Bangkok-based architecture firm HAS design and research has designed a public ground interior made of disc-like thousands of aluminum rods in Bangkok, Thailand.

Named Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground, the grotto-like space is a carefully-constructed and crafted architectural work that combines a permanent structure, a crafted façade, and a three-dimensional interior. 

The stacking volume created a gathering public ground space

The project was created on the 90th anniversary of The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA). HAS Design and Research was commissioned to design the project, which was started by KIN and S-ONE Group, an aluminum company in Thailand.

This impressive building has a large structure that cantilevers like a floating island

In addition to reflecting Thailand's position as the largest exporter of metal products in Southeast Asia, Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) intended for this structure to serve as a public resting place during the ASA 90th Anniversary Architect Expo. 

Serving non-profit purposes, the space provides free public participation for events like art exchanges, public learning, and educational lectures. 

HAS Design and Research creates a sense of ritual in space, like a modern Thai temple

Following several conversations and a thorough understanding, the client fully accepted the concept proposed by Jenchieh Hung, the founder of HAS Design and Research, and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, the principal architect. 

This meant that Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground would now be open to the public for free, free of commercial operations and promotion, and devoted to the sharing and learning of ideas.

Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) create a dynamic space connecting the structure and surface design

The studio developed an innovative plan based on this idea to create a natural impression of a valley-like grotto in the middle of a busy and crowded exposition. In addition to recreating historical situations where Thai people depended on natural landscapes for their homes and way of life, this Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground also represents the current state of affairs, in which Bangkok has an average of only 6.99 square meters of green open space per capita—much less than the 9 square meters that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.

Hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods provide futuristic space

Regularly, the raised structure makes room below, adding to the amount of "gray space" to draw people in and expand the spaces between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The multipurpose "Tai toon" space found in traditional Thai stilt houses is also echoed in this design. During unique times, the natural light that fills the grotto-like area serves as a source of unparalleled sensory experience in addition to functions for education, learning, and forums.

The continued curve space is also part of the structure

Ultimately made of hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods, the Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground features a Total-ness Design that unifies the structure with various functions, the space with the skin, and the skin with the space. 

These aluminum rods are all different lengths, as they are painstakingly crafted and put together by artisans who are inspired by the elaborate work found in Thai temples. The Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground, which unites tradition and modernity with an unusual idea in the face of fast industrial development, enables Thais to rediscover the potential of regional craftsmanship.

The flow of circulation allows visitors to freely use the space

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground has been awarded the highest honor, the "Thematic Pavilion of the Year Award," at The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage Exposition (ASA Architect Expo). 

This prestigious exposition was organized by The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage in collaboration with TTF International Company Limited. 

HAS Design and Research creates new natural senses for visitors in the urban concrete jungle

This esteemed award highlights the work of acclaimed architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee from HAS Design and Research, who offer a new perspective on Bangkokians' lifestyle and future living trends.

Their architecture aims to create a new kind of architecture that melds in perfectly with the city, with a focus on the relationship between natural and man-made structures.

The cantilever structure is integrated with the program, public circulation, and open ground

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground became a center for free public access

The space is like an urban park and gives people a sense of meditation

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground gives open-free access and creates multi-functional events

This curtain-like shape gives a soft, light, and elegant feeling

The design provides freedom for all Bangkokians to communicate and attend public events

The detail of the façade

The champagne-clad aluminum surface reflected the traditional tile in the Thai temple

The building's integrated space, surface, structure, and program show the totality of the design

The valley-like grotto with a natural impression depicted in the space

The large open space provides diversity in social programs

Hundreds of thousands of golden and champagne-clad aluminums give unique human emotion

Ground floor plan

Roof plan

The design progress diagram shows lines turning into a three-dimensional space

First sketch shows how floating architecture is integrated into the ground

Isometric diagram

The multi-functional program is shown in Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground

East elevation

West elevation

North elevation

South elevation

Structure and surface study

HAS design and research reinterpreted the unique Anhui stone forest with fragmented columns laid out in circular movements in the interior of a furniture museum in Hefei, China. The firm completed a bookstore that takes inspiration from "the specific topography of the mountains" of the city to translate various senses of scale in the interiors. 

Project facts

Project name: Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Completion year: 2024

Architecture firm: HAS design and research

Lead architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee

Design team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Saralchana Pueakhachen, Muze Ouyang, Jiamin Yang

Structure consultant: Buncha Layangkoon

Lighting consultant: Light Is

Aluminum production: KIN Thailand 

Structure production: Pacific Pipe Co., Ltd.

Lighting production: Motion Tech Thailand Co Ltd, Neowave Technology

Constructor: Bangkok Canvas

All images © DOF Sky|Ground.

All drawings © HAS design and research.

> via HAS design and research

aluminum Bangkok HAS design and research