradisiac spatial conception combining natural and artificial settings, common to many Shinto shrines, some of the other features making Ise historically and architecturally so significant are its intentionally primitive architecture or its reaffirmed relationship to the Imperial House in the Modernity. Ise was important when founded and maintained its significance throughout the premodern eras. Its importance was further emphasised when the Japanese Imperial House became the head of the nation in the late 19th century. However, the most crucial moment for its recognition in the history of architecture occurred in the 1930s when Bruno Taut, a German expatriate and one of the most influential architects of the Modern Movement, discovered it. Ise Shrine. One of the vacant precincts is waiting for the next Sengū or ceremonial relocation of the identical pavilions. Katsura Imperial Villa. View of Koshoin across the pond. Nakagin Capsule Tower. Capsule A606. View of the round window from inside.
ESSAYS 13 Taut arrived in Japan in 1933. He was expected by young Japanese architects to be an ideologue of a new direction of architecture to battle against the traditionalist tendency in the increasingly nationalistic Japanese society at that moment. Instead of rejecting traditional Japanese architecture, Taut reevaluated it from the perspective of supposedly universal modern architecture. He selected examples from Japanese historic architecture, and, in doing so, he saw Ise as unique, sublime, and as authentic as the Parthenon. Interestingly, Taut validated the simplicity of Ise, stating that it doesn’t hide the roof structure with a ceiling, which may contradict his evaluation of Katsura. Nowadays, we know that Taut’s view was aesthetically less rigorous and more politically compromised than thought to be. Even so, it is undeniable that the beauty and sublimity we find in Ise today can only be seen through the same lens as the German architect’s. Ise’s particularity set it apart from typical Japanese architecture. Still, it has been seen as representing the essence of Japanese architecture since Taut. The question “what is the essence of Japanese architecture?” which Taut answered so exemplarily as an ex-pat invitee, has since become a repeated topic of discussion among Japanese architects. A monumentality not based on material eternity, solidity, or grandiosity, expressed in Ise in its ultimate form, has been considered one of Japanese architecture’s characteristics. Even the great Arata Isozaki could not demythologise Ise and its significance in Japanese architecture. Thanks to his observation, though, we started to see Ise’s more complex side with its elaborate and artificial dramatisation of primitiveness and nature. Comparative drawings of the Alhambra Palace (14th century, Granada, Spain) and Katsura Imperial Villa (16th century, Kyoto, Japan)
ESSAYS 14 Katsura’s Rediscovery Taut was responsible for reevaluating the universal value of the laconic beauty of Japanese historic architecture. Apart from Ise Shrine, the most significant building that Taut rediscovered was Katsura Imperial Villa. On this 17th-century villa on the outskirts of historic Kyoto, I compared it with the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Comparative drawings of the Alhambra Palace (14th century, Granada, Spain) and Katsura Imperial Villa (16th century, Kyoto, Japan) One is an Islamic palace of the 14th century in Southern Europe, and the other is a Japanese suburban villa of the 16th century. There is no relationship between their historical contexts or architectural styles. Nevertheless, both share one thing: their reevaluation in the 20th century by the architects of the Modern Movement. Katsura started to be seen as more than a sophisticated early modern aristocrats’ villa and garden in the early 20th century, culminating with Taut coining it as Eternal Beauty. On the other hand, the Alhambra was the stage of a watershed event in the history of modern Spanish architecture, in which emerging architects gathered and redacted the so-called Alhambra Manifest (published in 1953), finding the Alhambra an ideal architecture. The rediscovery of Alhambra and Katsura in the 20th century was not coincidental. They had some things in common: spatial continuity between inside and outside; phenomenal transparency; use of water; gradual display of views; dematerialisation through fragmentation of light, slenderness, or reflection, etc. All these features became signs of “good” architecture under the Modern Movement. Katsura started to be seen as more than a sophisticated early modern aristocrats’ villa and garden in the early 20th century, culminating with Taut coining it as Eternal Beauty. On the other hand, the Alhambra was the stage of a watershed event in the history of modern Spanish architecture, in which emerging architects gathered and redacted the so-called Alhambra Manifest (published in 1953), finding the Alhambra an ideal architecture. The rediscovery of Alhambra and Katsura in the 20th century was not coincidental. They had some things in common: spatial continuity between inside and outside; phenomenal transparency; use of water; gradual display of views; dematerialisation through fragmentation of light, slenderness, or reflection, etc. All these features became signs of “good” architecture under the Modern Movement. Here, we testify to an invention of Modernity in historic buildings by the architects of the Modern Movement. The types of reevaluated architecture have similar features, not depending on their historical or stylistic aspects, but their spatial and architectural ones.
