The Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) opens its first architectural exhibition of the year today. The Infinity Ground – Thailand and Taiwan Contemporary Architecture Exhibition is jointly organised by The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture (Taiwan). The exhibition also received support from esteemed institutions like Chulalongkorn University – Faculty of Architecture, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang – School of Architecture, Art, and Design, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi – School of Architecture and Design, and Silpakorn University – Faculty of Architecture.

At the helm of this extraordinary exhibition are two esteemed curators: Jenchieh Hung, the exhibition chairman of The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage, and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, co-founder and principal architect of HAS Design and Research. They have carefully selected eight exceptional architectural firms from Thailand and Taiwan to participate in the showcase, each contributing their unique perspective to the world of contemporary architecture. The participating firms include Architects 49 Limited (A49), Arsomsilp Community and Environment Architect, Duangrit Bunnag Architect Limited (DBALP), Department of ARCHITECTURE, Ambi Studio, MAYU architects, Behet Bondzio Lin Architekten, and Atelier Or.

The exhibited architectural works span across diverse locations in both Thailand and Taiwan. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok and Pattaya to the serene landscapes of Pathum Thani and Nantou, these architectural masterpieces express their unique responses to various cultural backgrounds, climatic conditions, and social developments. The underlying theme of the exhibition is ‘Infinity Ground’, which considers the earth as the connecting interface that binds people, buildings, and nature together. This perspective draws inspiration from German geologist Alfred Lothar Wegener’s concept of continental drift and the formation of continents and oceans.

The exhibition unfolds in two chapters: ‘Ground Exchanges’ and ‘Feeling Grounds’, each presenting a distinct approach to contemporary architecture. The first chapter explores modern construction methods and how they frame the unique site scenery, resulting in exceptional structures like Architects 49 Limited’s Velaa Sindhorn Village Langsuan and Behet Bondzio Lin Architekten’s Eternal Hill Columbarium. Architects have skillfully incorporated elements like elevated structures, ceremonial features, and sustainable design to establish a profound connection between architecture and the earth. These works emphasise togetherness, ritual, native identity, and porosity.

The second chapter, ‘Feeling Grounds’, focuses on a more environmentally driven design approach. The exhibited works, such as the Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Hall and the Tha Chalom Sky Boat Library, demonstrate how materials, craftsmanship, and tectonics come together to create multi-dimensional spaces that harmonise with the natural surroundings. The aim is to evoke empathy for nature and promote a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment. The works in this chapter highlight extraordinary elements, nostalgia, vernacular heritage, and the boundaryless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The exhibition space itself is a testament to creativity and innovation, featuring nine undulating buildings in a courtyard settlement. The open and flowing layout, along with the continuous and sloping roof, creates an immersive and visually stimulating experience. The natural light filters through, distinguishing the dark and bright spaces, making it a perfect retreat for visitors to immerse themselves in the sense of infinite ground.

Infinity Ground – Thailand and Taiwan Contemporary Architecture Exhibition is an exceptional showcase of architectural brilliance, embracing the harmony bethween humans and nature. It showcases the innovative spirit of these eight architectural firms and their extraordinary contributions to the built environment, inviting visitors to explore the boundless possibilities of the ground beneath our feet. The exhibition runs until August 6, 2023, providing architecture enthusiasts and the general public a unique opportunity to experience the captivating world of contemporary architecture from Thailand and Taiwan.

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