Phase 5: Urbanus - Umbrella

 Umbrella

A - Idea of the city Image

From an aerial point of view, streets in Bangkok have common characteristics of

form and use - Especially during the night, shared activities allow us to perceive these

locations specific to shared interests of its visitors. However, looking deeper into details,

each street has its own special and unique character. They serve for different purposes, and

are differentiated in terms of individual preferences. Some are famous for being a hub of

restaurants and street food, while some are known for other type of activities and events

hosted during the night. Therefore, each street can be defined for its uniqueness, according

to its identity and the limitations concerning buildings and their use. In the first panel, my

illustration explains the common identity in the big picture, and the differences when

speaking of the details of each special identity.

B - Territorial Map

In my second panel, I chose four of the most famous streets for nightlife in Bangkok,

which are Kaosarn Road, Thonglor, Patpong, and Soi Cowboy. These areas all share

common characteristics of use whilst promoting specific identities differentiating

themselves from the others. Kaosarn Road is perceived as the most famous street for night

markets and local clubs, whereas Thonglor provides similar activities but for higher

economic values as there are less street food and more formal restaurants and high-end

clubs. Patpong represents various kinds of sexual services and Soi Cowboy is famous for

extreme sexual performances. The entry point of each street figures as a main gate to the

expression of specific identities according to its term of use, and the perception of visitors

toward the place. Most importantly, as these streets have many limitations and

requirements, the roads and infrastructures still have room for improvement, and

therefore this is a big opportunity to enhance its efficiency and usefulness for further

benefits.

C - Territorial Image

D - Paris Taxonomy

In my Paris Taxonomy diagram, I abstract and illustrate the negative spaces created

between occupied areas. As from my analysis, pathways between blocks are correlated

with one another, and linkage patterns are found within these spaces showing the negative

spaces in the diagram. These spaces are the example of the pathways that could be

commonly found around cities; they align and have interrelationship with one another to

facilitate routes connecting the whole city together.

As a result, I came up with a hypothesis of a modular system with infrastructural elements

that helps improving utilization of negative spaces in the city.

E - Project Taxonomy

The module I propose is adaptable, as illustrated in the diagram. There are six

typologies, adaptable depending on the character of each street. The infrastructure is

designed to be able to contain various kinds of facilities such as toilets, benches, and special

stores. Moreover, the formal characteristics facilitate more benefits for the area below, as

the roof protects from solar exposure, rain, and wind. As a result, public spaces available

for usage is created below.

As stated above, each street has its own special identity and uniqueness, and

therefore, different uses of spaces are the main consideration here. The infrastructure is

designed to have six partitions to facilitate the adaptation of use to be contextualised in

response to each street’s requirements, limitations, and preferences. In other words, the

combinations of facilities for each street are unique depending specific characteristics.

F - Axonometric Drawing

 G - Plan Drawing

From the plan, we can see that each street have their own limitation and

requirements, as the infrastructure has to be created upon the road shape and building

formations. As a result, the organization of the patterns is different. While the other street

structures facilitate two rows, Soi Cowboy has only one row. This is because of the different

dimensions of the four streets.

H - Section Drawing

I - Image I

J - Image II

With this infrastructure, beneficial public spaces available for more practical uses of

the streets are created, and utilizations of negative spaces are improved to another extent.

Streets will no longer be as dangerous, as the module offers features to improve safety and

eliminates intimidating factors in the area implemented. For example, CCTVs and

emergency services are provided, and dangers from chaotic streets are no longer.

Moreover, its adaptable facilities generate more convenience that facilitates the

attendances to enjoy the night without worries. LED Maps are displayed at the entrance

and along the streets to deliver useful information, and the adapted modules with various

facilities such as toilets and seating areas give more efficiency use of the spaces. Service

providers and merchants are also given better and more proper area for rent, creating

more jobs while also fulfilling attendances expectations. In conclusion, this infrastructure

will reform streets of Bangkok in terms of efficiency, safety, and utility to be better in

delivering their purposes and to create more values to attendances.