ESSAYS 15 The Life and Death of Nakagin Capsule Tower The third and last example of Japanese architecture is the iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower by Kisho Kurokawa, completed in 1972. Like Ise and Katsura, Nakagin was undoubtedly a reference in Japan of the 70s but considered more emblematic later, not in the same way as the architect would think. It is also significant that its appreciation would be far more immense among foreigners than among Japanese, especially when it comes to architects. Those people love Nakagin not just because it is a work by Kurokawa, nor can it be explained in the historical context of Tokyo of the 70s. The structure of Nakagin’s appreciation is similar to that of Ise’s or Katsura’s. The project is an interesting realisation of some of the concepts of Metabolism by one of its central figures. 140 prefabricated capsules with high-end facilities, conceived as minimal and replaceable nests for urban businessmen, were attached to two concrete towers that were supposed to be permanent. The buyers of the capsules were predominantly upper-middle class middle-aged males who wanted a second house (or nest) in central Tokyo while having their family-living main home in the suburb. Like most Metabolist projects, Nakagin did not work out as the architect imagined. It started to deteriorate, the early buyers left, and the capsules were never replaced until its demolition in 2022. However, an intriguing fact is that Nakagin began to be seen, especially from abroad, as an emblem of Tokyo’s post-war architecture, and the architect’s death in 2007 didn’t stop that tendency. The recognition of Nakagin today is only possible through this process of reception and imagery creation of the building among people who started to appreciate the building long after the architect was exempt from responsibility for what should be happening there. Architecture continues its own life without its architect. Architectural imagery may have its own life, too, sometimes without architecture itself.
16 Conclusions Firstly, we can summarise Japanese architecture’s characteristics, including intentional primitivism, conservatism in radicalism, artificial nature, eclectic purity, appropriation of the language of the past, ambiguity, and fragility.Secondly, we must listen to an outsider’s perspective in creating exciting and enriching effects on insiders’ viewpoints. However, we have to take into account how we easily fall into the dangers of simplification in nationalism and exoticism.Always consider the contexts. What you think is normal in your city may not be normal for others.What you build today becomes the heritage of future generations, who may have different perspectives and values. ESSAYS
ESSAYS 17 The climate crisis and accident in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake made us realize that architecture depended on several industries and infrastructures to accommodate users, and construction consumed numerous resources. Therefore, our architectural practice started to rethink the architectural resources and ways to create a self-sustaining ecological cycle in the city, which might lead to sustainable modern life. Urban Wild Ecology is our design concept to create architecture in the urban ecosystem. We focus on the quality of life and the bottom-up design approach to serve the users’ lives. This concept will combine and balance industrial and natural resources and materials, and focus on the balance between humans and nature, which maintains modern life and sustain nature. In particular, the sun can provide light, warmth, hot water, and even electricity. An example of our design is that we reused an old house in Tokyo in 2017 and designed it as our house and office studio. We penetrated holes in the floors to bring light and airflow into the home and use solar heat for cooking. Waste is another issue that we considered. A large amount of waste is generated in cities; dismantled and discarded building materials from construction sites can be reused as resources. Therefore, we can tap into the city’s circulation of energy and materials for its buildings. For instance, we used the dismantled materials from the exhibition and reused cypress and cedar wood to finish the walls and floors of our house. Moreover, styrofoam leftovers were used as floor insulation. Soil is another significant point for our concept. Microorganisms in the soil can break down garbage and excrement. Soil can also suppress the heat island effect. We focus on soil and materials that easily return to the ground. Akeno Raised Floor House (2021) was our example project concentrating on the soil. Wall panels were built from straw blocks and earth plaster, while timbers were main structures. We decided not to cover the whole site with hard surfaces, which would help create a healthy soil environment. Furthermore, this house adopted the Zairai Kouhou method, which is based on traditional carpentry techniques and modified by modern technology to be more resistant to earthquakes and fire. Urban Wild Ecology - Coexistence with Soil and Waste Fuminori Nousaku
ESSAYS 18 Piles and Pointed Roof (2022) was a project that we returned all the concrete ground on the site to the soil. A trench is dug where rain falls from the roof and bamboo is placed in the ground. These will allow water to return to the ground and the soil will help to restore water veins in the city. The soil will support our future urban life. It creates a cycle of production and decomposition in the cities. Cities with a healthy subsoil space will be resilient to disasters. Furthermore, they have purified and clean drinking water and will be an attractive living environment for humans. In conclusion, architecture is not purely natural and cannot imitate nature. However, we begin studying some points that could make buildings hybridize with the ecosystem--the Urban Wild Ecology. Using and organizing the sun, the soil, and the waste are concepts for our architectural ideas.
