Thailand in the late 20th century was the largest aluminum producer in Southeast Asia, but the financial crisis hit it without warning in 1997. This prompted the Thai aluminum industry to sell aluminum profiles at low prices to hardware markets throughout the country to survive, which also resulted in urban clutter in today's Bangkok Streetscape. MoMA was born in this environment. It is located at the busiest hub on the outskirts of Bangkok. The main streets lead to The Grand Palace, WongwianYai, Bangkok University, and Ko Kret, Bangkok's only island. More than a decade ago, fireflies populated Ko Kret, making the island a natural refuge for Bangkok residents
MoMA, a museum about as light as a dandelion in the urban chaos of Bangkok
MoMA is short for Museum of Modern Aluminum. The project was created by a group of ambitious clients with the goal of reviving the importance of aluminum in Thailand
Studio HAS's design and research wanted MoMA to serve not only as a public space but also as a place of escape for city dwellers. The building extends the natural landscape of Ko KretIsland to the project site. During the day, MoMA is a dandelion, with its protruding elements swaying in the wind, bringing softness and lightness to the busy Ratchaphruek Road; at night, the design of the MoMA transforms into a firefly, adding a sense of nature and tranquility to the highly commercialized Ratchaphruek Road
MoMA not only uses aluminum slats as displays, but also continues in the architecture, interiors, landscaping, as well as lighting and furniture, creating a sense of formal unity inside and out. The facade is covered with tens of thousands of aluminum strips, each with a slightly different color and texture, just like the feathery petals of a dandelion. The aluminum strips, combined with LED lighting, extend from the front façade to the two side façades, and then directly through the "tunnel" space on the west side, filtering and dampening the noise of the outside environment and guiding visitors to the quiet exhibition space
The aluminum strips on the facade not only provide a variety of lighting functions, but also shade the interior from excessive sunlight and maintain a comfortable environment. The flexibility of the exhibition space can meet a variety of display, reception and activity needs. On the top floor, the enclosed landscape in the structure resembles a floating island with seasonal plants, creating an urban ecological site for fireflies
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