London-based Heatherwick Studio has just shown off the design of Hatai, its first development in Thailand. It will be a new public space and two hotels that will be built in the heart of Bangkok’s Silom district. Hatai will be located on the site of the former Narai Hotel. The bold development will bring warmth and a distinct Thai character to the area, creating a new ‘Lantern Quarter’.
Hatai – inspired by traditional craftsmanship
The design of the complex draws on Thai traditions of craftsmanship and its form draws on the construction of classic lanterns. The hotel towers will be formed from illuminated, stacked blocks. Their composition is intended to bring softness and emotional expression to the urban skyline. The development will include the Six Senses Hotel and the Narai Hotel, which will offer a total of more than 300 rooms, a wellness centre, a ballroom and conference spaces. An important element of the project will be the publicly accessible public space. A green plaza with a canopy is planned at street level to provide shade and shelter from the rain. Native plant species and a restored water channel have been incorporated into the design. The new neighbourhood will also include a temple, an outdoor market, spaces for events and a crèche. The concept has been developed with residents, working people and visitors to this part of Bangkok in mind.
Architecture with emotion and story
Thomas Heatherwick, founder and creative director of the studio, emphasises that the aim of the project was to create a place that is accessible and rooted in the local context. The Hatai project aims to counterbalance this. The studio has designed 5,200sq m of new public space with elevated pedestrian walkways to facilitate movement through the development.
“Thailand has an incredibly rich culture and architecture, meanwhile many of the so-called modern buildings in Bangkok are anonymous and austere, completely unrelated to this tradition. We wanted to create something that connects more deeply with the country’s heritage and brings back detail, emotion and storytelling to the city,” – heatherwick says.
Hatai will be Heatherwick Studio’s first project in Thailand. The development is scheduled to be completed and open in 2027.
Heatherwick Studio
Heatherwick Studio is a London-based design studio, employing over 250 people. The team creates buildings, public spaces, functional objects and infrastructure with the aim of improving the quality of life around people. The studio also operates in Shanghai. Famous projects include Little Island in New York, the Zeitz MOCAA museum in Cape Town, the Azabudai Hills district in Tokyo and the Coal Drops Yard in London. The studio is currently working on 30 projects in ten countries. The book Humanise: A Maker’s Guide to Building Our World by Thomas Heatherwick was published in 2023.
Narai Hospitality Group
The investor in the project is Narai Hospitality Group, a hotel owner and property investor operating in the Asian and European markets. The group is responsible for the redevelopment of the Narai Hotel and the development of the Lub d, Marasca and Amanta brands. It also manages the Swissotel Nankai Osaka, Le Meridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort and the Cycas platform operating in Japan, Australia and Europe.
Design: Heatherwick Studio
Visuals: Devisual
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