Puey Ungpahakorn Centenary Hall / Arsomsilp Community And Environmental Architect

Architects: Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect
Area: 59000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Landprocess Co. Ltd., Pat Phuchamni, Srirath Somsawat
Manufacturers: Holcim, A.P.K. Dawkoo, BPK brick, COTTO, Gyproc, Lysaght, SCG, ZILLION INNOVATION
Landscape Architects: Landprocess Co.,Ltd.
Interior Designers: Dimensional Interpretation Co.,Ltd.
Lighting Designers: Lighting and Equipment Public Co.,Ltd.
Consultants: CM49
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: TPM Consultants Co.,Ltd.
Contractors: Pre-Built Public Co.,Ltd.
Products Used in This Project: Roofing Solutions by Holcim
Category: Community
Structure Engineers: Pattarasak Nuntakit, Sanguan Ruangroattham
Sculptor: Manop Suwanpinta
Client: Thammasat University
Sanitary Engineers: TPM Consultants Co.,Ltd.
City: Tambon Khlong Nung
Country: Thailand

Puey Ungpahakorn Centenary Hall, designed by Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect at Thammasat University in Bangkok, was developed in 2016 to honor the 100th anniversary of Prof. Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, the university’s 10th chancellor. Inspired by his environmental ethics and named after the word “Puey,” meaning earth mound, the building functions as a landmark and public park at the university’s main axis. The design integrates architecture and landscape through a green roof planted with edible vegetation to educate students on agriculture and self-sufficiency. The surrounding site features gardens, recreation areas, and four water pools for drainage and natural treatment. Responding to the tropical climate, the double-slab green roof minimizes solar heat and energy use. Brick, used throughout, maintains interior comfort and forms dynamic light-and-shadow effects along transitional spaces. The structure uses a column-beam system, with post-tensioned slabs across three floors, culminating in a concert hall that links all levels to foster interaction and continuous learning.

Puey ungpahakorn centenary hall / arsomsilp community and environmental architect

” Freedom is the soil, air and fertilizer that will grow the flora of thought and when bringing thought to ideal, the ideal can only happen when people in society are able to think freely.”

– Puey Ungphakorn , 1974

Thammasat University, one of Thailand’s oldest academic institutions, was formerly known as “The University of Moral and Political Sciences.” The project was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Prof. Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, the university’s 10th chancellor. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s most significant figures for his “impeccable ethics,” he devoted his life to promoting environmental responsibility, public health, and quality of life in his homeland. To honor his legacy, the project is situated along the university’s main axis from Phahonyothin Road, serving as both a landmark and a public park that functions as a green lung for Thammasat’s community and the residents of northern Bangkok.

The design draws inspiration from the name “Puey,” which means an earth mound that nourishes, cultivates, and supports the growth of a tree from its roots, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to environmental ecology in his homeland. It establishes a harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape architecture (Land Process), engaging the community through functional and recreational spaces. A green vegetation roof spans the entire building, planted with edible species intended to educate university students about agricultural practices, self-sufficient economies, and environmental awareness, aligning with Thammasat University’s goal of managing its own food resources. The surrounding landscape includes gardens, recreational spaces, and four large pools that serve as drainage basins and natural water treatment reservoirs.

In a tropical climate, the building’s curved structure exposes the roof fully to direct sunlight and solar radiation. The green vegetation roof functions as a buffer, absorbing both heat and radiation. The roof is constructed as a double-slab system to prevent humidity from the plants from causing damage to the building below. A 1.5-meter cavity between the slabs allows for easy maintenance, reduces heat transfer into the interior, lowers overall energy consumption from the air conditioning system, and helps maintain a comfortable internal environment.

Bricks are a sustainable material that offer both structural strength and security while expressing integrity in the building’s design. They help maintain a comfortable interior microclimate throughout the year. In addition, the bricks interact with natural light, creating a dynamic spatial experience through patterns of light and shadow along the passageways that link interior spaces with the exterior environment.

The building is positioned at the center of the campus, serving as the main landmark and community learning hub. It features multiple entrances that provide access to various activity spaces, encouraging students to socialize and build networks.

The design supports multidisciplinary learning with the goal of nurturing a new generation of teachers and academics committed to social development and continuous education. The overall layout fosters a learning community by encouraging interaction and knowledge exchange in diverse formats while strengthening a sense of collective engagement. The building offers a range of learning environments, including private areas for reflection, self-study, or small group work, social spaces for interactive learning, and communal areas where learning occurs through dialogue and conversation. The spatial configuration remains adaptable to accommodate various educational activities, with the prayer room highlighted as a space for critical learning within the institution. Most of the structure uses a column-beam system, while the first to third floors are supported by a post-tension structural system that houses different functional areas. A concert hall connects the three levels, reinforcing vertical circulation and programmatic integration.