In the heart of southern Thailand, a unique architectural marvel has emerged, challenging conventional notions of design and sustainability. Boonserm Premthada's Goya Tower, a testament to innovation and cultural reverence, stands tall in Phang Nga, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery.
The Elephant in the Landscape
Phang Nga, a region rich in ecological and cultural heritage, finds its identity intertwined with the majestic elephants that roam its lands. The nearby Khao Chang, or Elephant Mountain, serves as a tangible reminder of this connection, its reclining elephant silhouette a symbol of nature's artistry.
A Towering Tribute
Goya Tower, designed by Premthada in collaboration with Bangkok Project Studio, pays homage to this cultural memory. Positioned at the gateway to the Matalay Project, it offers more than just a vantage point; it's an immersive experience, inviting visitors to ascend and connect with the surrounding landscape.
The Climb and the View
As visitors navigate the tower's cylindrical columns and curved walkways, they are treated to a sensory journey. The play of light and shadow, the gradual revelation of vistas—road, garden, forest, sky, and sea—create an experience that extends beyond the summit, encouraging a mindful appreciation of the climb.
Handmade Bricks, Organic Architecture
At the heart of Goya Tower's design is a revolutionary material: handmade bricks crafted from elephant dung. Each brick, measuring 33 centimeters in diameter and 5 centimeters thick, is a testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and ecological awareness. Produced in five natural hues and left unfired, these bricks rely on the elements—hands, sunlight, and time—to transform waste into architectural wonder.
A Journey from Village to Vanguard
The story of Goya Tower's bricks began humbly, with a single brick transported from Ta Klang Village. What started as an experimental idea evolved into a long-term exploration of how elephant-raising communities could forge new paths in craftsmanship, value creation, and architectural innovation. Over time, these bricks gained recognition, finding their way into prestigious collections at MoMA and M+ Museum. However, with Goya Tower, Premthada brings this research full circle, reintegrating it into the very landscape it celebrates.
Beyond the Brick
Goya Tower represents more than just an architectural feat; it symbolizes a shift in perspective. Here, the brick transcends its status as an object of preservation or display, becoming an integral part of a cyclical relationship between animals, humans, and the environment. It suggests an architecture that is not solely human-centric but one that acknowledges and incorporates the influence of elephants, the sun, and the unique landscape of Phang Nga.
A Deeper Reflection
Premthada's work prompts us to reconsider our relationship with nature and the potential for sustainable, culturally sensitive design. By transforming waste into a building material, Goya Tower showcases the power of innovation and the potential for architecture to tell stories, connect communities, and inspire change.
In my opinion, Goya Tower is a beacon of inspiration, a reminder that architecture can be both an art form and a tool for social and environmental progress. It challenges us to think beyond the conventional, to explore the untapped potential that lies within our natural surroundings, and to create spaces that are not just functional but also deeply meaningful.
