Submitted by WA Contents

Heatherwick Studio unveils design for lantern-inspired towers in Thailand

Thailand Architecture News - Jul 25, 2025 - 13:33   620 views

Heatherwick Studio unveils design for lantern-inspired towers in Thailand

British design and architecture firm Heatherwick Studio has unveiled design for lantern-inspired towers in Bangkok, Thailand

The design consists of a series of stacked, glowing forms that add softness and soul to the city skyline.

Called Hatai, the project marks Heatherwick Studio's first endeavor in Thailand, featuring a new public space and two hotels in the heart of Bangkok's Silom area.

Heatherwick Studio unveils design for lantern-inspired towers in Thailand

Hatai will create a new "Lantern Quarter" on the historic site of the former Narai Hotel, bringing warmth and distinctively Thai charm to this bustling business center. 

The design, which incorporates a sequence of layered, luminous forms that provide softness and character to the metropolitan skyline, was inspired by the delicate craftsmanship of traditional Thai lanterns. 

The Six Senses and Narai hotels, which are at the heart of the project, will provide visitors with more than 300 rooms, a wellness center, a ballroom, and conference spaces.

Heatherwick Studio unveils design for lantern-inspired towers in Thailand

A green canopied plaza with native plants is part of the ground level area below, which is intended to be a public village. A rehabilitated canal will traverse the public space, providing a respite from the bustling metropolis. 

Visitors can work or just explore the area with the help of a shrine, an outdoor market, event spaces, and a nursery. According to Thomas Heatherwick, the founder and design director of Heatherwick company, the project's cultural legacy and potential to improve Bangkok's urban landscape by creating a space for everyone drew the company in.

"There’s a richness to Thailand's culture and historic architecture, but the anonymous, blank severity of many so-called modern buildings in Bangkok does not speak to this at all," said Thomas Heatherwick, the founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio. 

"We wanted to do something that connects with the country's heritage in a deeper way and builds detail, feeling and story back into the city."

Heatherwick said the studio was excited to design a project that “gives back to the street,” with 5,200 square metres of new public space, including elevated walkways. 

Heatherwick Studio unveils design for lantern-inspired towers in Thailand

"We’ve designed a series of lanterns stacked on top of one another, collectively forming a much softer silhouette in the skyline, and we have the opportunity to create a major piece of public space - including rain protection, planting and water - all designed to encourage street-level life filled with curiosity and exploration," Heatherwick added.

Hatai will be Heatherwick Studio's first project in Thailand, set to open in 2027.

Heatherwick Studio remodeled the Coex Convention Centre with "a fortress-like façade" in Seoul, South Korea. In addition, the firm revealed plans for the transformation of South Miami’s Sunset Place with "permeable buildings" in Florida, United States. 

All renderings © DEVISUAL.

> via Heatherwick Studio

Bangkok concept Heatherwick Studio tower