parallel lab: up side down bangkok

‘up side down bangkok’ by parallel lab, bangkok, thailand images courtesy of parallel lab

bangkok is a city in constant evolution and needs new solutions to improve its inter- connectivity. in providing an answer through a series of expressways, the urban landscape is undoubtedly altered, breaking apart the connective fibers between the city and its people. the research project ‘up side down bangkok’ by thai studio parallel lab was driven by the need to understand the morphological phenomena of these various urban situations. the urban project focuses specifically on the wasted land beneath the elevated roadways which are otherwise left in a rough state of decay. convinced that these spaces have a potential for re-appropriation of space and the ability to reconnect the divided neighborhoods, the design aims to convert the negative voids into social and welcoming areas for the citizens of the city.

day view

located on a 400 meter long section of the left over 25,000 meters of space, the project features a series of volumes which hang suspended below the major roadway. alternating between enclosed and open-air structures the pedestrian area provides a unique sense of space and scenery, transforming the atmosphere of the congested city radically.

longitudinal section

a metal frame system, holding various programs including, theaters, mahjong parlor, yoga studios, tennis courts,

restaurants and night clubs, can be adapted to suit the specifics of each infrastructure. simple in its development and

implementation, the construction provides an easy solution that drastically transforms the atmosphere and accessibility

of the congested city.

transversal section

programatic strategy at city scale

programatic strategy on a 400 meter section

model 100

model 50

encounter of the layers

left over spaces under the expressways

book

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.