19 Kick-off !!!
Kick-off Presentation 20 Building Firstly, we focus on the map of our site (Talad Noi & Bang Rak). In 1887, there aren’t many types of buildings. Most of them are shrines, temples, and houses, such as Sam Chin Temple, Chow Sue Kong Shrine. Next one is 1907 map, 20 years have passed, many shophouses emerge in this period. A lot of shophouses settle around Talad Noi palace (Prince Pittayalarppruttitada’s palace). It was the trend that upper class people rent out the shophouses to make income. In 1932, it was the year that Thailand changed from monarchy to democratic countries. There were a lot of developments e.g., General Telegram and Post Office, Hua Lampong train station etc. Finally, 2022 map, many contemporary buildings appear, such as TCDC, River city Bangkok, and Warehouse 30. 1887 1907 1932 2022 Talad Noi & Bang Rak (1887-2022)
Kick-off Presentation 21 Landuse In this topic we will talk about our study areas that lies from Samphanthawong District and extends to a part of Bang Rak District by showing various subdistricts as shown in this picture. And here is a map showing landuse plan classified in the Ministerial Regulation. It can be seen that both lands in Samphanthawong district and Bang Rak district are used for commercial purposes. If we are going to talk about the details in this map. It will be shown in this slide that I have classified the types of landuse into different types as follows which can be seen that the lands in our study areas are mainly used for commercial and residential purposes. And this map presents the locations of important buildings within our site. Density & scale Another factor that affects the site in the big picture is the density of buildings and their scales. it represents how the population migrated which affected the buildings in physical modular. Comprised of hundreds of units, the city has been illustrated by the outline of buildings in the big picture. As shown in the timeline diagram, the increasing density of the black boxes (buildings themselves) shows that, from the late 19th century, the population had gone up exponentially. Until 1907, density had only a negligible rise. After that, the area has been getting organized to current situation. Having buildings built in different periods of time, the scale of the buildings are various: small scale in the North-West, including alongside the river; the larger scale located in a new city of the south with landmarks and religious places. 1887 1907 1932 2022 Talad Noi & Bang Rak LANDUSE Landmarks and religious places.
