Over 100 architects, designers sign on

Published on Mar 7, 2002

Developers of the ambitious Siam Paragon complex, a joint venture between Bangkok International Hotels and the Mall Group, have created Thailand's biggest architecture contract involving more than 100 local and overseas architects and designers.
The aim is to develop Siam Paragon, a 52-rai (8.3-hectare) retail and entertainment complex to be located on the existing Siam Continental Hotel site, into a Thai landmark and world-class destination.
The contract, worth more than Bt100 million, is with five world-class architect and design teams including Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo, which designed Sun City Hotel in South Africa and the Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas, and RTKL International, which designed Tower City Centre in Ohio and Pentagon City in Virginia. Both will take responsibility for the master plan and architectural designs.
The others are Jacqueline and Henri Boiffils for interior design, Bensley Design Studio and Bunnag Architects International Consultants for the master plan and landscape designs, and RDG Planning and Design for architecture and detail designs.
"We spent more than three months travelling between Thailand and abroad to seek the best architects and designers," said Chadatip Chutrakul, managing director of Bangkok International Hotels and CEO of the Siam Paragon Development.
"The homework we gave to these world-class architecture and design teams was to develop a good combination of Thai-style architecture and practical commercial sense," said Chadatip.
The contracts were signed at the beginning of this year, said Supaluck Umpujh, senior executive vice president of the Mall Group and vice chairman of the Siam Paragon Development.
" Only 10 per cent of the designs have been completed so far. And we will take the next six months to complete the conceptual master plan and schematic designs," Supaluck said.
Construction of the complex will begin by the end of this year and take about two and a half years to complete.
Chadatip said the Siam Paragon complex would be divided into three major parts: a five-star hotel and luxury serviced apartment, global retail entertainment complex and a 7-rai park and internal road.
"We also want to develop the Siam Paragon to become Asia's largest jewellery trade centre. The 5,000-square metre jewellery centre is expected to attract more than 50 international and local jewellery makers and designers in one place," Supaluck said.
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
THE NATION