Bangkok, Thailand gained a rainforest observatory designed by HAS Design and Research. It’s called Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory. Bangkok has 6.99 square meters of green space for each person, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Unfortunately, this is less than the nine square meters minimum recommended by the World Health Organization. The Benchakitti Forest Park rainforest observatory aims to remedy this a bit, opening to the public in 2022 to create more green space for Bangkok residents.
Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is an architectural manifesto, according to its designers. The observatory creates more natural environment, expressing the demand of Bangkok residents for more green spaces for their city.
Additionally, the project sits is in the center of Benchakitti Forest Park, surrounded by wetlands and trees. Flowers, songbirds and insects fill the park, which is already popular with locals. By creating an observatory here, designers have created a new way for people to get up close with nature in their environment while relaxing outdoors.
Furthermore, the observatory is designed to blend in to its natural environment. It’s green and looks as though it is covered in leaves. The platforms extend out like a floating wetland island into the park amidst the tropical rainforest. Undulating forms guide visitors to the upper level where they can look over the park. The lower first level combines a water misting system to simulate a wetland environment with activities for people to enjoy, including yoga, meditation and family events.
Nearly 100 smart boards were combined with four different green colors of sustainable paint to wrap into the forest seamlessly and with minimal impact. The light strips behind the smart boards come on at night to provide lighting while making the form of the building disappear against the background of the forest at night. HAS Design and Research says that Benchakitti Rain Forest Observatory is not just a service facility, but more like a tropical rainforest itself. The structure provides shade for visitors and creates a gathering space for citizens that helps them connect with each other and nature.
Lastly, we love the walkways with changing elevations that are disguised and softened by the green façade. Visitors can stand on the upper levels to walk along the park at a higher level for a beautiful view, or sit beneath the misters beneath the platforms to relax in the shade.
Rainforest observatory provides a green space for Bangkok [Inhabitat]