The Ban Bat community is one of the oldest and most well-known craft communities in Bangkok’s Chinatown. For over a century, residents have hand-crafted monks’ bowls (“bat”) using traditional Buddhist methods. As mass-produced alternatives dominate the market, Ban Bat now relies on local and international tourism to sustain its craft and identity.

This project introduces a new entranceway to the community’s main alley, offering shade, greenery, and simple urban furniture as a resting place for locals and visitors. A mural alongside it shares the history and process of bat-making, supported by clear maps and legends to guide visitors. The structure is inspired by local metalworking techniques, developed through participatory workshops with the community.

PROJECT LEADERS
Gianmaria Socci
Rebecca van Beeck

SPONSOR
International Program in Design and Architecture (INDA)
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

COLLABORATORS
The Ban Bat Community
Studio Make
STUDENT TEAM
Yamin Kosittanakiat, Chularach Engchanil, Ranchana Rungwatanawong, Sakdipat Chitsawaengsrap, Lisa Kamolkornpannatat, Shwe Yi Nwe Oo, Sisilpa Srisukson, Atitep Rungkeeratikul, Santasak Apasuthirat, Natdanai Wareerinsiri, Chutimon Suetragulwong, Ishita Akther, Nathnicha Nimitmongkol, Nattha Dhamabutra, Panyanus Jansomwong, Palita Tungjaroen, Alena Limwattanayakorn, Panisa Kleosakul, Sarida Thanakarnjanasuth, Woraphan Jampachaisri

PHOTO CREDIT
Pollakrit Naimee
Ban Bat
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