porous expanded-metal mesh skin adorns art center’s concrete facade in bangkok

design qua composes Jim Thompson Art Center

The Jim Thompson Art Center, designed by design qua, occupies a narrow street in central Bangkok, transforming an original outdoor car park adjacent to the Jim Thompson House Museum. The project involves integrating a new L-shaped structure with an existing building, forming a courtyard overlooking the historic Jim Thompson House’s terracotta roofs. Spanning 3,800 sqm, the center aspires to be an open and inclusive art and culture hub, fostering community engagement through architecture, contemporary art, learning, and cultural events.

The Art Center dedicates 3,000 sqm to art and culture activities, featuring two galleries, a library, a lecture room/event space, an office, a museum shop, a café, a multi-activity outdoor plaza, and two large multi-purpose roof terraces. With parking discreetly located at the rear for 60 cars, the design encourages visitors to navigate the center’s various levels through outdoor walkways, stairs, and rooftop ramps, fostering visual connections among them.

brick, bamboo, metal, and concrete shape the volume

Embracing a climate-appropriate design, nearly 70% of the Art Center’s floor area is outdoor non-conditioned space, prioritizing energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. Outdoor spaces are strategically designed to minimize direct heat gain while maximizing cross-ventilation. An affordable expanded-metal mesh on the front facade screens sunlight, maintaining a visual connection to the street and framing the urban context. Sustainable materials, rooted in the tropical climate, are a key aspect of the design, with locally sourced and weather-resistant brick used for its affordability and connection to Thai craft.

The design also pays homage to Jim Thompson’s legacy through a brick entry wall featuring a vernacular Ikat fabric pattern. Woven bamboo panels, referencing Thai craft, are employed for sun-screening along the main walkway to the Garden Plaza. For design qua, sustainable design is synonymous with connecting people with nature and culture, and the materials chosen embody this philosophy.

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project info:

name: Jim Thompson Art Center
architect: design qua | @designquabkk

location: Bangkok, Thailand

photography: Beer Singnoi | @beersingnoi

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