Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas

Bangkok's dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city's challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok's limited spaces.

One shining example is "Prompt Park" a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok's challenges.

Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a "Pop-Up Park." This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don't need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery.

Other innovative projects include "MinutePocket_UrbanBed" by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities.

Meanwhile, Urban Ally's Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life.

In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into "Playground," multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok's busiest neighborhoods.

Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges

Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok's urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to "Songthaews," Bangkok's iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters.

Another project addressing urban problems is "Street Vendor Grease Trap" by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It's an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management.

The "GAGEENANG" project was inspired by a love for Bangkok's vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience.

As aging is an inevitable part of life, the design team at RISE IMPACT has created the "Redesign services for the 60s+" workshop to spark critical conversations about how safe, accessible, and enjoyable Bangkok will remain for its elderly residents. Through an interactive activity, participants are invited to step into the shoes of senior citizens living in a bustling metropolis. The workshop highlights the challenges of aging, from declining physical mobility and health to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. By engaging in this thought-provoking experience, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the elderly and the importance of designing cities that truly cater to all ages.

Bangkok Design Week: Redefining the City Through Creativity

Bangkok Design Week 2025 has become a vital platform for showcasing how design can bring about meaningful change. From solving urban challenges to fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the festival inspires fresh perspectives on the role of creativity in everyday life. Through bold ideas and innovative solutions, the festival positions Bangkok as a global leader in creative urban transformation.