Architecture sights in Bangkok
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A
Wat Benchamabophit
Inside and out, this temple is one of the most unusual, and most extravagent, in the kingdom. Built at the turn of the century on the orders of Rama V, the bòht is made of white Carrara marble (hence its alternative name, ‘Marble Temple’) imported from Italy especially for the job.
The large cruciform bòht is a prime example of modern Thai temple architecture. And the interior design is too, melding Thai motifs with European influences. The red carpets, the way the gold-on-white motifs are painted repetitively on the walls, the walls painted like stained glass windows and the royal blue wall behind the central Buddha image are strongly reminiscent of a European pala…
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B
Vimanmek Teak Mansion
The highlight of the Dusit Park is Vimanmek Teak Mansion said to be the world’s largest golden teak mansion, built with nary a single nail. For all its finery, grand staircases, octagonal rooms and lattice walls, which are nothing short of magnificent, it is surprisingly serene and intimate. The mansion was originally constructed on Ko Si Chang in 1868 as a retreat for Rama V; the king had it moved to its present site in 1901. For the following few years it served as Rama V’s primary residence, with the 81 rooms accommodating his enormous extended family. The interior of the mansion contains various personal effects of the king and a treasure-trove of early Ratanakosin an…
reviewed
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C
Hualamphong Train Station
At the southeastern edge of Chinatown, Bangkok’s main train station was built by Dutch architects and engineers between 1910 and 1916. Above the 14 platforms it was designed in a neoclassical style by Italian architect and engineer combination Mario Tamagno and Annibale Rigotti, who were working at the same time on the grand Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall at Dusit. But it also embraces other influences, such as the patterned, two-toned skylights that exemplify nascent De Stijl Dutch modernism, and through these is known as an early example of the shift towards Thai Art Deco. If you can zone out of the chaos for a moment, look for the vaulted iron roof and neoclassical port…
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D
Bank of Asia (Robot Building)
During the crazy 1980s, when no building project was too outlandish or expensive, architect Sumet Jumsai created his now-famous ‘Robot Building’ for the Bank of Asia. The whimsical facade does indeed look a bit like a robot (or our idea of what a robot should look like, at least). Needless to say, few architectural purists were keen on it at the time, but now it seems quaint and retro – a real character on Bangkok’s often uninspired skyline. The building itself is not open to the public; it is best viewed looking south from the Skytrain between Surasak and Chong Nonsi stations.
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E
Church of Santa Cruz
Centuries before Sukhumvit became the international district, the Portuguese claimed fá·ráng (Western) supremacy and built the Church of Santa Cruz in the 1700s. The land was a gift from King Taksin in appreciation for the loyalty the Portuguese community had displayed after the fall of Ayuthaya. The surviving church dates to 1913. Very little activity occurs on the grounds itself, but small village streets break off from the main courtyard into the area known as Kuti Jiin, the local name for the church.
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F
Wat Ratchabophit
Commissioned by Rama V soon after he came to the throne, this beautiful temple is decorated with Chinese porcelain. European influences are reasonably strong, too - look at the uniforms of the carved guards on the door.
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G
Wat Prayoon
This artificial hill beside the Memorial Bridge is cluttered with miniature shrines and a winding path that encircles a pond full of turtles.
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