This project originated as the winning scheme in a design
competition for the Cementhai Building Products Gallery, which was later
adopted and relocated to CDC, or Crystal Design Center, located at Praditmanudham
Road.
Cementhai is a public company with a long reputation as the
nation’s first cement producer and has expanded continuously to become the
largest, and most advanced, industrial conglomerate in Thailand.
The design draws inspiration from the company’s history and the
gallery will display an array of products used in all aspects of building
construction design. Located at the front access point of CDC’s 11.2-hectare site,
the building’s 20-meter-high glass façade welcomes visitors.
An enormous concrete slab gently slopes away from the floor
slab to become the wall, then expands skywards to become the roof above its
point of origin. This symbolism, in a way, reflects the advanced innovation of
the company.
Together, as a composition of the concrete plane, they form the three-story building containing the exhibition space, the reading area, and expert product consulting service on the first floor.
The second floor is comprised of a library, designers club,
materials library, and display area for Cementhai’s own products. The third
floor will function as the administrative office and a display area for more
oversized products.
Although the shape of the building is largely defined by the
perimeter of the property, the concrete of the building is liberated,
elemental, and freeform. The edge of the slab also defines the shape of the
floor plan and provides open space in the building by connecting all the
elements together.
All components of the
building are assembled exclusively from products made by Cementhai company and
its affiliate groups.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In collaboration with Landscape Architects 49, we have extensive experience in master planning and urban design. We have worked for both government and private sectors from large urban development to planning of new university campus.