Transformative learning in Architectural Education for the people, community and society.
Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect, the professional architecture studio was founded to facilitate “work-based learning” at the Arsomsilp Institute of the Arts’ School of Architecture. Throughout running the course for more than 7 years the school always believed that the best way to make a strong linkage between the academic and the professional studio, to enrich the learning ecosystem for architecture students, teachers and professional architects have to live and work together as a community in the same space, under the concept of “One Roof”
The Rabindhorn building was once the gymnasium of Roong Aroon School, the school owned by the same foundation with Arsomsilp Institute. After the school’s gym was transferred to a bigger gymnasium, the Rabindhorn building was transferred to Arsomsilp to repurpose and bring back the liveliness and educational environment as a new architecture studio.
The Arsomsilp communal goal is to develop architects through the holistic learning approach by working as a team to solve problems in the real world, through a growing mindset of the 21st century learning. The “One Roof” learning space ideology is emphasized by keeping the strong character of the old wooden trusses as the remembrance of the old gymnasium.
Preserving the building's main structure from its previous gymnasium form, sustainable materials take precedence in the additions. Wood shingles for roofing and recycled wooden components from old residences and structures were employed to curtail carbon emissions. Local construction techniques and visible design details serve as inspiration, fostering precision in the work produced.
Passive designs were used for reducing operational energy by utilizing the natural source of energy for both lighting and cooling systems. The lighting design utilizes the direct sunlight through the roof’s ridge to synchronize with circadian rhythm optimizing visual comfort and heat gains. The cooling design on one hand the active cooling (AC) is used in the divided office space (glass boxes) and on the other hand the passive cooling is used in open space. In detail, passive design via horizontal and vertical ventilation along with the roof’s ridge ventilation cools the open space to reach daily 80 percent of the thermal comfort condition around 5 hours. The passive ventilation is enhanced by the micro climate created by ventilating the air around the existing pond and park to naturally cool the connected building’s open space. For water reuse, compressor draining water; drip irrigation technique; is used for growing the plant to feed staff for the company's lunch program.
Rabindhorn functions as a living building, fostering flexible functionality driven by user creativity. Each architectural team's workspace and studios are housed within glass boxes, encircling the central open well and stairs, facilitating vertical and horizontal interactions among the community. The interstitial spaces between these glass boxes serve as common areas for group learning and discussions. Elevated wooden trusses in the northeast wing create additional studio space and a 100-seat meeting room, fostering diverse and interactive learning environments. As the staff spends the majority of their day within Rabindhorn, it functions as a community hub, offering spaces for living, leisure, and exercise. Conversion of old music rooms on the first floor into versatile spaces allows for a multipurpose canteen, library, and workshops.
The design of the new Rabindhorn building emphasizes connectivity with other Arsomsilp Institute structures. A lawn and coffee shop adjoining the southwest wing open up to an existing water pond. The main entrance, aligned with a welcoming bamboo art gallery and organic market, leads to the main stairs, creating an inviting ambiance for the community.
Our team
Structure Engineer: Mr.Prawit Phanwiroj
Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: Mr.Petch Panyangam
Sanitary Engineer: Mr.Petch Panyangam
Renovation Engineer: Mr.Him Roongsattham, Mr. Sanguan Ruengrojtham
Energy Consultant: Mr.Suchon Supsing
Contractor: Mr.Kamol Buranasumpatanon, Mr.Kasem Photoop, Mr.Sorasak Singhata, Totall line Solution.Co.,Ltd., Srisamut Aluminurm limited partnership
