Transforming An Urban Rooftop

Unregulated urbanization is a chaotic upheaval that could lead to imminent health problems for the citizens. Southeast Asia is distressingly alarmed through unregulated growth, which needs to be hastily addressed. The looming climate crisis, food and water scarcity stir grave threats to human civilization. Once abundant agrarian societies, Bangkok and many other cities have fallen victim to unfettered clog. Thammasat University has presented an adaptive climate solution with Asia's largest organic rooftop farm.?

Thammasat University Rooftop Farm (TURF) is envisaged on 236,806 sq. ft. of wasted rooftop space in the Pathum Thani Province of Thailand. The buildings sit on the central axis of the campus, in an H-shape symbolizing the University's long-standing representation of egalitarianism and democracy. The design integrates landscape architecture with the ingenuity of traditional rice terraces. TURF takes part in crafting sustainable food production, renewable energy, organic waste, water management and engaging public spaces onto the rooftop. The mound shape, arrayed across multiple levels, the architecture pays respect to the University's former director, Dr Puey Ungphakorn. "Puey" means "mound under the tree," or "nourishment," in Thai.?

The program frames an earthwork of rice terraces and modern green roof technology. The cascading rooftop absorbs, filters and slows down runoff 20 times more efficiently than conventional concrete terraces. In a zigzag motion, the design aids rainwater to trickle down from the stepping slope. Every intriguing angle and corner invites cheerful social spaces that align with the S-curvature of the roof. Each level of TURF forms unique clusters of micro-watersheds along the terrace to help absorb, filter, and purify rainwater. The food cultivated and grown on TURF is used to feed the campus. Four retention ponds await on each wing that bends down, mitigating and storing excessive rainfall for future use during drought.?

The life-size sculptures at the entrance of the University are the two founders who bring back their presence and the principles of the institution's democracy and sustainability. The mountainous architecture invokes varying levels to be allotted to various functions while capturing magnificent views of the city. TURF is carved into the terrain maximizing multi-functional public spaces, and a large arena. Twelve individually designed areas on the slopes serve as oval-shaped outdoor classrooms. The roof is also equipped with solar panels, capable of producing up to 500,000 watts per hour to irrigate the urban farm and power the building beneath.

TURF is a realistic and hopeful solution that even when lush green turns dry brown, it puts urban dwellers back in tune with their agricultural practices. Adhering to the lessons on Thai agriculture, landscape and native soil are inherently embedded into TURF, humanizing future leaders to adapt and embrace climatic challenges, by building sustainable cities for generations to come.

The landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom, has implemented a holistic approach inspired by local ingenuity. TURF addresses underlying ecological issues and social equity. This innovative addition to the urban building prioritizes global food security, people's health and environment. Cities must ensure to take such necessary actions and use neglected spaces. If efficiently converted and sustainably solved to produce, provide and revive, this could transform the livelihood on our planet and cater sustainable future environments. #JK

Project Details:

• Project Title: Thammasat Urban Rooftop Farm
• Location: Tambon Khlong Nung, Thailand
• Practice: LANDPROCESS
• Architect: Kotchakorn Voraakhom
• Area: 236,806 sq. ft
• Credits: V2com Newswire

?

LANDPROCESS

LANDPROCESS is a Bangkok-based landscape architecture and urban design firm founded in 2011 by landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom. At sea level, the studio strikes every situation in the city. The team is helping to shift cities to a carbon-neutral future and confront the future climate uncertainty. The studio defends and expands carbon-sequestering landscapes such as green roof, water-efficient design, urban farming, urban forests, wetlands, and grasslands, helping to drawdown atmospheric carbon dioxide and use of sustainable materials and construction practices. These efforts also enable communities to better adapt and improve their resilience. The team believes in the power of process: finding the harmony between land and people through design. They are committed to productive public use in our projects. The dialogue of site, environment and people inform their process. They respect local culture, history, and existing sense of place.