Research Summary and Masterplan Recommendation Report

Click here to see or download the report (Low-res)

Click here to download the report (High-res)

Model 3 - Artist Studio & Future Piang Dao Museum of Contemplation

Model 2 - Lychee Lyceum

Model 1 - Main Residence

Presentation in Singapore - 21st May 2010

Work Sessions

Phasing Plan

Master Plan

The Site

The site is located at N 19 23’ 40” E 98 57’ 15” in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The subject property is proposed to have a range of residential development on approximately 6.9 hectares, which may potentially be enlarged to 8.5 hectares if the northwestern vacant lot is also purchased.

The site is situated in a rural, agricultural landscape with low-density surrounding human dwellings. The site is approximately 200 meters setback away from the main highway, based from closest South-western point of the site.

An Environmental Scoping Study was conducted by Enviro Pro.

An aerial view showing the boundaries of the development site (Photo by Google Earth Pro).

Philosophy Statement

The intended experience of Piang Dao is quite simply to relax and enjoy what life has to offer in a way that exemplifies a quiet simple existence. It is a place to come for an hour, a day, a week, a month, whatever depending on what one wants to experience and learn.

The Museum of Contemplation (MOC) and Research Studios for Art and Design

1. To create a series of ‘only one of its kind’ places that induce one to slow down, pause…allowing ample time for a meaningful and memorable experience.
2. Researching the place by utilizing both factual research and naturalistic enquiry, drawing upon the cultural, historical, environmental and social aspects of Chiang Dao and inspiring the architecture, landscape and sculpture.
3. Integrating the architecture, landscape and sculpture as one by synthesizing, amalgamating, and fusing thereby developing the architecture and landscape to strengthen the message of the sculpture and emerging the sculpture to inform the architecture and landscape
4. Publishing to create awareness by evolving the research into ‘a unique and credible story’ and involving academics and authorities in their respective fields resulting in an objective and engaging publication of Piang Dao
5. We will pledge to do what’s right, seeking out only win-win solutions that balance short term gains against long term interests thereby protecting the environment and integrating the community
6. We will enjoy the process, nurturing a creative culture with a genuine love for fun, learning through doing and valuing a methodology of collaborating with all the people involved.

Piang Dao - a mind resort

A. Mind Resort

A place for the mind to be challenged or rested through contemplation, meditation and/or reflection.

Epicureanism as a life of relaxing, thinking, eating, drinking, socializing
An environment of unique accommodation, fresh food, generous drinks, and therapeutic massage.


B. Learning and Research Centre & Library

A place for learning through mentoring. Allowing for informal discussions and long ‘wisdom’ walks.

Informal evening presentations by visiting guests – academics, specialists, etc

Community learning with the children of Piang Dao

Researching Design and Art as a process and a new testing ground for ideas on creating contemplative places. Environments of Architecture, Interior, Water, Landscape and Art and how these can be integrated, fused and amalgamated.

‘Creative residency’ scholarships from 1 – 6 months time

C. Museum of Contemplation

A must see, must experience place for designers, architects, artists, body and mind experts, etc. to visit. Seeking regional recognition

Theory and practice based research models
Show casing the research, the processes, and the case studies of each environment.