Designer vehemently denounces proposal for renovation of parliament structure
Rewritten Article:
Architect Chatree Ladalalitsakul, renowned as the National Artist behind Thailand's new parliament building, has made it clear that he's not a fan of the renovation plans, considering the structure a priceless national artwork that demands the original creators' approval before any alterations.
"For a decade, we've kept quiet despite the smear campaign. The parliament building is a vital architectural gem of the nation for the past century. As the designer, I've safeguarded this masterpiece for a decade at a significant personal cost," Mr Chatree boldly declared during a Senate subcommittee meeting on creative arts.
He highlighted that four notable national artists collaborated on the design. In the field of architecture, following-up modifications are few and far between due to their visual and practical repercussions. Any such adjustments must bear the stamp of approval from the original architects.
"This is a masterwork of national art. You can't just stick something on wherever you fancy," he pointed out.
Misconceptions about the Parking Situation
Recalling past criticism through an accusatory lens, Mr Chatree explained that the architectural team complied fully with the Terms of Reference (ToR), which were meticulously drafted by legal experts, including the former president of the Association of Siamese Architects and officials from the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning. The experts were well-aware that 2,000 spaces would be inadequate.
Parking was never meant to be exclusively housed within the parliament complex. Instead, nearby military facilities and Wat Kaew Fah were intended to provide supplementary parking.
"It was never intended to be crammed entirely into the parliament compound. During the construction phase, we conducted eight parking-related studies, but none were adopted. And when they talk about expanding parking, guess what? We weren't even consulted," he explained with a touch of irritation.
Regarding the feasibility of an underground car park extension, Mr Chatree expressed limited knowledge but warned cautiously of flood risks. The parliament's underground levels are fortified to withstand four meters of floodwater.
"Samsen Road has a noticeable slope, and if you stroll from the People's Plaza to an upward-opening watertight door, you'll notice the area below is susceptible to flooding. That said, even if Bangkok was submerged, I can assure you the parliament building would remain dry," he affirmed.
Sala Kaeo: Not a Oven but a Multifunctional Jewel
In response to insults asserting that Sala Kaeo — the Crystal Pavilion — is a sweltering, unusable eyesore, Mr Chatree clarified its intended dual purposes: architectural expression and ceremonial uses, including religious and public events. Most individuals are oblivious of the electric retractable canvas roof that reduces heat inside the pavilion.
"The parliament was fashioned for the people and was never meant to be a commercial property. Claims that the air-conditioning can't be controlled are simply unfounded," he stated.
The Emerald Pool: A Self-Sustaining Elegance
Addressing accusations that the "Emerald Pool" — an indoor reflecting pool — is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and is prone to leakage, Mr Chatree explained that the pool comes equipped with a filtration system similar to that found in swimming pools. Proper maintenance and circulation should suffice to deter mosquito larvae.
If there is any leakage, it would be a construction flaw — an issue subject to the contractor's warranty, especially since the building was recently handed over.
He also voiced dissent against the proposal to convert the Emerald Pool space into a ground-floor library and commercial area, describing it as a senseless, irreversible alteration that negatively impacts both the design aesthetics and purpose.
The Emerald Pool plays a crucial role in the atrium's temperature regulation. Threatening its existence could potentially mandate costly HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) upgrades, jeopardizing the building's cooling design.
"The atrium is as tall as a ten-story structure and openly accessible from all sides. Installing AC would be astronomically costly. Enclosing it with enormous glass panels or erecting glass barriers on the second to fourth-floor walkways surrounding the courtyard would be outrageously expensive," he explained.
Relocating the library to the ground floor lacks justification, involving costly alterations that could potentially jeopardize the building's structural integrity without providing significant benefits.
Structural Safety under Threat
Mr Chatree expressed worry about the potential consequences of modifying the structure and proposed renovations, such as filling in the Emerald Pool for a library. Additional loads from heavy bookshelves or closing water features could pose a risk to the original framework, especially if implemented without consultation from the original engineering team.
"The structural system was devised to manage specific loads. Piling heavy bookshelves or closing water features could disrupt this balance. Designers should accept the legal responsibility that comes with these modifications," he affirmed.
Mr Chatree expressed concern that the proposed alterations would permanently mar a national treasure intended to stand the test of time.
"It's far more than a functional space — it encapsulates Thai aesthetics, cultural identity, and a testament to the legacy of national craftsmanship," he said, emphasizing that the building was engineered to last at least a century and showcase Thailand's distinct contemporary design to the world. He also stated that the initial design cost approximately 11 billion baht, later revised to around 12 billion baht.
"Beyond that, we've taken no part, and we have strong reservations about several aspects," he concluded.
- The architect, Mr. Chatree Ladalalitsakul, has expressed his disapproval of unjustifiable modifications to the parliament building, considering it a priceless architectural gem that demands the original creators' approval.
- In response to claims about the public-facing Crystal Pavilion (Sala Kaeo) being a sweltering, unusable eyesore, Mr. Chatree clarified its intended dual purposes as an architectural expression and a venue for ceremonial, religious, and public events, with a retractable roof to reduce heat.
- Regarding the Emerald Pool in the parliament building, Mr. Chatree voiced his opposition to plans to convert it into a library and commercial area, stating that such a change would potentially necessitate costly HVAC upgrades and negatively impact both the design aesthetics and purpose of the pool, which is self-sustaining with a filtration system similar to that found in swimming pools.
