The pixelated charm of MahaNakhon
Hello everyone, this is One more blog and it happens to be my blog! I am quite excited about having a blog… So I decided to start it with an exciting topic as well. Today story will be about…
MahaNakhon, the tallest skyscrapper in Thailand
If you are an architect, you cannot go to Bangkok without paying attention to the new landmark, the new tallest skyscraper in Thailand called MahaNakhon. If you are worried (like I was) that there is a chance of missing it out, just DON’T be! Although Bangkok is huge and crowded, the building somewhat dominates the skyline and shapes the urban landscape with its peculiar silhouette. I have to say that I am not a huge fan of skyscrapers. Well, I am not a fan of them at all, to be honest. However there is something special about this one and I was curious to find out more about this unfinished-looking pixelated beauty.
Its name (MahaNakhon) means in Thai “Great Metropolis” and it really catches the vibes of the city within its 77 floors and 314m height. It has been completed in 2016, however there was a huge disappointment: we couldn’t manage to visit it – it was closed and from outside it seemed empty as if it wasn’t finished yet. The architect’s name is Ole Sheeren – I don’t know whether he has something to do with Ed Sheeren, but obviously as the names are similar, it’s quite an easy one to memorise. Along with the fact that he has been part of OMA ( which stands for Office for Metropolitan Architecture, not One More Architect which I am sure would be your first association).
The programme of the building includes a shopping mall, garden plaza, fine dining restaurants, office space, Bangkok’s first Ritz-Carlton Hotel and ultra-luxe apartments. On the very top three floors there will be a multi-level restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace with 360 degree views towering over Bangkok. It is 10m higher than the nearby BayokeTower II. The skyscraper is located in Sathorn in downtown Bangkok, part of the Central Business District and surrounded by financial institutions and other five star hotels.
Some people say that the new tallest building looks like a pixelated image in mid-donwload, which is not necessarily a bad thing. My personal opinion is that the design is successful - it has a provocative and creative appearence, a kind of imagination boost. It fits perfectly in the urban fabric of Bangkok. The skyscrapper is located in an administrative area, characterised with mostly high rise buildings. The surroundings are homogenious, which is something I couldn't claim about the rest of Bangkok. I would describe it as a chaotic and eclectic city. On the other hand, its charm and dynamic excitement (and last but not least the lady boys) make it a beloved destination destination for the foreigner tourists.
Here are the photos that I managed to take from outside and here are some links for more information about it.
http://www.mahanakhon.com/design.php - MahaNakhon’s official webpage
http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/mahanakhon/8725 - Some technical details
http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/mahanakorn.htm - More info and a map location
https://www.facebook.com/MahaNakhonBKK/ - Facebook page
