The Forestias, designed by Foster + Partners, is one of the largest property development projects in Thailand. The landscaping of the project is done by the well-known Thai landscape design firm, TK Studio. The highlight of the landscaping project is a 48,000m2 of urban forest at the centre of The Forestias, connecting all developments within the site to create a healthier and high quality living for all residents. The Forest Pavilion, which currently functions as the sales gallery, will be converted into The Forestias Ecosystem Learning Center for sharing knowledge of forest ecosystem, and be a hub of the gated community to share ideas and mingle with each other. It is also an entrance gateway to the broad forest zone of The Forestias, providing a prototype of living with nature.
To support the wellness of the users and create an immersive experience of living with nature, TK Studio utilised the research as design strategies. From those findings, the landscape design studio decided to dedicate majority of area as green space that can be seen from every angle of the Forest Pavilion, while demonstrating potential benefits of nature that integrates and encourages users to access to nature.
The landscape concept is “Symbiosis with Nature” which embraces three objectives: planting the future of symbiosis with nature, immersing the wilderness, and balancing human activities and the growth of urban forest – by transforming rigid form of pavilion into the natural freeform of central forest, maximise privacy for all users and residents, provide the authentic experience of living in the forest.
The Forest Pavilion is intended to be a testing lab for symbiosis with nature, so the essence of nature have been integrated with landscape design at the Forest Pavilion, where users can have a unique experience of nature in an urban setting. Plus, delightful walkway and skywalk are designed to attract people go outdoor and to enjoy the quality of natural environment with tranquil picturesque landscape.
At Forest Pavilion, the scale of natural environment here has been extended further beyond any typical urban environment. By creating Miyawaki Eco Forest, this dynamic forest-like landscape is a living paradise creating biodiversity that will grow and evolve. International standards of SITES, WELL, and LEED were implemented.
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Project details:
Year of completion: 2020
Lead Landscape Designer: Tawatchai Kobkaikit
Landscape Design Team: Nantawan Sirisup, Punyada Klinpaka, Passaporn Shompoopun, Nottaporn, Gatewattanatorn, Patcharanat Phokhinthanasiri, Nikom Mangiew, Sirikun Thirawatthanaset, Tummanoon Jaitheing, Wasin Somsak
Additional Project Credits:
Architect: FOSTER + PARTNERS
Local Architect: DT DESIGN
Interior Designer: BUG & DT DESIGN
Structural and Civil Engineer: EEC LINCOLNE SCOTT
MEP Engineer: EEC ENGINEERING NETWORK
Lighting Specialist: APLD
Hardscape Contractor: CHRISTIANI & NIELSEN (THAI)
Softscape Contractor: CPS
Quantity Surveyor: AECOM (THAILAND)
Sustainability consultant: ATELIER TEN LTD.
Project location (Street, City, Country): THE FORESTIAS, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Photographers: Rungkit Charoenwat, Weerapol Singnoi, Anong Chanamool Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC)
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