Creative Space, Bangkok

Design in Motion’s studio space showcases the firm’s fresh approach to architectural features

When Tharit Tossanaitada and his four business partners founded multidisciplinary firm Design in Motion in 2014, they transformed a narrow shophouse in Bangkok into their studio space. At the time, all they wanted in their workplace was a sense of proximity to one another. But as the team grew, they realised it was time to leave the nest. ‘There was literally no room to swing a cat,’ Tossanaitada recalls with a laugh.

Tossanaitada and his partners grappled with the task of designing a workplace that symbolised the studio’s ethos. He says that although the way Design in Motion works has always been very lean and informal, the growing team meant that the old shophouse became so cramped there was no space left for a meeting room. When designing their new studio, the team knew they wanted a space in which everyone was free to choose where they worked, be it at a desk or in the common areas.

‘Our priority was ensuring a relaxed vibe that helps lessen stress and pressure in the work environment,’ he says. ‘That’s the reason more space is allocated to common areas like the pantry, meeting room, terrace, and even the staircases. We wanted to create a workplace that’s open and relaxed, both physically and mentally. We want natural light and ventilation to filter in, and to improve the flow of space and our team’s workflow too.’

Three years after the idea of designing a new studio space first came about, the team is now settled in its new home — on a plot of land owned by one of the partners — in the up-andcoming creative neighbourhood of Soi Pridi Banomyong.The site’s petite size was a challenge for the designers, so in order to include all of the necessary functions while also maintaining the studio atmosphere they envisioned, they decided to stagger the interior spaces by splitting each floor into two levels. The staircases that link the levels are visible from the exterior, and become the main feature of the structure.

Acting as a flexible space for all kinds of activities, be they working, relaxing or growing houseplants, these exposed concrete staircases are an interesting example of how to rethink architecture. By highlighting the potential for this ordinary yet idiosyncratic element, the project exemplifies Design in Motion’s approach. And according to Tossanaitada, this reflects one of the studio’s core principles. ‘We believe the concept of design is always in motion. It can be adjusted according to the surrounding factors, different time periods and the advancement of technology.’

The site’s petite size belies the voluminous interior, achieved by splitting each floor into two levels using the staircases

When designing their new Bangkok studio space to accommodate a growing team, the founders of Design in Motion prioritised a relaxing environment with plenty of common areas. The outcome is also the building’s key architectural feature: large exposed concrete staircases that serve multiple functions, including communal seating, informal workspace and display area

Natural light and fresh air flood the studio thanks to double-volume areas and floor-to-ceiling windows. An abundance of greenery and a natural colour and material palette bring the outside in, and the easily accessible rooftop with ampitheatre-style seating hosts regular movie screenings