Sopanut Somrattanakul
Abstract :
“Roam Bodhi, Roam Zai” is the phrase that Thai people usually use to refer to the elderly people who are being sheltered by others or the sanctuary. This idea is based on the spiritual belief in Thailand that spirits and angels inhabit every tree or place.
The designers were inspired by the concept of “Roam Zai”, along with the beauty of “Laemsai Cape”, Villa Zai location. This installation shading set takes visitors to a calm imaginary space and makes them wander around under the shade of ‘Zai’ (Thai name of Banyan Tree).
Objectives :
The project was created as the main shading installation to create a dining under the shade of the Banana Tree scene for the visitors. As the owner of the Villa requested to design the art piece that connected directly to the Zai Villa, located on Laemsai Cape, Phuket, the designer picked banyan tree branches as the primary element to create hospitality functional art that represents the project.
Conceptual Framework :
Between the materials and background story of the villa, the designer balances the raw material and idea by dividing the design thinking structure into three layers: the visual element to orcrestrate the experience, the materials (copper, banyan tree brunches, and lighting) as the media to channel the concept idea, and the wabi-sabi design philosophy as the core structure of design thinking.
Process / Methodology :
The designer organized banyan tree branches into multiple linear lines to create the layers and the natural, calm yet mysterious vibe in the room. On the other hand, the designer placed the light on two heights, above and in between the art pieces, to create light sources for the shading and the task light for the dining table underneath.
Techniques and Materials :
Banyan Wood, Longan wood, Cao-Tchu Leaf and Electro-chemical Pure Copper.
Result / Conclusion :
The shading installation art, Roam Zai, has become the iconic item of the villa that creates a stunning scene for the visitors. As the visitor walks into the all-day dining room, the place becomes their sanctuary, following the concept of the project, Roam Zai being sheltered and calm imaginary space under the shade of ‘Zai’.
References :
Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, The Lantern, 2016, Sulwhasoo Flagship Store.
Neri&Hu, https://www.neriandhu.com/en/works/the-lantern-sulwhasoo-flagship-store
Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk, Dimensions, 2019 Renwick Gallery Smithsonian.
HYBYCOZO, https://www.hybycozo.com/work
Ando, Tadao, the Church of Light, 1999, Ibaraki-shi, Japan.
archdaily, https://www.archdaily.com/101260/ad-classics-church-of-the-light-tadao-ando
