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Connecting people with various moods of speeds and activities.
The project is a big step forward in collaboration and reimagination, solving
the city's most pressing issues in a low-carbon context, increasing green space
and walkability, reducing emissions and pollution, enhancing public health
and developing a climate resilience city.
Photo credit: LANDPROCESS / Panoramic Studio
was the first vehicle bridge across the ends. Squeezed between two sides of environment where visitors can see and
Chao Phraya River, and a tribute to King heavy traffic with just 8.5 metres of width, be seen. Just as importantly, inclusivity
Rama I, the founder of Bangkok. the designers split the linear park into has been prioritised, with lifts, rails,
Inspired by elements of the Memorial two interweaving pathways in order to wheelchair ramps, and other universal
Bridge, the team of landscape architects maximise space. The two divided weaving design elements embedded throughout
and architects decided that the new pathways increase space perception, while the park to enable access to all users.
structure should not compete with its separated spatial linear forms offer various
predecessor, but rather should respect it. speeds and activities such as walking, Design with Limitation
Emulating the curves of the Memorial running, biking, or strolling across the Building an entire park on an
Bridge in a contemporary manner, the bridge park. Additionally, the CPSP abandoned, 40-year-old inaccessible
CPSP humbly weaves into the slopes of its provides a safe and beautiful strolling Sky rail infrastructure is no easy feat. As
precedent counterpart to adorn the city's experience for pedestrians by elevating part of their on-site investigation, the
skyline in unison. all park structures above the roadways on architectural team needed to estimate all
For almost a century, the Memorial each side, which also reduces noise and dimensions and to experience then as
Bridge has been one of the few spots in pollution. if they were walking on the amputated
the city where Bangkokians and tourists— Traversing the shortest section of the structure. Furthermore, with weight
previously standing on a tiny passage river, the bridge's length of 280 metres limitations, the soil depth and the
next to busy traffic—could take in the appears straightforward in the visual additional existing structure were critical
panoramic scenery of Bangkok and the distance. However, the design team considerations during the design process.
Chao Phraya River. The Memorial Bridge aims to create a sense of exploration for Between the right of way of 8.5 metres,
was thus included within the frame as pedestrians by hiding visual endpoints on the design elements and construction
part of the bigger picture. From the both sides. For that reason, outlook steps process could not disrupt or obstruct the
CPSP, pedestrians can enjoy views with on both ends rise as part of intertwining parallel traffic on either side. With space
the Memorial Bridge in the foreground, walkways that extend the user experience. and time constraints, the designers built
overlooking Bangkok's postcard At the Sky Park's midpoint, where all bridge park structures with a modular
destinations like the Temple of Dawn the two divided pathways combine, part system of precast GRC blocks, saving both
(Wat Arun), the Temple of the Reclining of the path weaves its way up to form a construction time and costs. These GRC
Buddha (Wat Pho), and the Wichai Prasit curved hilltop walkway. Small cascading blocks were assembled into various units,
Fort. With a 360-degree panoramic view steps carve out sitting areas for a linear forming walls of diverse topography,
of Bangkok over the River of the Kings, performance stage created for special planters, railing, and seating to frame the
the Sky Park provides all Bangkokians events. whole walking and driving experience
with a unique viewpoint from which to The Sky Park's design also opens up inside out and outside in.
observe both the city's past and present. new and unique vistas for admiring The wind force is a crucial factor for
sunrises and sunsets over the river, both the hardscapes and softscapes. The
Widening spaces, while lengthening juxtaposing Bangkok's historic district planting design consists of various low-
experiences and modern skyline on either side. In maintenance plants—requiring less soil
By merging two existing community addition, the crisscross design of the and having high resistance to wind and
parks across the river, CPSP becomes varying elevations of pathways ensures sun—with branches and forms that don't
part of the park's connectivity on both linear space visibility, promoting a safe spread widely and obstruct both roadways
dw • Issue 261 57