Kick-off Presentation 22 Style and Influence In Talat Noi, there has many influences and styles which can separate into three periods. 1. Early Rattanakosin Period (1782-1855) In this period was influenced by ancient Thai architecture ,Chinese architecture and religious architecture, such as Christianand Islamic architecture . 2. After Bowring Treaty Period (1855-1932) From Western contact and international trading so the mainly influence and style is Western architecture as Neo-classic style (pic.6) and another influence is shophouse that comes to solve the growth population problem. 3. After the revolution Period (1932-present)The architecture style has been developed to be more contemporary . Classification The formal architecture is very easy to identify because this building type shown us symmetry and composition of verticality and horizontal. This styles were almost made for government. Folk architecture that show identity of local chinese culture in this community. Concrete material and space expressed idea of holyness. It can simplify the characteristics into the pure geometry openning, natural light, sculpture, reliefs and red color. The last one is the urban vernacular that shows identity and soul of Talat Noi. The sense of living is very strong in the community. We can not decline that this area has problems but some problems became aesthetics of living like how people build their tropical building elements We can show the concept of free by seeing the street features that are man made and green features. The unexpected elements expressed the idea of Thais home office which is combined by living and working area. Talad Noi & Bang Rak influences and styles
Alley Street Canal 1887 1907 1932 Kick-off Presentation 23
Kick-off Presentation 24 Canal Canal is an artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation. In the past, Bangkok used the canal as the main transportation route. For example, the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal was built to expand the capital to accommodate the increasingly prosperous country during an era when it was open to trade with many countries. It also supported the expansion of the dense population. In addition to the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, it was used as a commuting route by boat for the people of Phra Nakhon. Moreover, it served as an important route for transporting goods from the Chao Phraya River into the capital area. In the reign of King Rama V, a consulate was established and more trade outlets were set up. Both the British, French, American consuls, and foreign trade managers noted that cargo ships bound for Bangkok took a significant amount of time due to the meandering river and swift water flow during the flood season. To address this issue, they proposed establishing a department store near the mouth of the Phra KhanongCanal and digging a shortcut canal to connect it with the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, which would greatly enhance convenience. And over time, the country has witnessed increasing importance in travel and transportation by car. Eventually, the Hua Lamphong Canal was filled in, extending from the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to the Khlong Toei Ting Market, in order to expand Rama IV Road and make it as wide as it is today. 1887 1907 1932 2022
Kick-off Presentation 25 Streets After Thailand established more trade contacts with foreign countries, transportation development ensued, leading to a shift from using canals as the primary means of travel to utilizing roads instead. The main road in this area is Charoen Krung Road, which holds the distinction of being Thailand's first western-style road. It was constructed in response to the increasing number of foreigners arriving in Bangkok. Consuls petitioned for the construction of a long road suitable for horseback riding or horse-drawn carriages, citing the lack of such roads in Bangkok and the resulting discomfort experienced by travelers. They emphasized the need for improved transportation, stating, "Upon arriving in Bangkok, there were no suitable roads for horse-drawn carriages, leading to constant discomfort and illness." In addition, there is another important road that is Si Phraya Road. It was built to have a road cut through to expand the prosperity from Charoen Krung Road. Later, Si Phraya Road became a residential area for foreigners. There are various buildings style in the past which can still be seen today Not only that The Talad Noi area also has many secondary roads that are separated from the main roads such as Lumphun Chai, Khao Lam Road, Wanit 2 Road, Alley Tri Mit Road and Yota Road. 1887 1907 1932 2022
Kick-off Presentation 26 References: STREET ART ตลาดนอย & เจริญกรุง : https://www.uncledeng.com/portfolio-view/ Soi Rong Namkhaeng Soi Charoen Krung 31 Soi Charoen Krung 29 Trok Rong Moo (Trok Sukhon) Soi Charoenkrung 26-36 Soi Flaet Sap Sin Soi Chow Sue Kong Soi Charoen Alley/ Soi Choduek Soi Ni Chong Sawat Soi Kalatan Talad Noi area
27 A-3 A-3 B-3 C-1 B-1 Boundary Types and Location Found TYPE A-3 Both planes are apart from each other. Using signs as demarcations. mostly found at main streets. TYPE B-1 Both planes are close together. Using walls as demarcations. found at some alley or soi with stand alone buildings that have wall fencing. TYPE B-3 Both planes are close together. Using signs as demarcations. mostly found at small alley or soi with shophouse-style building TYPE C-1 Both planes are overlapping. Using walls as demarcations. found at corner building in alley or soi Kick-off Presentation
2022 Kick-off Presentation 28 Open Space and Old Tree The selected topic involves work and life of people in Talat Noi. Man, river, house and district in the past and present time are used to represent the community. The variety of nationalities, religions and beliefs are combined unitedly in Talat Noi. According to this, the community is able to create its own uniqueness and identity which are attractive to the outsiders or people from the new generations. The past In the past, there were many open spaces or public spaces. People have intimacy with each other. Also, the open space increases the variety of activities in this community. The present Nowadays, there are fewer open spaces or public spaces than before. People usually live in their own houses and have less interaction with others. Some old local people moved out. On the other hand, the number of tourists that visit this area is increased. In the past, open spaces in religious buildings were mostly used by local people for religious ceremonies or activities.Nowadays, with the current economy and people's way of life, the open space in religious buildings become a parking lot instead. People do not like to use it for activities other than festival time. 1887 1907 1932
Kick-off Presentation 29 Religious building In the past, open spaces in religious buildings were mostly used by local people for religious ceremonies or activities.Nowadays, with the current economy and people's way of life, the open space in religious buildings become a parking lot instead. People do not like to use it for activities other than festival time.
