BACC – Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is the cutting edge mid-town contemporary art centre where artists come and unite.
Started in 1995 by The Artists’ United Front of Thailand who propose the idea of a contemporary art centre for Thailand to dedicate to His Majesty the King Bhumipol Adulyadej. However, conflict between the artists and the governor prevent the project for going further due to the governor’s vision of wanting to turn the art centre into a shopping mall with the art centre being a minor part of it.
It was not until the new elected Bangkok Governor; Mr.Apirak Kosayodhin approved the project in September of 2004 that the project restarted with budget of 509 million baht. In July of 2008 the projected was completed and the official opening in 2009.
The style of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a combination of both modern and historic reference of Thai forms and shapes. Narrow and small windows are used as a remark of tradition Thai style windows but were adapted to create a modern look. A sloped slanted wall of the exterior looks simple and modern but was actually used by Thai architecture over the years. Thai roof and the form of Thai traditional dance positions inspired the curved profile of the interior. Feelings of open space are affected by the use of high ceilings and window panels. The building consists of 9 floors, with the main gallery beginning from the 5th floor. The floors beneath are for small galleries, coffee shops, working areas and art institutes. The structural systems are designed to its best comfort of visitors. There are air-conditioners in all areas of the building, which can be accessed by both escalators and lifts. Natural light is also the main factor of its design, windows are used to the maximum so that the sunlight can access every floor of the building. When natural light is not enough they also kept the concept of natural light by using natural colour lightings. Car park is designated in the underground area with concerns for the handicapped by slopes and automatic staircase. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre itself is easy to access by various ways such as via BTS, skywalk, staircase from the roads and cars. Principle materials used in the design are glass paneling, marbled or cemented floor and light wooden frames. Not only does this keep the simplicity of design so the focus could be on the art works but it also makes the building look expensive. Glass paneling along most parts of the wall was to create the illusion of big open space, glass walls were also used for the small galleries so that it would be visible from the outside. White and oak coloured Marbled and cement floor were used to keep the simple look and also the cool the interior. To finish the look, light wooden frames were applied so that it would fit the colour tones of the buildings. There are varieties of special spatial features around the art centre, for example the central space outside the building, the spiral slope, the huge gallery and the kid zone. The central space is an open space, which serves all kinds of purpose, such as concerts, flees markets or events. The spiral slope does not only act as a stair but also provides area for art works to be hung. There are also places for big installation or sculptures to be displayed at the huge gallery above. Kid zone are also available for kids to have fun and play with art. We find the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to be a successful hub for all people and artworks to come together and share the same interest. Not only Robert G. Boughey and Associates beautifully designed the building but also it is flexible in its use.

Source: Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre. Accessed November 17th, 2010. http://www.bacc.or.th/

Pichayaporn Chuenchob 25
Simona Meesaiyati 42