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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. FAI-FAH in Bangkok, Thailand by SparkJuly 31st, 2013 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Spark Fai-Fah, which means “light energy”, is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme initiated in April 2010 by TMB Bank. The programme acts as a catalyst for change in Thai society through working with underprivileged children and teenagers in their community using the arts as a vehicle for self-development and creative thinking.  Fai-Fah lights up in the evening, Image Courtesy © Lin Ho
Project Data
 Image Courtesy © Spark In October 2010, Spark was invited to design Fai-Fah Prachautis, the refurbishment of two shop houses located in a residential district of Bangkok. The art and creative education programmes contained in the client’s brief have been distributed over five floors, and include: the multi-function “living room”, the art studio, a library, the gallery, the dance studio and a multi-purpose rooftop garden.  Image Courtesy © Spark The design was developed at interactive workshops with the Fai-Fah children and teenagers, volunteer arts staff, and members of TMB’s CSR team. Ideas generated during the workshop such as the façade screen and the interior colours were incorporated into the design, underlining the positive nature of the collaborative process and ownership of the concept amongst all of the project’s protagonists.  Image Courtesy © Spark The five levels of the building are linked by a central feature staircase with each level defined by its own colour theme. Utilities and services are housed in a new inverted Lshaped structure, the “Utility Stick”, which is plugged into the rear of the building; it rises from the courtyard and bends to form a garden store at roof level.  Image Courtesy © Spark The existing shop house façade has been transformed by the application of a bespoke lattice screen and Fai-Fah logo, a statement that the building is different from its adjacent neighbours and announcing to the community that Fai-Fah has arrived. Paradai Theerathada, Head of Corporate Communications at TMB Bank said, “Spark’s workshops with the Fai-Fah children were inspiring; they gave the children a great sense of accomplishment from being involved in the design process for such a large-scale, tangible project. Spark’s unique interpretation of Fai-Fah propels the imagination of the young and old alike, and inspires the residents and children in the communities to look at ordinary things in extraordinary ways.”  Image Courtesy © Spark About Spark Spark is an international design studio with proven expertise in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and interior design. Having successfully completed award-winning projects across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Spark continues to create buildings and environments that inspire, informing and transforming public spaces. Its work strives to employ the best sustainable practices, is driven by social inclusion and underpinned by financial viability. Spark works closely with clients to create projects that combine innovation and environmental responsibility alongside commercial success for their local economies. Spark’s completed work includes Clarke Quay in Singapore, Raffles City in Beijing, Starhill Gallery in Kuala Lumpur and the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal.  Image Courtesy © Spark Led by five directors; Jan Clostermann, John Curran, Max Titchmarsh, Stephen Pimbley and Sven Steiner; Spark’s international expertise is fused with local talent embracing 16 nationalities across offices in London, Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information about Spark, please visit www.sparkarchitects.com  The Utility Stick, Image Courtesy © Lin Ho  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  The Living Room, Image Courtesy © Lin Ho  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark  Image Courtesy © Spark
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Category: Educational Center |
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