Architecture in Thailand has reflected the country’s climatic conditions and its community culture. Thailand’s rising young population now opt for modernized social space crafted by thoughtful designs. As the cultural capital of the country, areas in Bangkok, like Thong-Lo and Ekkamai in the Sukhumvit District are now decked with restaurant and cafes favored by the young. But contemporary architecture is prevalent across the country, from temples in the north of Chiang Mai, to the national park in the island of Koh Kood, the country thrives with a boom in modern design by both local and foreign architecture firms.

Chiang Mai’s Modern Temple

Buddhanimit Temple, in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai, sits in the rural community of Udon Thani. The temple is also a school for children whose families are unable to afford public education. An expansion has added new dormitories and libraries to the complex: using simple materials, old buildings were renovated into bedrooms and shared social space, connected by a series of hallways that serve as leisure space designed with translucent roofs to allow natural sunlight. The library’s bright and clean design under a slanting roof and raised floors is able to decrease humidity, cool floor temperature and prevent direct sunlight from the south, keeping a comfortable reading atmosphere for the novice monks.

Indoor Sports Hall in the North

A sports hall, fabricated by bamboo architecture specialist, Chiangmai Life Architects, spans more than 17 meters and is a gathering space for over 300 local villagers. Natural ventilation and insulation keeps the structure cool throughout the year. The bamboo-trussed hall can be transformed into a basketball, volleyball or badminton court as well as a performance hall. The building design is based on a Lotus flower, with a curving and rounded rooftop, all made from locally sourced material.

Koh Khood Indoor Playground Space

In the south of Thailand on Koh Khood Island, 24H Architecture has created a children’s activity and learning center as part of the Six Senses resort in the Gulf of Thailand. The materials are bamboo cultivated from the island and constructed together with wooden reinforcements. The structure is designed to be a paradise for children to play, learn, discover, eat and socialize while containing libraries, resting spots and cinema rooms decorated with pillows, throws and comfortable dim lighting.

Coffee Tank of Khao Yai

In central Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park, Secondfloor Architects has constructed a coffee shop, named the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank. The exterior of the coffee shop looks to be one large concrete structure from afar, but as you navigate the area, the gravel entrance will lead to a bricked facade painted with Chinese black ink. The interior is a thoughtful yet contemporary design integrated with plants and lushness of the park. Stepping in, the coffee shop is really like a tank: a long coffee table is shadowed by a glassy overhead and wrapped within four walls and different viewpoints of the cafe serve as resting spots for guests to enjoy the nature that the park offers.

The Integrated Bodyshop & Café

Bangkok has thrived under an booming age of coffee shops and mixed used spaces. Bangkok-based Nitaprow’s space for Patom is a fine example. Settled in a lush garden, which symbolizes the body brand’s use of natural ingredients, the venue is the combination of a cafe, retail space and showroom. Covered with teak-wood bordered glass panels, merely separating the interior from the garden, the space is natural, relaxing and welcoming. A circular mezzanine also provides some privacy if needed, led by curved stairs to a heightened platform atop of the cafe space.