Kick-off Presentation 30 Public building In the past, open spaces in public buildings were mostly used as activities areas for people in the community, such as taking a walk, meeting or exercising.Nowadays, more and more people are coming in, mostly tourists. Many areas have changed to be exhibition or check-in points for tourists.
Kick-off Presentation 31 Commercial Building In the past, open spaces in commercial buildings were mostly used by local people to be residents or trading areas.Nowadays, it changes to be shops, restaurants, or department stores for the tourists
Kick-off Presentation 32 Work and Life Past man Settlement and integration of living groups is part of the livelhood of "people". Diverse people from urbanization and growth in the area to create ethnic and religious diversity in Talat Noi and Bang Rak distrist. References: Wright, Arnold. (1908). Twentieth century impressions of Siam References: ชื่อตลาดนอย แตมีมากแหง. (2016). https://www.facebook.com/Charoen1948/ References: เยือนบานเกา "ชุมชนตลาดนอย" ยอนรอยวัฒนธรรมจีน 300 ป. (2020). https://www.wongnai.com/trips/story-of-taladnoi Past river Religious sites are the part that best describes the integration of space and people. These areas all face rivers and canals. that used to be part of life References: บางเสียงศรัทธาจากชุมชนมุสลิม ฮารูณพื้นที่ศักดิ์สิทธิ์กับมิติแหงความรั. (2016). https://www.sarakadee.com References: ศาลเจาโรงเกือก. (2023). https://hlpvirtualtour.com/rong-kiek-shrine References: วัดอุภัยราชบํารุง. (2023). https://readthecloud.co/ Past house Houses are part of the waterfront living. the whole building showing the status of the wealthy owner as well as to indicate ethnicity and the work of the holder. References: บานโซวเฮงไถ ตํานานบานจีนยุคแรกของกรุงเทพ. (2022). https://www.baanlaesuan.com References: คนไทยไมชอบบันทึกเรื่องราว. (2018). https://www.matichonweekly.com/column/article_119949 References: ตลาดนอย ยานรอยตอทางวัฒนธรรมและยุคสมัยของเมือง. (2023). https://www.baanlaesuan.com
Kick-off Presentation 33 Past district The diversity of buildings and people makes the TalatNoi become a special place. In the past, This district was well-known because of having many kinds of stuff and services that you can not find in other areas. -like a ● Knife smith ● Chinese newspaper factory ● Paper folding, ● Sack sewing. References: สะพานพิทยเสถียร. (2019). https://www.facebook.com/fiftyplusTH References: บานโรงกระทะ. (2022). https://www.blockdit.com References: ตามหาจิตวิญญาณตลาดนอย. (2014). https://www.sarakadee.com/ Present man (Heng Seng Pillow) This family create a traitional handmade chinese pillow for shirne in their area since the WWII. But now they transform their stuff to be a boutique pillow that can fit in modern age. References: เบาะไหวเจาเฮ็งเส็ง. (2020). https://readthecloud.co/heng-seng/ References: เบาะไหวเจาเฮ็งเส็ง. (2020). https://readthecloud.co/heng-seng/ References: “เบาะไหวเจา” หนึ่งเดียวในเมืองไทย “เฮ็งเส็ง” เย็บ ดน ดวยสองมือ . (2022). https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/
Kick-off Presentation 34 Present river Beliefs and religions in the community are still conserved. Both people in Talat Noi and the new generation also promote their community through religious festivals. ● Vegetarian festival ● The Chinese lantern festival ● Chinese Christian group References: ตลาดนอยคึกคัก รับเทศกาลกินเจ. (2018). https://thestandard.co/talat-noi-vegetarian-festival/ References: เทศกาลหงวนเซียว ตลาดนอย. (2020). https://walk.in.th/เทศกาลหงวนเซียว-ตลาดนอย/ References: วัดพระแมลูกประคํา วัดคาทอลิกเคียงคูกรุงรัตนโกสินทร. (2017). https://themomentum.co/holy-rosary-church/ Present house Sou Heng Tai Houseowner decided to build a pool for his job as a diving teacher. This creates the identity of the house and became well known. Loftel 22 From running a local business ,like minimart, to a boutique hostel group owner References: ชวนเดินเลนถายรูปที่สํานักดํานํ้า "โซว เฮง ไถ" ยานตลาดนอย. (2020). https://th.readme.me/p/35924 References: Loftel 22. (2020). https://bk.asia-city.com/travel/bangkok-hotel/loftel-22 References: Hong Sieng Kong. (2021). https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/restaurants/hong-sieng-kong
