Bangkok Design Week 2023

Bangkok Design Week is back again this year from February 4th to 12th under the theme of “urban‘NICE’zation.” The nine-day festival features over 400 activities spread throughout nine creative districts. Visitors will get to enjoy fun activities and memorable experiences, deepening their appreciation of Bangkok’s many charms.

Bangkok Design Week 2023 is the sixth edition of the event series. Previous years’ themes include “Co With Creation” (2022) and “Resurgence of Possibilities” (2021).

Six aspects of urban design

As a space for creators and creative specialists, the festival is set to serve as an intellectual playground for creatives to realize their ideas for “making cities better,” inspiring and encouraging people to come together to find new possibilities to build Bangkok for the future. 

This year’s theme is based on the idea of making Bangkok a “nice” city in several ways. For this upcoming edition of the festival, Bangkok Design Week has broken down the theme of “urban‘NICE’zation” into six aspects, as follows:

Urban ‘nice’ for the environment

Since the environment and climate change are existential issues for us all, Bangkok Design Week aims to propel a “nice for environment” movement. To combat these issues, BKKDW2023 promotes a circular economy through creating more public spaces, reducing pollution, and saving energy.

Urban ‘nice’ for mobility

Public infrastructure such as transportation systems are another important factor that contributes to the standard of living in urban areas. This year, the creative design festival hopes to showcase new ideas and creative solutions that would help address the issue of transportation in Bangkok, including reorganizing footpaths and traffic light signaling.

Urban ‘nice’ for culture

Culture development has been a major topic in Thailand for quite some time. For BKKDW2023, it’s more than just protecting and preserving the waning aspects of traditional culture but recognizing the importance of “soft power” as an engine for socio-economic growth.

Urban ‘nice’ for business

In the pre-COVID-19 era, tourism was a major driver of the Thai economy. However, pandemic restrictions also forced local business owners and creators to reflect on the importance of urban development to local commerce. This year, Bangkok Design Week’s goal of being “nice” for business is, therefore, about finding ways for the city to attract foreign investors and create a positive impact on the local economy.

Urban ‘nice’ for community

Local communities play an important role in making a city livable. Urban development should therefore benefit the local people and provide resources to support their livelihoods. BKKDW2023 supports developing community infrastructure and providing more creative spaces for creative and recreational activities.

Urban ‘nice’ for diversity

Bangkok has been known to embrace diversity. Bangkok Design Week aims to encourage public utilities that are convenient for everyone in the city. With many helping hands and creative contributions from everyone across every sector, Bangkok will bolster its reputation for cultural diversity

Nine creative districts

During the festival, Bangkok’s nine districts are filled with a variety of activities, business showcases, and networking opportunities. Each district is organizing exhibitions that express their unique cultural identity. They include:

1. Ari-Pradipat

Once a residential area for government officials, this chic neighborhood is among the city’s liveliest areas. Regarded as one of Bangkok’s most sustainable communities, the district radiates a sense of warmth that can’t be found anywhere else.

2. Bang Pho

The last woodworking street of Bangkok, Bang Pho is a cultural space and learning resource that encourages woodworkers in the area to use creativity to add value to their woodworking and bolster the reputation of Bang Pho to the wider world.

3. Charoen Krung-Talat Noi

As a model for Thailand’s creative districts, Charoen Krung-Talat Noi possesses a unique mixture of tradition and modernity. The riverside district is recognized for its modern design showroom that manages to preserve its original architecture and pay homage to the local community. Major landmarks include the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), the General Post Office, and Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem.

4. Kaset

Kasetsart University was Thailand’s first agricultural university. Under the concept of “Green Living,” the university aims to use innovation and technology to build a community model for more balanced and sustainable lifestyles.

5. Phra Nakhon / Pak Khlong Talat / Nang Loeng

The newest creative district is actually Bangkok’s oldest district and the perfect destination for showcasing the capital’s origins. Brimming with creative design, the charm of Phra Nakhon’s traditions transcend time and trends. Historical landmarks within the area include Sanam Luang, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thammasat University, and Silpakorn University.

6. Prompong

Prompong is seen by many as a commercial district in the heart of downtown Bangkok, centered on Soi Sukhumvit 26 Road. The creative group 49 & FRIENDS is supporting the district’s economic growth alongside its livability, making it a check-in destination full of new creative experiences worth exploring.

7. Samyan-Siam

Home to Chulalongkorn University, the area is trending as an up-and-coming learning center for creative work, supported by a number of research institutes. Sandwiched between them are some of Bangkok’s legendary street food vendors and eateries.

8. Wongwian Yai-Talad Phlu / Khlong San

Located near the Chao Phraya River, SC Asset has join hands with the Young Thon group, educational institutions, creative groups, entrepreneurs, and local communities to promote the neighborhood by creating a fun gimmick for people to travel by boat along the Chao Phraya River.

9. Yaowarat

Activities under the concept of “CITY TROOPER X ACADEMIC PROGRAM,” 13 educational institutions around Yaowarat have come together to create urban areas that meet the needs of local residents and to serve as a space that supports Bangkok as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

About Bangkok Design Week

Bangkok Design Week is organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA in collaboration with over 60 state agencies, public organizations, academia, and international institutions, as well as 2,000 designers and creative businesses.

Each year, the event draws an estimated 400,000 visitors at home and abroad, supporting Bangkok as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network and making it a tentpole event for local creators. Learn more about the event at the Bangkok Design Week official website.

https://www.thailandnow.in.th/event/bangkok-design-week/