The design brief for Gaysorn Village was to create a retail and working environment that is distinctive. The designers used the concept of an artisanal village as the inspiration, creating zones for retail and dining with a warm, crafted touch, and the Cocoon as the village square for gatherings. The office is designed to complement the village with the same theme, while the Gaysorn Urban Resort is designed as an artisanal mansion where entertainment and conferences can take place.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The site is in between the Sukhumvit BTS line with elevated walkway and Pratunam District. Gaysorn Village becomes a linkage between the two, acting as an active shopping street called Gaysorn Walk. Porosity was a strong design concept, with the idea that one can view into various parts of the retail mall. This was done by careful study of the floor plates to create visual connections among the different levels to promote social interaction.
MATERIALS
Most materials were locally sourced. The designers wanted to create an emphasis on Thai aesthetics and a mall that respects local culture. Thai hardwood was used to lend a warm touch. A Thai fabric motif was used in laser cut metal sheets, which were used as screens or lamp shades of large hanging lanterns. Black Quartzite, Dune Travertine and Supergenti Gray were used to give a tactile texture to the walls and floors.
OVERCOMING CONSTRAINTS
Gaysorn Village consists of the existing Gaysorn and extension to the new Gaysorn Tower, linked by a glass bridge. The designers needed to connect the two phases and create a new identity. They designed a Cocoon as a symbolic and physical link between the two parts within the glass bridge. The cocoon symbolises rejuvenation and new birth of ideas, which is the spirit of Gaysorn Village. It also becomes the physical centre of the mall where activities take place and a meeting point. By doing this, the focal centre of the mall was shifted to the Cocoon area, which is also visible from the street and hence relates to the city as well.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Gaysorn Village
Location: Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand
Expected Completion: 30 October 2017
Project Site Area: 7,036 square metres
Gross Floor Area: 5,500 square metres (retail mall)
Building Height: 30 storeys (office tower)
Client/Owner/Developer: Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd
Property Management: Gaysorn Asset Management Co., Ltd
Master Planner: Jerde Partnership
Architecture Firm: Architects 49 Ltd
Principal Architect: Somkiat Lochindapong
Project Architect: Architects 49 Ltd
Branding and Design: Eight Partnership; Selbert Perkins Design; G49 Limited; GreyNJ Thailand; Ductstore The Design Guru
Interior Design Firm: CL3 Architects Ltd
Principal Designer: William Lim
Civil & Structural Engineer: K.C.S & Associate Co., Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Meinhardt (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Arcadis (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Lighting Consultants: Lighting Planners Associates; APLD Design Co., Ltd
Landscape Architect: Landscape Architects 49 Limited
Green Building Consultant: Meinhardt (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Main Contractor: C.E.S Co., Ltd
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: ASA Furniture Co., Ltd
Images: CL3 Architects Ltd
