CONVERGE: RECONNECT

Due to space limitations within urban areas and the lack of community spaces, many individuals tend to overlook the joy and fulfilment that comes from engaging in conversations and enjoying time with others within the community.

Emerald Nexus, a community project situated in Talad Noi, aims to revitalise unused canals by designing an inclusive environment that preserves the natural beauty of the area while establishing a new standard for a community-driven learning city.

To ensure the park remains accessible to the public rather than being privately owned, a self-sustaining business model and program have been devised since the project's inception.

In this Project, seven distinct locations surrounding the site have been selected, each possessing its own unique identity and characteristics. The objective is to identify the most suitable and efficient areas for the program. These seven locations will be interconnected through a grand platform spanning across the canal, creating a network that facilitates learning, craft community, and recreational spaces. Together, these components converge to design a space catering to individuals of all interests and ages, providing them with an ideal setting to spend quality time with their families.

The first node, situated in close proximity to the Chaopraya River, serves as a welcoming program meticulously designed to captivate and invite visitors.

The second node focuses on fostering a community of woodcraft enthusiasts, providing them with a dedicated space to hone their woodworking and handicraft skills. Additionally, it serves as a hub for studying the sustainability of wood as a material.

The third node brings together individuals interested in auto parts, offering a platform for repurposing and transforming unused auto parts into innovative and valuable creations. It also facilitates the development of steel craft skills for those interested in the field.

Node four, strategically chosen due to its proximity to the local community, serves as a potential community hub. It encourages both locals and outsiders to gather, exchange ideas, and discuss collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing the community.

Node five operates as an independent urban studies laboratory, a space for urban think-gathering, and a center for knowledge and data management. It also plays a crucial role in facilitating community engagement. The node offers comprehensive consultancy support for urban studies research and serves as a primary workspace for urban development students.

Node six acts as a recycling centre, providing an opportunity for individuals to learn the value of repurposing discarded items that are often perceived as trash. Here, visitors gain insights into creative and sustainable reuse through redesigning efforts.

Node seven, functioning as a pavilion, acts as a pivotal connection point to the city, enabling easy access to the city centre.

Every node serves as a guide, highlighting the unique characteristics of each community. Moreover, it integrates all the green spaces within the study area, establishing a network of interconnected green areas that locals can conveniently visit within a 15-minute walk.

The park situated on the canal serves as a paramount aspect of this project. Its construction employed a modular approach, utilising a triangle shape that ensures efficiency and sustainability throughout both the construction phase and long-term maintenance. Each module is designed to support the weight of soil and medium-sized trees. 

Additionally, the park functions not only as pedestrian bridges connecting the various communities but also integrates four sustainable technologies, namely solar cells, Fasai air purification technology, and water treatment technology, into its design, aligning with the concept of a learning city.

The park and each node are conceptually designed with lines inspired by the traditional Thai House, fostering harmony with the local buildings while exemplifying the community's boundless imagination and preparedness for the future.

Moreover, the park incorporates the "BENJA AGRICULTURAL TECHNIQUE" to foster biodiversity. Through the cultivation of plants in five tiers, an ecosystem reminiscent of a forest is created, fostering rich biodiversity and maximising land utilisation for optimal benefits.