ASA Journal 12/2023

54
theme / review
SECTION A
8
The architecture team at A49 came up with a
distinctive roof design for the architecture of the
Center of Excellence for Forest Conservation in
Thailand’s Map Ta Phut district. Their innovative
approach to exploring possibilities has resulted
in a new definition of what a roof can be. Upon
winning the design competition, the architects
conducted a site survey to analyze the activities
that would be carried out on the project. This office
space is intended to support the operational activities
of the Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal.
The terminal primarily functions as a storage
facility for liquefied natural gas (LNG), which has
become an increasingly popular alternative energy
source in a number of countries. The survey led to
the architecture team recognizing an opportunity
to incorporate the cold temperature, which is a
byproduct of the process, into the design.
The enormous cylindrical shape of an LNG
storage tank piqued the design team’s interest as
they examined its interior. The tanks are normally
accessible only prior to being opened and put into
operation. One idea is to integrate the physical
features of the LNG tanks into the interior design
of the building. The overall architectural design was
developed based on the visual impression it creates.
The building’s design does not overtly reference
the tank and natural gas from its exterior. Instead,
the architect aimed to create a design that would
reflect the local community’s surroundings. The
hilly landscape has been designed in a way that
reduces the dominant presence of the structure,
thereby preventing it from appearing like a massive
tank and minimizing any unfavorable visual impact.
Constructing a new architectural structure can
have environmental impacts. Therefore, the design
team realized that it was important to create a welldesigned
and constructed new environment. The
landscape architecture was conceived to accommodate
the natural water flow system, which has
enabled the ecosystem and environment to revive.
The waterscape features a large pool that serves
as an irrigation system for the nearby region.
The interior functional program consists of an office
space and a winter forest ecosystem, each making
up half of the spatial program. The landscape is
accessible for both employees and visitors to enjoy.
The second and third floors of the building house
the office spaces. On the first floor, there is a
garden open for public access where winter plants
and flowers are grown. The design incorporates
a separation of circulation, which allows for accessibility
to both public and private areas.
08
รูปตัดขวาง แสดง Space
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