Critical Regionalism Theory: An Analysis of Architecture in Rattanakosin Island

Abstract

This paper analyzes eight cases of architecture in Rattanakosin Island on the theory of Critical Regionalism, posited by Kenneth Frampton. It analyzed forms, elements, materials while also examining their contextual relevance, which aimed at a new interpretation of Rattanakosin Island’s architecture in the theoretical viewpoint of Critical Regionalism. The finding reveals that all of them imbue the grammars of Critical Regionalism architecture. According to the analysis, the attribute of Critical Regionalism as the identity of these buildings are characterized by 1) For institutional building type, they are likely shaped by a peculiar grammar which intertwines fragmented planning schemes with details of mass and volume, for instance, the use of sun breakers, and even abstraction of forms; 2) The cases embodied meticulous-detail decoration, including colors and textures of materials and skin adornments for commercial buildings. Pastiche, however, was also found in some buildings decorated in flashy colors and tones. The commercial type focuses more on tactile sensibility since they pursue an intimate interaction of the users; these tactics, thus, heightened the experience for the users. The cases demonstrated various approaches relevant to Frampton’s theory; however, transcending the listed techniques of Frampton, some cases furthered employ discourses on memory and marketing themes and, for the cases of renovation, it revealed a technique of deepening the building skins in order to display the old memory that used to be concealed.