Pylonesque

Pylonesque combines climatic context and vernacular typologies into a semi-enclosed multi-purpose space for a primary and middle school in the Thai province of Uthai Thani; a region that experiences heavy rain seasons followed by extensive hot dry periods—where water holds cultural and practical significance as it is linked to agriculture, tradition, and festivities.
The project responds architecturally and ecologically as a water harvesting system, which throughout its development it sought to address three primary criteria:
(1) Construction techniques and industrial materials that are standard but executed in an artisanal manner, (2) Flexibility in the program to provide functionality, play, and aesthetics, (3) Climatic sensitivity to the annual monsoons and droughts.

The project was realized as part of an ongoing collaboration between the International Program in Design and Architecture (INDA, Chulalongkorn University) in Bangkok and Mitsubishi Elevator Thailand as part of the annual summer “Design Build for Community” program and is motivated by two objectives. On the one hand it is pedagogically designed to provide students with design decision making and on-site building experience, and is paralleled with a socially driven goal to produce performative, engaging and usable spaces for schools in rural Thai areas.

Client: Baan Wang Toei School
Sponsors: Mitsubishi Elevators, TH + INDA (Chulalongkorn Univerisity)
Architects / Instructors: Deborah Lopez + Hadin Charbel (INDA, Chulalongkorn University)
Structural engineer : Thitiphan Tungjaroenchai
Assistant : Chularach Engchanil.
Students: Jirayu Ariyadilak, Tanatsorn Sriarj, Onjira Mahitthafongkul, Buncharin Eua-arporn, Ananya Lappanichpoonpon, Kantima Saetung, Thanapat Itvarakorn, Vich Vichayastit, Raewadee Lamlertsuk, Marisa Rosam, Palin Singhasirithum, Kittimont Kookasemkij, Proudwarin Phannachet, Supanat Chaiyanopakul, Chanon Viroonchan, Nana Boonorm, Passakorn Suwanggool, Suppanut Tantraporn, Sasina Nakmontanakum, Sahasrungsri Wajchathon, Thanapon Harnpattanapanich (INDA, Chulalongkorn University)
Photos: Beer Singnoi
Drawings: Pareid