Heatherwick Studio Unveils ‘Traditional Lanterns’ inspired architecture in Bangkok

Arpitha SJuly 18, 20252 Mins read3.5k

Heatherwick Studio Unveils ‘Traditional Lanterns’ inspired architecture in Bangkok

Heatherwick Studio has revealed its plan to design Hatai, its first-ever mixed-use development project in Thailand. The site is situated in the historic site of the original Narai Hotel in the Silom neighborhood. The mixed-use development consists of integrating two new hotels with a 300-room hotel, conference facilities, wellness centre, open-air community programs, public plazas, and canal restoration.

Situated amidst the hustle and bustle of a business district, the project creates a Thai-inspired character for the district. The architect Thomas Heatherwick mentions that, “We wanted to do something that connects with the country’s heritage more profoundly and builds detail, feeling and story back into the city.”

The Studio approaches the design considering Thailand’s architectural heritage, offering architecture sitting in a high-rise setting with cultural context. The development project houses the new Narai Hotel and the Six Senses Hotel, including various hotel amenities. The mass of the entire building is composed of lighter volumes on the upper levels, and the lower levels are composed of dense activities connecting adjacent street life. The Hatai is under development and is expected to be completed by the year 2028.

The Ground floor level of the complex is composed of public access and facilities that engage with the neighbouring street life. At the street level, the complex consists of an open plaza shaded by native vegetation and a wide canopy structure that creates a microclimate with the urban fabric.

The space also includes a restored canal with surrounding designed shrines, open-air markets, event spaces, a nursery, etc. The canal restoration reintroduces flowing water within the dense urban fabric landscapes. These programs, introduced by the Studio, intend to create a civic infrastructure, adding more value to the hospitality project.

Hatai’s Cultural inspiration

The architecture and design of Hatai have been inspired by the traditional Thai lanterns, with softer masses and volumes breaking the rigid skyline of Bangkok. The material and the structural symbolic quantities of the lanterns being the architectural inspiration.

The design’s sensitivity to Thailand’s heritage and culture creates an alternative architecture approach in comparison to the homogenous high-rise structure and skyscraper designs. New construction methods have been integrated and designed with the traditional Thai local craft design concepts.

The architecture of the complex also integrates urban planning that integrates urban interventions such as urban wall walks, improving pedestrian movement, and neighbourhood connectivity.