Bangkok Day 4: Schools, Artifacts and Palaces

Nur Irdina Lee Chun Ling GS67529
Jul 12, 2024
4 min read

Waking up bright and early to the sound of rain, we embarked on another exciting day in Bangkok. The weather was a welcome change from the insufferable heat of the previous days. Our first stop was the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (SSRU), where we met with a lecturer who had visited us during the first semester with some Thai students on an exchange program. The rain, which the lecturer mentioned was the first of the year, made the day feel special and refreshing. It was surprising to hear this, considering it was already May.

We had to stop by a 7-Eleven to buy raincoats since some of my friends didn’t bring umbrellas. After a short walk, we greeted the lecturer and grouped up with the rest of the class. The lecturer introduced us to the dean of the school and gave a brief overview of the architecture acceleration method in Thailand. The campus layout was intriguing, with a single block and a central lift as the main access point. From the window in the classroom, I could see a row of black and red buildings, and the corridor showcased the first-year students’ works. Unfortunately, it was their semester break, so we didn’t meet many students.

A brief video presentation was followed by a tour of the faculty. The studio floor was particularly impressive, displaying structural design models and final studio models, which students had four months to complete with the faculty’s sponsorship.

The facilities included a laser cut machine and a woodworking room to aid in model production, as well as a computer room equipped with high-end iMacs for teaching CAD. Even the floors were painted with motive patterns to inspire creativity among students.

Following the faculty tour, we visited a nearby museum. We passed by many manmade lakes and gazebos that were part of the SSRU campus. The curator explained the museum’s history and showed us artifacts and traditions from the past. The museum had been refurbished but retained most of its original elements, creating a seamless and timeless feel. The curator even showed us the best spots for photos and demonstrated how the manual fan over the queen’s bed functioned. After the museum, we ate lunch at the campus cafeteria and headed to our next destination.

With a few hiccups and changes in bus routes, we couldn’t find a bus to our next destination. I decided to walk with some classmates while the girls I usually hung out with took a Grab. Two of them were feeling unwell, and it was best not to risk it getting worse.

The walk was an adventure in itself. The road was paved but littered with construction sites, requiring us to cross roads and navigate back alleyways. Despite the obstacles, the suburban cityscape, with its shops and stalls, and a Buddha temple we passed by, was captivating. The 20-minute walk finally brought us to Phra Sumen Fort. The fort, surrounded by a row of cafés, exuded a quiet charm. We also explored Santi Chai Prakan Park, taking in the wondrous view and spacious garden. Soon after, we took a boat ride to the Grand Palace.

Once docked, we disembarked and immediately noticed a crowd of people buying local delicacies and some classmates even bought clothes. Unfortunately, we arrived too late, and the ticket counter was closed, so we only managed to admire the palace’s exterior.

That brought us to the end of the official itinerary. For lunch, we split into three groups: those who stayed, those who wanted to eat viral crab meat rice, and those who couldn’t eat seafood. I joined the last group due to my allergies. We went to Sala Daeng Commons, a place built using recycled materials, adding to its charm. After dinner, we met up with the group who had gone for crab meat.

They expressed their disappointment with the quality, and we proceeded to Ceylon Street for a cultural experience. Ceylon Street was dark yet lively, with a Tokyo-like feel from the signage. It’s known for its red-light district, and one of our guy friends kept getting approached, which was amusing. Soon after, we took the trip back to the hotel, ending the day.

Soon later, we took the trip back to the hotel and ended of the day

Observations of Architecture

Reflecting on the architectural aspects of the day, the visit to the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at SSRU was particularly enlightening. The single-block structure with a lift as the main access point showcased a practical approach to space utilization. The architecture acceleration method discussed by the dean highlighted the efficiency and innovation in Thai architectural education. The use of high-end iMacs in the computer room and the creative motif patterns on the floor were indicative of the emphasis on integrating technology and creativity.

The tour of the studio floor revealed the impressive structural design models created by students. These models, which took four months to complete, demonstrated the high level of skill and dedication required in architectural studies. The availability of a laser cut machine and woodworking room underscored the importance of hands-on experience in model production. This practical approach to learning is something that could be beneficial if incorporated into more architectural programs globally.

The museum visit further emphasized the blend of old and new in Thai architecture. The museum’s refurbishment while retaining original elements was a testament to the value placed on preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern needs. This seamless integration of past and present elements is a lesson in creating timeless architectural designs.

The walk to Phra Sumen Fort, despite the obstacles, provided a glimpse into the suburban cityscape of Bangkok. The presence of shops, stalls, and temples along the route highlighted the coexistence of commercial, residential, and religious spaces, a common feature in urban Asian cities. Phra Sumen Fort and Santi Chai Prakan Park offered a contrast to the bustling city streets, with their serene and spacious environments.

Finally, the exterior of the Grand Palace, even though we couldn’t enter, was a magnificent sight. The intricate details and grandeur of the palace are a reflection of Thailand’s rich architectural heritage. The experience of seeing such a historic and culturally significant structure, even from the outside, was inspiring.