Cities in the sky (Final Phase)
The project outline discusses the state of public realms residing within Bangkok’s central shopping district, along the BTS stations from National Stadium to Phloen Chit, from which individual observations will be made. These investigations would proceed to serve as a basis of problem ideation, specific to a micro context e.g. the atrium of Amarin Plaza and the open porch between Siam BTS and Siam Square One, leading to which the project will attempt to respond or mitigate.
Vertical collage & Matrix
Through various examples of civic spaces, sidewalks and pavements (Highline – New York, Superkilen – Copenhagen, Nyhavn – Copenhagen), outdoor open spaces are capable of providing opportunities for public activities. The skywalk between National Stadium BTS and Siam BTS were however much less lively compared to the aforementioned examples, the structure serves purely as a bridge between malls and stations and regrettably requires one to walk through malls to get from station to station. Notably even the most recent structure, right above the Pathumwan intersection, that happen to free up a large area capable of accommodating social and civic activity is unfortunately not living up to its purpose due to Bangkok’s tropical climate.
Map & Taxonomy
My project seeks to capitalize on these available outdoor spaces, specifically concentrating on the skywalk right above the Pathumwan intersection, firstly by vertically intensifying available outdoor walkable space and secondly by creating alternative elevated link ways such as bike paths and sky gardens. These additions are in response to two qualities that the current sky walk lacks, connectivity and civic-social activity.
Plan & Section
Through vertical intensification, a series of platforms connected through walkways serve not only as activity spaces but also shelter and shade for the lower stratus while concurrently allowing light to permeate through. Alternative link ways are then designed at multiple levels bridging connectivity between stations and nodes, serving movements of different purposes.
Nodes
One can now stroll along the sky gardens while admiring the skyline of central Bangkok, walk on the elevated paths alike through a marketplace or ride a bicycle from place to place as a cheaper and healthier alternative of transport. My intention is to create an extension of Bangkok’s community, a setting where celebrations are held, where friends run into each other. A space where communities can be strengthened, where people can feel comfortable even when they do not spend.
Axonometric
Free Document - Atmospheric Illustration
