SPCS Talks vol.6 Ecological Urban Design
With Brian McGrath and Danai Thaitakoo

Amid worsening climate change and environmental crises, increasing attention is turning to the relationships between humans and the other organisms on our planet. Even in fields such as design and architecture, which have traditionally prioritized huma-centered values such as economic viability, functionality, and comfort, there is a growing interest in understanding how human creations interact with other organisms and natural processes of the Earth to become part of the ecosystem.
In the midst of this, a movement has emerged where cities are studied as ecosystems from an ecological perspective and that knowledge is applied to architecture and urban design. Brian McGrath and Danai Thaitakoo, practitioners of landscape architecture who have been at the forefront of this movement in Thailand and the United States, will be in Kyoto to share their experiences in the field and discuss the future of urban design.

The two, in particular, have proposed a new perspective on viewing cities as watersheds, focusing on the flow of water that connects ecosystems. In recent years, their former students have been integrating their views on hydrology, ecology, architecture, and urban design into the design of public spaces and parks in Bangkok. In addition to discussing their work, this event also aims to introduce emerging design trends in Thailand.

As abnormal weather patterns become more frequent in Japan there is a growing need not only to address natural disasters as they come but also to incorporate ecosystem-based urban planning and establish ways for people to reconnect with nature. Let’s explore these ideas together with McGrath and Thaitakoo.

They will be introducing examples of their past projects, including Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park:

With today’s constantly fluctuating climates cause rising sea levels, storm surges, and unexpected heavy rainfall, low-lying cities worldwide have to prepare for urban floods. Thailand is no exception; as sea levels rise and concrete infrastructure increases, Bangkok is said to be sinking at a rate of 2 centimeters per year.

In 2017, to commemorate their 100th anniversary, Chulalongkorn University transformed 11 acres of land extending from the central campus in Bangkok into a new public park. The park’s distinctive feature is its sustainable water storage, aiming to reduce urban flood risks while simultaneously providing a space for urban residents to reconnect with nature. Designed with various ecological elements, the park encourages living with water instead of fearing it.

Within its gentle slopes, multiple ecological components, including rooftop greenery, wetlands, play areas, and ponds, are integrated. Rainwater and runoff are drawn into the park’s terrain, creating a water circulation system. In the event of heavy rainfall leading to the malfunction of public sewers, the park is capable of storing up to a million gallons of water.

Benchakiti Forest Park is an urban park located in the former tobacco factory district in Bangkok, covering an area of 720,000 square meters. Established after the relocation of the tobacco factories, it serves as an ecological park to enhance the understanding and knowledge of the urban community regarding ecology, forests, hydrology, and the environment while also aiming to protect the urban ecological environment.

In Thailand’s monsoon season, floods and droughts pose significant challenges. This park plays a crucial role as a large sponge, collecting rainwater during the rainy season and releasing it during the dry season. It also purifies contaminated water from urban drainage and sewage flowing in from canals using wetland plants, producing clean water at a rate of 1,600 cubic meters per day during the rainy season (the majority of this region was originally a wetland area). The islands within the wetlands also function as protected areas for many species to seek refuge.

• Individuals exploring the interaction with plants in urban planning and landscape design, designers, architects, and developers with an interest in biophilic design.
• Administrative officials involved in area design planning and initiatives.
• Professionals from companies actively engaged in circular design and nature-positive approaches.