Rayong Cultural Center is located on 141 rais in Nong Lalok, Bankhai district,Rayong province. The existing site includes a rice field with a rice ridge and a natural pond because of its lowland topography. There is surrounded by low-density residential areas which represent the locals’ way of life such as a small shop, restaurant, temple, and agricultural area integrated with the community. Nearby the site, there is also have a natural area and water resource.
Rayong has a rich history of natural fertilization and diverse topography making human settlement happens in the water-related area, but everything changes at a fast pace after city development. As a result, the goal of this project is to create a cultural center for collecting cultural arts, traditions, and Rayong’s knowledge, as well as to pass them through various learning processes for preservation.
The design started with a small but significant society – locals in the community. We co-created the initial concept through a community-based participatory process for sustainable development in terms of economy, society, and environment.
Design strategies:
Strategy 01 – Cultural Landscape: to raise awareness of Rayong’s cultural landscape
The site has the potential for a 141-rai rice field with a beautiful view of Khao Nguang Chang. The landscape connects mountains, lowland, water, and fishery area are all Rayong characteristics that give itself to create a space of a knowledge center for Rayong people, Thai people, and world citizens to preserve and continue Rayong culture values.
Strategy 02 – Living Culture: to develop culture creatively through experiential learning
Allow the community to participate in the route and space design, and express the Rayong story, to help develop Rayong culture towards the future from its roots.
Strategy 03 – Creative Economy and Creative District
Aside from providing a cultural center, this area also provides a local business identity, having been inspired by historical water-commercial activity. It is created to gather community products that reflect the authenticity of Rayong’s culture. Furthermore, it will be a “start-up village” for young people based on agricultural community knowledge from the past. Not only the culture is preserved, but also be developed to improve the community’s well-being.
Strategy 04 – Cultural Park: a beloved place for Rayong people by local participation
The project serves as a large public park for local activities and a gathering space. Commercial space, recreation area, family space, and water activities are all provided for a multi-generations society which reflects Rayong’s current cultural life.
Strategy 05 – Sustainability Cultural Center
The natural pond is used as a water treatment area where people can learn how aquatic plants reduce water pollution. And during flood season, it can be a community’s detention area to manage water discharge. The orchard and forest park, which increase the oxygen to provide fresh air, were planted to improve the community’s life by producing natural products and promoting them to others. As a result, the project will be an ecological learning park where humans, nature, and wildlife can live in harmony.
Rayong Cultural Center | Rayong, Thailand | Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect
Landscape Architect: Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect
Collaborators: Architect – Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect