11 Nov 2019
Onion's reading space gives users a choice of atmospheres
BY Stu Robarts
Thai architects Onion have created a community reading space in Bangkok called Samyan Co-op that offers different types of seating and atmosphere to suit different types of users.
The project was commissioned by Golden Land Property Development, who were planning to build a new commercial mall and wanted to give something back to society.
Their brief for Onion was to create 500-capacity reading and working space that would be free for the general public to use and open 24 hours a day.
Onion began by researching similar facilities, like libraries, co-working spaces, learning centres, public areas under the university buildings and cafes.
They also carried out consultation with potential users to inform what features might be included and the design of the space.
They found that individuals want to be able to change their environment when they work, that different zones would facilitate this and that safety was a priority.
As a result, Samyan Co-op features a range of different seating types and areas.
There are tables and chairs in public spaces, terraced seating with cushions, desks with lamps for studying, quieter rooms, enclosed booths and a café.
Large glazed expanses allow plenty of natural light into the building, ensuring it is bright enough for reading.
Different colours are used to highlight different zones and pale timber is used abundantly, giving a sense of naturality and calmness.
And safety is baked into the design by ensuring that individuals in the space can always be seen from different places.
Samyan Co-op opened in September.
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