The Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is located within the Benchakitti Forest Park in the center of Bangkok, which opened to the public in 2022.
The observatory, designed by Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS), was created to provide a natural space for the citizens of Bangkok and to express their desire for more green areas in the city.
The Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is an architectural project that aims to create more natural environments and meet the demand of the citizens of Bangkok for more green spaces. It is located in the center of the Benchakitti Forest Park and is surrounded by wetlands and trees, creating a natural paradise with flowers, birds, and insects.
Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) has designed the observatory to blend in with the natural surroundings of the Benchakitti Forest Park and to be a gift to the citizens of Bangkok. The intention of the design is to make the architecture a part of nature.
The design of the Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory was inspired by its surroundings and resembles a building covered in leaves. It provides a common habitat for animals and plants, and its slightly undulating form includes an upper level with views of the park and a lower level with a water mist system that simulates a wetland environment and provides space for activities such as yoga, meditation, and family events.
During the day, the Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is designed to blend in with its surroundings through the use of smart boards and sustainable paint that change color to match the environment. At night, light strips behind the smart boards provide various lighting effects and make the building seem to disappear into the natural environment.
HAS Design and Research believes that the Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is more than just a service facility, but rather a tropical rainforest that provides shading and space for citizens to gather, cultivate their hearts, and learn about the environment. The observatory also hosts educational events to demonstrate the city of Bangkok’s commitment to the environment.
Project Info
Architects: HAS design and research
Area: 130 m²
Year: 2022
Lead Architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee
Structure Consultant: Goldstar Metal
Constructor: Alufence
Design Team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Tapanee Laddahom, Chiwen Chang
Landscape Design: Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts
Existing Architecture: Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts
Client: The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (ASA)
Program: Public Building, Park, Observatory
Façade Consultant: AB&W Innovation
City: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Photographs: Rungkit Charoenwat
