Project Introduction
This project expands the existing Central World Shopping Center in Bangkok, one of the largest shopping malls worldwide. The challenge was to add an extension to this vast, fully air-conditioned indoor mall while creating an outdoor oasis for relaxation.
The development includes a 4,000 square meter indoor retail space and an 8,000 square meter outdoor restaurant and bar area facing an open-air enclosed courtyard. The design captures the charm and elegance of European café culture’s outdoor dining and blends it with Bangkok’s local Soi (alleyway) culture.
This fusion defines a new Soi culture for Central World Center, combining refined outdoor dining experiences with a vibrant pedestrian street atmosphere.
Situated adjacent to Ploenchit Road, the BTS Skytrain, pedestrian overpasses, and complex traffic flows, the project faced significant transportation challenges. To address these, the facade and roof are designed as graphic elements that act as a veil, softly filtering external views.
The design concept for the facade draws inspiration from the continuous movement of pedestrians and vehicles along Ploenchit Road. Horizontal lines run along the facade, adapting in height to create openings for restaurants, retail shops, and terrace spaces.
Facade Design
The facade employs a backlit aluminum panel system that integrates lighting, graphics, and architectural features to create a sleek and elegant look. At night, dynamic LED backlighting produces a distinct lighting effect, making the building stand out amid Bangkok’s bustling streets.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
THE GROOVE offers a pleasant outdoor dining experience that eliminates the need for fully climate-controlled interiors typical of Bangkok’s retail and dining spaces, significantly reducing energy consumption.
The outdoor scaffolding design allows natural airflow through the courtyard and creates dappled lighting effects. This filtering protects guests from direct sunlight while maintaining an open-air atmosphere with natural light and fresh air.
The canopy is retractable, providing additional protection from sun and rain. All outdoor dining areas are carefully engineered to provide shade and shelter from Bangkok’s hot and rainy climate, blending outdoor ambience with comfort and functionality.
Landscape Design
Plants and landscaping play a vital role not only in aesthetics but also in maintaining a more comfortable temperature around the buildings. The exterior facade and open grille design incorporate hanging plants and dedicated planting areas, enhancing the environment.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Node Diagram
△ Node Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: THE GROOVE Central World Shopping Center
Project Type: Commercial Building
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Architectural Design: SDA Integrated Architecture
Land Area: 8,500 square meters
Building Area: 12,000 square meters
Year Completed: 2014
Photographers: Spacelift Studio / Pirak Anurakyawachon, Aranyarat Prathomrat
Lead Architect: Huang Shufei
Owner: CPN
Structural Design: Kulsiri Chadrangsu – Ferrand
Construction Contractor: MITR
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