Carlos SolisHatai is a complex featuring two hotels and a variety of recreational and entertainment facilities. The towers will consist of multi-tiered, rounded modules. At dusk, the buildings will glow brightly, reminiscent of traditional Thai lanterns. This striking design, envisioned by the project’s creators, aims to become a new architectural symbol of the historic Silom district in the heart of Bangkok.
Hatai is Heatherwick Studio’s first project in Thailand.
What do we know about the complex?
Heatherwick Studio has informally dubbed their new creation the “Lantern Quarter.” The towers and surrounding areas of the complex will cover an area of 10,500 square meters. The two hotels, Hatai – Six Senses and Narai Hotel – will feature more than 300 rooms.
The complex, which will be built on the site of the old Narai Hotel, will include a banquet hall, conference rooms, and a wellness center.
The architects say the buildings that will illuminate the night sky allude to traditional Thai lanterns, adding a touch of warmth to the urban landscape.
“We designed a series of ‘lanterns’ stacked on top of each other to create a ‘soft’ silhouette on the horizon. We are creating a large public space element that will infuse street life with a spirit of curiosity and exploration,” said studio founder Thomas Heatherwick.
Between the towers, the team has designed a public space covering 5,200 square meters, featuring walkways, abundant trees and flowers, fountains, shrines, restaurants, cafes, an open-air market, and areas for entertainment events. The area will be adorned with a restored canal.
Heatherwick Studio’s concept describes this as a space within the urban landscape where everyone can find comfort and harmony.
“Thailand’s culture and historical architecture are rich, yet the blandness and stark severity of many so-called modern buildings in Bangkok do not reflect this at all. So we wanted to create something that would connect more deeply with the country’s heritage and add emotion and history to the city,” said Thomas Heatherwick.
The Hatai complex is set to open in 2028, as reported by Dezeen.
Recently, Heatherwick Studio unveiled a commercial district with a vertical park in Xi’an, China. In 2023, they brought the Azabudai Hills project to life in Tokyo, featuring wave-like roofs crowned with greenery.
