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Work to start on Bangkok Central Embassy retail and hotel facility in February 2011
Despite drawing on local heritage and culture with ‘motifs and patterns found in traditional Thai architecture’, Amanda Levete’s Central Embassy building in Bangkok is a glitteringly modern structure, with extruded aluminium panels merged with vast areas of glazing.
Work is due to start on the 1.5million sq ft 5 star hotel this coming February, combining elements of luxurious accommodation with entertainment and retail facilities. The sinuous form is wrapped around two vertical light wells, harnessing Thailand’s strong sunlight to naturally illuminate vertical internal gardens and stepped terraces.
The 30 storey hotel is placed atop a 7 storey retail podium and is divided by the central light wells, separating the private guest-related functions from the more active hotel bar, reception lounge and sky terrace. Stunning panoramic views are afforded from both sides, however the private facilities are angled towards the peaceful gardens of Lai Nert Park whereas the social aspects of the complex face over the bright lights of Bangkok.
Levete explains: “By embracing advanced technology as well as drawing on local heritage and culture, Bangkok Central Embassy is an articulation of the search for a perceptive and contemporary architectural language. It is a design that is local to its surrounding and simultaneously redefines the location.”
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