"Revitalizing the cultural connection between Bangkok's residents and the Chao Phraya River through a public pier design that balances modern functionality with historical awareness."
Chang Pier reimagines a historic Bangkok ferry terminal as an inclusive public space that reconnects citizens with the Chao Phraya River. The project responds to the observation that modernization had created a disconnect between urban life and the waterway that once defined Bangkok's identity.
The design employs a minimalist white canopy structure that creates a visual dialogue with the site's cultural heritage. During daytime, the clean architectural planes provide shade and frame views of surrounding temples and landmarks. At sunset, the space transforms as golden light bathes the pier, evoking the river's historical atmosphere.
Rather than functioning solely as transportation infrastructure, the redesigned pier encourages diverse activities—relaxation, social gatherings, contemplation—in a setting that celebrates the river. The open layout and thoughtful spatial organization invite visitors to linger and rediscover their relationship with the water.
By blending contemporary design language with cultural sensitivity, Chang Pier demonstrates how architectural intervention can revitalize public connections to heritage landscapes and reverse the commercialization that had restricted river access to paying customers.
