This project is an expansion of the existing Central World Shopping Center in Bangkok, one of the largest malls in the world. With 4,000 sqm of enclosed retail and 8,000 sqm of restaurants and bars facing an open-air protected courtyard, the project looks to capture the sophistication and atmospheric vibrancy of “al fresco” dining in European cafe culture and pair it with the energy and intimacy of the Soi’s of Bangkok to define a new contemporary Soi culture of sophisticated outdoor dining and lively pedestrian streets for Central World.
Given the unique position of the project facing the high traffic condition of Ploenchit Road and the BTS Skytrain and Skywalk, the facade and roof serve as a the graphic identity of the building while acting as a veil which reveals and conceals views. The primary driver of our formal organization and design concept in particular for the facade was the continuous flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Ploenchit Road. The facade is articulated with continuous horizontal lines which change height to accommodate openings for restaurant and retail shop fronts as well as terracing areas.
The facade construction is a back lit aluminum panel system which incorporates lighting, graphics, identity and visual performance into a beautiful and elegant skin. A dynamic LED backlighting system creates a unique facade glow effect during the night making the building stand out in the busy Bangkok street.
A fluid open air trellis flows through the open air courtyard and provides the effect of dappled light which filters through it to protect from the sun while allowing open air experience and producing ambient lighting and atmospheric effect.
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