By Holly Giermann

The winners of the international design competition ”Bangkok: I am Fashion Hub“ have been unveiled. Entrants were challenged with the task of unifying the functions of a community center, library, exhibition theater, and public space within a cohesive venue in Bangkok for both the local and international fashion communities.

Of the original entries, three winners were selected by an international jury based on their adherence to several design factors including conceptual clarity, creativity, integration within the existing urban fabric, and feasibility as a center for fashion. The winning designs, from Malaysia, Russia, and France, garnered monetary prizes ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Check them out, after the break.

1st Prize: Ilya Pugachenko, Andrey Sayko, and Alla Aniskova

A semi-transparent volume, this design utilizes a system of translucent polymer tubes as an inventive facade that allows sight-lines into the building, inspiring curiosity and extending a visual invitation to the public. This strategy creates a dynamic atmosphere both within and outside the building as its many functions are highlighted through variances in lighting quality. The layout itself follows a simple, structured approach that maintains an element of unexpectedness through height differences, unified by a triple-height library at its core.

2nd Prize: Jun Hao Ong and Raphael Cheng

The irregular form of this design is grounded by a central retractable platform which provides the flexibility to accommodate the diverse programmatic requirements. Speaking to its location, the building abstractly employs traditional Thai typologies, namely a strong language between wat (solid) and sala (void) to mirror the fashion industry’s physical and experiential products. In addition, a central atrium flanked by a system of staircases creates a continuous “runway” spanning the full height of the structure.

3rd Prize: Quyet Tien Ngo, Mingbo Wang, Junwei Xie, and Arnaud Rossocelo

Consisting of a myriad of interconnected volumes, this design imagines the Fashion Hub as a campus. Branching off of a central seam, along which the programmatic functions are housed, the campus occupies much of the site while reflecting the scale of its surroundings and drawing in passersby from several directions as they disembark the neighboring train. Additionally, the design speaks to its location through vernacular climatic solutions, presenting a comfortable atmosphere year-round with shading and natural ventilation strategies.

For full project descriptions and to view the honorable mention recipients, visit here.

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