PLEANG : WINDOW DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR PRINCE NARIS LEARNING CENTER

Abstract

H.R.H. Prince Narisaranuvativongse (1863-1947) worked in various art fields, including architecture during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V, r. 1868- 1910) until the reign of King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII, r. 1925-1935). Under various design constraints, such as political issues and socio-acceptance, he accomplished the mission with remarkable solutions. Although, Prince Naris was an autodidact in the art field, he collaborated with numerous Italian artists, sculptures, engineers and architects who came to work for the government of Thailand; enabling him to think unconventionally. Prince Naris is not a traditionalist. The thesis is to study of Prince Naris’ window design methodology, so called by him in Thai as Pleang (แผลง). The thesis is especially about the reconfiguration of prefabricated windows used at his house/studio, at Baan Plainern. The objective of this thesis is to reconfigure the windows from the study, and to create connection between Baan Plainern and general public through architecture. In addition, Baan Plainern is where Prince Naris had lived for the last phase of his life. Also, the Naris Foundation is a charitable organisation that support Thai arts and supplement Prince Naris’ artifacts. The remarkable of the Naris Foundation can be along with the statement of architecture which represent it. The proposition of the design is the selection of materials that gives contrast between the old and the new, heaviness and lightness, darkness and brightness. The final result reflects the study of Prince Naris’ window design methodology through the building as it catches light and cast shadow in the space.