Kick-off Presentation 35 Social, Cultural & Creative Activity Gentrification The entering of new generation Gentrification in Talad noi and Bangrak is happened by The entering of new generationfor 2 reason 1) Cultural diversity and the long history of Talad Noi and Bangrak attract the outsider to come in and make a profit from it 2) Thailand Creative & Design Center aka TCDC was build in Bangruk, it change these area to be the area of art and creativity so nowadays user here are consist of Insider like local people and OUTSIDER like -Creative class Tourists and -Creative entrepreneur Communal space There are three types of communal space in Talad noi.First is pathway and node that blend in everywhere of talad noi .In Thailand, people use some of in front of their house to sell something , to hang a canvas roof or to sit and chill outside their house. Node There are the 5 nodes which is the junction of the roads that have more usage than the others node
Kick-off Presentation 36 Buildings and religious place the area in front of buildings and religious place that used for various activities in Talad noi. There are four key buildings Zhou zue kong, Shrine, Museum of Talad noi, Rong Kueak Shrine and the holy rosary church The last types of communal space in Talad Noi area is the activity space, Mostly used by locals for chilling or meeting with friends and neighbors. BUILDINGs and religious places users & activities in talad noi users & activities in talad noi
Kick-off Presentation 37 Communal Building Users & activities in Bangrak Major night events are usually temporary ones hold in Bangrak area, such as, Bangkok Design Week and Awakening Bangkok. Most events are held by local institutions since there are fewer residents compared to Talad Noi so it will not be a disturbance to the neighborhood. The difference between Bangrak and Talad Noi in terms of activities is that, Talad Noi’s activities are usually temporarily, hold in a very intimate space, and usually be clustered on the streets and alleys, while most of Bangrak’s activities are permanent and usually hold in historical buildings.
Kick-off Presentation 38 communal space Activity space
00 Joint Team
40 Site Survey
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43 Joint Presentation Customizability Group A1 Customizability in Talad Noi The past It has a customization by the reason of foreigner immigration, cultural and technology exchange, the growth of population and trading engines. The present People custom their community to made their own housing and being a tourist attraction. Tourist love to see the narrow street life because it match our humanscale. Local people do not care styles or decoration. They just make like the famous modern philosophy that is " Form follows functions". The future It has four main factors: Bangkok policy, flooding problem, development of the city, and coming of new generation. Arranging from macro to micro scale, the first case study, UDDC's Bangkok goodwalk, focuses on the development of Bangkok. One of the customization that happened in the project was urban farming which helps increasing green space in the city. The following images show the approaches of sustainable flood prevention. One of the conceptual project is Chaophraya for all. In terms of smaller scale, home charming cafe was renovated to local hotel. Including activities, the tendency of new generations and expansion of the city encourage community activities such as walking street, art exhibition, and even graffiti. Flooding prevention (Ref. by City Cracker)