Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground is a meticulously designed architectural work that integrates a three-dimensional interior, a permanent structure, and a craftsmanship façade surface. Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee of HAS Design and Research aimed for this building to not only reflect Thailand’s status as the most significant metal manufacturing exporter in South-East Asia but also to provide a public resting place at The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage – ASA 90th Anniversary Architect Expo. The space allows the public to participate for free in activities such as public learning, art exchanges, and educational lectures, serving non-profit functions.

After multiple discussions and thorough understanding, the client fully embraced the concept proposed by Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS), ensuring that the project became a center for free public access, devoid of commercial operations and promotion, and dedicated to idea exchange and learning. Based on this premise, HAS proposed an innovative design to create a valley-like grotto with a natural impression amidst the busy and densely packed exposition. This project not only recreates past scenes where Thai people relied on natural landscapes for their dwellings but also reflects the current situation where the average green open space per capita in Bangkok is only 6.99 square metres, much lower than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended nine square meters.

Photography: DOF Sky|Ground