The ‘CO-WITH GARDEN’ was a temporary garden installation designed for Bangkok Design Week. It was located next to the the historic Grand Postal Building in Bangkok’s Bang Rak District and was developed in collaboration with the Creative Economy Agency (CEA).
The project aimed to revitalize a dry, underused urban plaza by turning it into a lively green space that would benefit both event attendees and the local community. By strategically employing temporary landscape architecture, the plaza was transformed into a dynamic park that promoted public engagement and environmental awareness.
A concept of “Home-Forest”
The design concept, titled “Home-Forest,” was inspired by the idea of recreating the feeling of home through a green, outdoor setting. Each section of the garden was designed to evoke the functions and moods of various rooms within a household, encouraging visitors to experience familiar domestic comforts in a lush, communal space. By creating a series of “rooms” across the plaza, the design offered varied atmospheres that invited people to work, relax, dine, and interact—mirroring the multidimensional nature of home life.
Functional zones within the garden
The working & living room
This area was designed to inspire productivity, featuring a functional working desk with charging stations, complemented by vibrant, yellow-colored flowers and furniture. The energy from the bright hues and functional setup encouraged creativity and focus.
The bedroom
To promote relaxation, this zone was filled with air-purifying and aromatic plants, creating a refreshing and calming atmosphere. In addition, a cool-toned color scheme featuring shades of blue, white, and purple was used to further enhance the sense of tranquility. The lush greenery helped to cleanse the air while the gentle fragrances enhanced the sense of tranquility, making these spaces ideal for unwinding.
The backyard & the dining area
The “Backyard & Dining Room” zone was designed as a communal, edible garden space integrated with a nearby market area. Large OSB wood planters were arranged to grow herbs and vegetables, supporting both sustainability and interaction with nature. This area also featured colorful street furniture and small kiosks where visitors could enjoy fresh snacks surrounded by greenery. It was a space that brought people together through food and plants, blending the experience of a marketplace with a garden.
Sustainability and community engagement
After the exhibition concluded, all plants and furniture were repurposed and donated to local communities, contributing to the ongoing green spaces in the surrounding area.
In the layout, the design emphasized a reduction in hardscape areas and an increase in green spaces, thereby contributing to better stormwater absorption and a cooler urban microclimate.
Careful consideration was given to plant selection, favoring species known for their ability to improve air quality and reduce pollutants. Natural ventilation was encouraged through thoughtful spatial planning, and the use of modular planting systems minimized repetitive production and construction waste. These modular planters were also designed to allow for flexible layouts and straightforward maintenance. The overall strategy was to achieve maximum environmental benefit while using the fewest possible resources.
In addition to using OSB wood for the planters, the project incorporated locally sourced materials to further reduce its environmental impact. All elements were finished with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, contributing to healthier air quality. Each component was intentionally designed to be lightweight, easy to move, and suitable for reuse in future applications.
Following the conclusion of Bangkok Design Week, many parts of the garden were given new life. A number of plants were donated to nearby communities, while others were transplanted to the rooftops of buildings. The modular furniture was shared with the Bang Rak community, where it continues to support public activities.
