Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation

HAS design and research

PHOTOGRAPHS
DOF Sky|Ground

LIGHTING CONSULTANTS
Light Is

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee

STRUCTURAL CONTRACTORS
Pacific Pipe Co., Ltd.

CONTRACTORS
Bangkok Canvas

STRUCTURE CONSULTAN
Buncha Layangkoon

ALUMINUM FABRICATION
KIN Thailand

DESIGN TEAM
Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Saralchana Pueakhachen, Muze Ouyang, Jiamin Yang

LIGHTING FABRICATOR
Neowave Technology

AREA
180 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Bangkok, Thailand

CATEGORY
Pavilion, Temporary Installations

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.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

It was created on the 90th anniversary of The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA).

Initiated by Thailand’s aluminum company S-ONE Group and KIN, the acclaimed architectural firm HAS Design and Research was commissioned for the design.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) aimed for this building to not only reflect Thailand’s status as the most significant metal manufacturing exporter in Southeast Asia but also to provide a public resting place at the 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 HAS Design and Research founders Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, ensuring that Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground became a center for free public access, devoid of commercial operations and promotion, and dedicated to idea exchange and learning.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

Based on this premise, HAS Design and Research proposed an innovative design to create a valley-like grotto with a natural impression amidst the busy and densely packed exposition.

This Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground not only recreates past scenes where Thai people relied on natural landscapes for their dwellings and lives, but also reflects the current situation where the average green open space per capita in Bangkok is only 6.99 square meters, much lower than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended 9 square meters.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

During regular times, the elevated structure creates an open space underneath, generating more "gray space" to attract the public and extend the indoor and outdoor environments.

This design also echoes the multifunctional "Tai toon" space of traditional Thai stilt houses. At special moments, the natural light illuminating the grotto-like space not only provides functions for education, learning, and forums but also creates a sense of ceremony, offering an unprecedented sensory experience.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

The Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground is ultimately constructed from hundreds of thousands of aluminum rods, with a design that integrates the skin into the space, the space with the structure, and the structure with diverse functions, known as Total-ness Design.

None of these aluminum rods are of the same length; each rod is meticulously cut and assembled by craftsmen, reminiscent of the intricate craftsmanship seen in Thai temples.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground

Amidst rapid industrial development, the Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground integrates tradition and future with an unconventional concept, allowing Thai people to rediscover the potential of local craftsmanship.

Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
© DOF Sky|Ground


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Model 01
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Model 02
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Model 03
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Render


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Longitudinal Sections
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Cross Sections


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
South Elevation
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
East Elevation
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
North Elevation
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
West Elevation


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Diagram 01
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Isometric Diagram 02
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Programs Diagram 03
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Structural Study Diagram 05
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Structural Analysis Diagram 04
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Mass Studies Diagram 06
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Sketch


Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Plan - Roof
Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground Installation
Plan