Tropical Living
This enjoyable book exploring contemporary Thai dwellings shines a spotlight on a unique architecture that is at once modern in appearance, yet traditional in attitude
For British architect Robert Powell, the author of The Modern Thai House, Southeast Asia is his second home. “I lived in Singapore for 17 years and I am married to a Malaysian. I have great affection for this part of the world, and its people.” That is apparent: he is the author of more than 40 books on the region, including Singapore Architecture, The New Malaysian House, Singapore Houses, and The New Indonesian House.
“The design of houses in monsoon Asia is fascinating,” begins Powell, who considers dwellings to be an expression of the culture they’re formed in. He explains that house owners in tropical Asia often have a much closer relationship with nature than is the case with owners in temperate climates. “In the tropics one lives in the ‘in-between’ space between the interior and the outdoor space. That struck me forcibly when I first moved into a house in Singapore, where I spent most evenings sitting on a verandah.”
Modern Thai House spotlights the work of many exciting Thai architects, including the talents of Kanika R’kul, Duangrit Bunnag (who I once met), Boonlert Hemvijitraphran, Tanit Choomsang, Pirast Pacharaswate, and Kwanchai Suthamsao. “For me it is really exciting to talk to this younger generation and hear their ideas – it sustains me and keeps me young. And I love to promote the work of the best young talent,” says Powell.
The architect feels that Thailand’s most unique residences are not necessarily defined by their location (although they can be), but rather by the way traditional Thai ways of living and features are integrated into modern dwellings. He also doesn’t think this is confined to one particular area of Thailand. “Some of the most exciting new work is in the northern city of Chiang Mai, while Bangkok has many creative young designers.” For Powell, there is so much meaning embedded in the design of a house due to the close relationship between a home and its occupier. “The design informs you about the owner and the architect in a way that an office block or building can never do.”
Admittedly, most of the architects featured in Modern Thai House trained overseas, and the author sees the influence of prominent Western architects in their designs, particularly the theoretical ideas of Peter Zumthor, Rem Koolhaas, Coop Himmelblau, and Luis Barragan, while Japanese architects Tadao Ando, Kazuo Shinohara, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma and Kazuyo Sejima have also been influential. He feels that the current generation of Thai architects draw upon their knowledge of global ideas, but are also deeply aware of Thai culture. When these converge, modern Thai style is the result.
“There is tremendous spirit among younger Thai architects to test the boundaries, to try new ideas, to take risks. This inventiveness can only be a good thing. It will ensure the continuing development of Thai architecture. And it is matched by the willingness of an increasing number of patrons to commission these often adventurous designers.”