Department Of Architecture Co., Ltd.

ZENSE: The Rebirth

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

ZENSE: THE REBIRTH

Department of ARCHITECTURE

LIGHTING DESIGNER
Accent Studio

OWNER
Zen Department Store

PHOTOGRAPHS
Ketsiree Wongwan

COST
80 Million THB

AREA
4000.0 m2

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Bangkok, Thailand

CATEGORY
Restaurant, Restoration, Interiors Architecture

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

Text description provided by architect.

During 2010 Red Shirt Riot, many of Bangkok’s public buildings were set on fire.

Podium of ZEN Tower in Central World Complex was totally unrecognizable. Smoke and heat went upward and destroy all furniture and finishing of all interior space on the tower.

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan
ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

ZENSE, then a newly-opened yet one of the hippest Restaurants/Bars in the city, situated on ZEN Tower top floor, was one of the casualties of this unrest. As the original designer, DEPT was called to give ZENSE another life after the riot.

Our challenge is how to remind our guests of the splendor of the original ZENSE while not bring back memory of the unfortunate incident.

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan
ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

We decided to enhance our original spatial design in a more vibrant color scheme and stronger articulation.

We continue our original approach of fusing together four design disciplines: fashion design, interior design, landscape architecture, and architecture. The essence of landscape architecture in interior spatial articulation is also maintained.

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan
ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

To reflect character of the project owner, ZEN Department Store, we introduce the dynamic world of fashion in the static domain of architecture, by adapting aesthetic and technique of pleating fabric into architectural elements and function.

In interior space, pleating elements are found throughout; from pleating stairs and railing, pleating seating, pleating performing stage, to pleating roof planes over show kitchens.

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan
ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan

To create energetic flow of the space and to obscure all piping underneath exposed ceiling slab, pleating planes of fine steel lines were added as floating planes below ceiling. These planes are also applied in floating dining pavilions which give such a unique picture frame to Bangkok city skyline.

To highlight the interface between fashion and architecture, elements of fashion were introduced in furniture and interior finishing.

Hound-tooth pattern was used not only on fabric but also on dining table stone top. Layers of patterned & translucent partitions in restrooms were also inspired by lace fabric.

ZENSE: The Rebirth
© Ketsiree Wongwan


ZENSE: The Rebirth
Plan 01
ZENSE: The Rebirth
Plan 02

Department Of Architecture Co., Ltd.
T +66 2 6339936 T +66 2 6339939
Department Of Architecture Co., Ltd.
44 North, S Sathon Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand