A Day in Bangkok
In this series, we share some of our team’s travels to project destinations around the world, collecting insider tips and creative inspirations to inform future designs.
Mocca Art Gallery. Image by Min Chun Tseng.
Thailand’s dynamic capital inspires with its diverse architectural styles and mix of heritage craftsmanship with modern design. Min Chun Tseng, Senior Design Leader at BAR Studio, recently travelled to Bangkok and was fascinated by the ornate details of traditional palace architecture, intricate ceramic tiles and elegant Thai houses, including the iconic Jim Thompson House, envisioned by an American businessman in the 1950s. But she also encountered Bangkok’s Brutalist structures and was struck by the now-thriving Chinatown.
“I find Bangkok reminds me of Taipei, the city where I grew up – both have a vibrant energy, but Bangkok feels more international with a holiday destination vibe,” says Min. “The vivid colours, textures, smells and art all tell a unique story. Plus the way people blend history with new ideas is something I’d love to bring into future designs.”
One of the most inspiring things for Min was the local artists’ adaptive reuse of abandoned buildings, transforming them into cutting-edge art galleries. Here, she shares her top five art and design tips for Bangkok-bound design hunters.
Bangkok Kunsthalle. Image by Min Chun Tseng.
Five Art & Design finds in Bangkok
Bangkok Kunsthalle gallery has a distinctly European feel, with a curator who repurposed an abandoned building, embracing its history while inviting local artists to transform its rooms with their work.
ATT 19, near the Alexander Lamont Gallery and Warehouse 30, in Bang Rak, is fantastic for discovering emerging local artists.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok), in Lat Yao, Chatuchak, is a private collection of more than 800 works, showcasing edgy, modern Thai paintings and sculptures in a striking contemporary building. You can discover the permanent collection, take in a temporary exhibition, and admire the white lotus-inspired sculpture set in a pool outside.
Cone No.9 in Wattana is a great spot for locally made ceramics, perfect for unearthing unique handcrafted pieces.
Muse Design is a creative workshop specialising in intricate techniques of straw marquetry, parchment, shagreen and bronze casting for furniture, with the locally-crafted furniture, lighting and accessory pieces showcased at their Bangkok boutique.
Jim Thompson Art Centre detail. Image by Min Chun Tseng.
Eat & Drink
To refuel between art and design stops, Le Space Café, in the Ekkamai area, is a hidden gem – besides serving great coffee, the owner has an incredible collection of mid-century modern furniture, making it a must for design lovers. Supanniga Eating Room has a couple of outlets serving spicy food that’s full of flavour. Designer Saran Yen Panya uses local materials and crafts in creative ways. End the day at the Opium Bar, a stylish speakeasy in Chinatown with innovative cocktails.
Street tile detail. Image by Min Chun Tseng.