Professor Jenchieh Hung, co-founder of the Thai architecture studio HAS Design and Research, has taken on the role of visiting professor at Chulalongkorn University, where he leads the design studio for the Master of Architecture in Architectural Design. His work focuses on exploring Bangkok’s evolving identity, blending traditional and contemporary architectural practices. The central theme of his studio, “Bangkok Chameleon – Identity in a Shifting, Adapting, and Evolving Bangkok,” examines the city’s dynamic identity, deeply rooted in history and cultural heritage, yet constantly adapting to the needs of its diverse population.
Hung, alongside architect Kulthida Songkittipakdee, has inspired students to engage with complex architectural challenges. Their studio, HAS Lab, encourages students to explore the interplay between tradition and modernity, focusing on iconic Bangkok locations like The Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island. Students employ “Patterns” in architecture, a method that simulates urban and natural spatial forms, to create designs that reflect the city’s rich heritage while embracing its future.
The studio’s final project, the “Bangkok Meditation Hub,” located near the Grand Palace, embodies this theme. Students selected keywords such as shophouses, hawkers, and signage, each representing unique aspects of Bangkok’s cultural landscape. These elements informed the design of the Meditation Hub, which offers a space for reflection in the bustling city, integrating historical significance with contemporary needs. Through this project, students demonstrated how architecture can honor tradition while adapting to modern society’s demands.
