DESCRIPTION

The Ban Khrua Community Transformation Project proposes a vertical, modular structure to address issues in the densely populated area. Through phased construction, the project aims to create open spaces, accommodate tourists, and provide improved living conditions for locals. The innovative design preserves the community's identity, fosters diverse functions, and envisions a harmonious, sustainable future.

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

In Ban Khrua, a friendly neighborhood, narrow walkways weave between densely packed houses, often appearing non-existent from above. These paths are primarily for pedestrians and motorbikes, creating challenges when encountering oncoming traffic. Such tight spaces hinder emergency access, as fire trucks can't navigate them. Homeowners also struggle with repairs due to financial constraints and logistical hurdles in material transport.

INITIAL DESIGN

The concept revolves around elevating houses to free up ground space for activities and green areas, preserving the community's unique identity, including shops and street vendors. I selected this location for my building due to its significance as the community's main entrance and its accessibility to the main road. The challenge lies in determining the building's size and envisioning its transformation over time.

COMPARISON
I'm considering two concepts: the "tree structure modular" and the "fully modular" designs. While the tree structure offers potential for expansive growth, the fully modular approach risks becoming an unmanageable, abandoned structure. The left concept seems more structured and manageable, offering a safer path for development. 

FORM GIVING
Instead of focusing solely on finished buildings, I emphasized creating a community framework. Within a 16 by 32-meter boundary, I began with a cylindrical shape, dedicating 50% for open space. Expanding this upwards allowed for Ban Krua residents to transition, freeing more ground space.. The design aims to emulate a 3D neighborhood, with platform extensions resembling tree branches. 

MODULES

The building integrates shared units for Ban Krua's city workers, providing onsite employment opportunities. Modules vary in material and design, ensuring a diverse and cohesive community environment.

REFINEMENT

I incorporated a spire atop the building to symbolize its height limit, reflecting its potential growth. The elevator system was redesigned to seamlessly integrate with the diagrid structure, enhancing connectivity to the circulation rings. Additionally, diverse module variations emphasize the neighborhood's multifaceted nature. A critical aspect is determining the strategy for reclaiming and repurposing space.

TREE AND ROOTS

Drawing inspiration from trees, as they grow, they absorb nutrients from the ground, much like dense housing areas that transfer their density to the building. The taller the building, the greater its capacity to redistribute and give back larger spaces to the community.

WAY OF COMMUNICATING

It's a fascinating concept to empower everyone to write their own history and narratives. To achieve this, you have utilized the royal image in the Thai patterns you collected as symbols and a language to encode secret messages, representing an alternative history.

EACH PHASES

Starting with the ground floor foundation, we reserve space for future activities. The diagrid structure, circulation, and platform integrate via a diagonal ramp, with initial floors dedicated to restaurants, cafes, and communal areas to attract visitors. In the second phase, as the site gains popularity, a hotel and additional green spaces are introduced. By the third phase, with the building reaching seven floors, an elevator is integrated into the diagrid. To contribute to the community, we offer living quarters for workers and expand communal areas, fostering a balanced environment.