In the ever-evolving landscape of urban cities, the call for revival has never been more evident. Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, the trailblazing minds behind the Bangkok-based architectural practice HAS Design and Research, are leading this charge toward an architectural metamorphosis. Their brainchild, the Infinity Ground Museum, is not merely a physical structure but a reflection of a radical vision. STIR delves into architectural ingenuity, navigating through the fusion of urban landscapes and natural ethos within the museum.

This ground breaking initiative emerges at a critical juncture for Bangkok, a city historically dominated by concrete structures. The architects' innovative approach seeks to reintroduce the city to a symbiotic relationship between nature and the urban landscape. The museum's core premise revolves around the seamless amalgamation of undulating earth and architectural design, challenging conventional notions and offering a fresh perspective on the city’s architectural narrative.

The opening of the atrium at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center stands as a prominent feature within the museum. It is not only a “natural hole” connecting the external environment but also provides visitors with interactions across different floors. During the day, the opening’s natural light from the sky is scattered on the ground, and its shadow is like a floating earth effect; at night the sky is a black hole and its starry sky releases an intriguing mirror-like water ripple.

The design plan for the museum uses nine slanted roofs to surround the atrium in a manner of settlement. At the Ground Hall, the wall’s letters create a floating effect like light and shadow shining on the earth. These letters also constitute the world map, symbolising the drift and aggregation of the earth, which relates to the recently concluded Infinity Ground – Thailand and Taiwan Contemporary Architecture Exhibition.

In the architecture exhibition space, eight quadrilateral galleries of different dimensions present eight themes, each facing a vertical opening that extends views to architectural models. These included Togetherness, Ritual, Native, Porosity, Extra-Ordinary, Nostalgia, Vernacular and Boundaryless. The themes of the galleries were selected based on the diverse array of architectural firms from Thailand and Taiwan including Architects 49 Limited (A49), Arsomsilp Community and Environment Architect, Duangrit Bunnag Architect Limited (DBALP), Department of ARCHITECTURE, Ambi Studio, MAYU architects, Behet Bondzio Lin Architekten, and Atelier Or.

The curators, Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, brought together these firms to the architecture exhibition to illustrate the variety of cultural backgrounds, climatic conditions and social developments creating an immersive experience for visitors in architectural storytelling. Each gallery reflects new human and natural lifestyles based on the common earth’s ground, expressing themes from togetherness to boundaryless.

Rooted in their pioneering approach through the city’s own derivatives, named "The Improvised, MANufAcTURE, and Chameleon Architecture," the architects at HAS seek to decode Asia’s architectural language through a dual prism of design and research. Their philosophy unfolds a narrative of finding a new natural architecture within the city’s own adaptations, a theme reverberating throughout the museum’s concept. "Our design emphasises on the connection between nature and architectural spaces, utilising a spectrum of sensory elements," the Thai architects tell STIR.

The use of natural light and shadow within the museum’s design creates a unique visitor experience. Architectural techniques leveraging light, sound and smell serve as mediums to connect space and nature. Recycled coconut shells incorporated into the site produce natural sounds and smell, adding depth and authenticity to the museum’s ambiance. The architects add, "We believe that good architecture must be dependent on nature, take advantage of nature, and use space as a bridge between humans and nature."

An integral part of the museum lies in its commitment to sustainability. The innovative use of materials is a testament to the building’s eco-conscious design. The façade, crafted from reusable aluminium pipes without screws, promotes reusability and reduces construction waste enabling visitors to engage with the earth’s textures while walking through the space. The choice of paving material; coconut shells sourced locally delivers a tactile and visual connection to the earth. Beyond being an artistic choice, it alludes to a circular sustainable model where the shells will return to the local farms upon completion of the museum’s lifecycle.

The unique challenge of integrating these materials into the construction process led to innovative methods, ensuring reusability without generating waste. The architects’ emphasis on function and aesthetics did not compromise usability, instead it optimised space, dedicating a significant area to open spaces for communal engagement and relaxation.

The museum’s location in a bustling commercial area is thoughtfully integrated into the urban fabric. The architects believe that good architecture should provide open space, communication opportunities and relaxation spaces, stimulating visitors’ minds, bodies and souls whilst fostering a vital connection between people and nature.

In a city characterised by concrete monoliths, the Infinity Ground Museum emerges as a sanctuary that seamlessly blends urban architecture and nature. Its design, a tribute to sustainability and sensory engagement, stands as a beacon of hope; a reminder that architecture can thrive in harmony with the environment. It doesn’t just redefine the cityscape but offers a haven where city dwellers can reconnect with the very earth beneath their feet.

Project Details

Name: Infinity Ground Architecture Museum
Completion year: 2023
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Architecture firm: HAS design and research
Design team: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee, Nicha Teanpraneet, Boonyarat Toruen
Lighting design: Jenna Tsailin Liu
Lighting technology: Visual Feast (VF)
Materials: Alufence, Saint-Gobain Thailand, Jorakay, Canon Thailand, RichCons, FloraScape, Zdecor
Constructor: Alufence
Site area: 520 sq.m.
Gross built area: 95 sq.m.