Revamping Thailand Creative and Design Centre

BANGKOK - It is one of the most popular places visited by both Thai locals and foreigners in Bangkok. The Thailand Creative And Design Centre (TCDC) is an institution in the Thai capital. Created in 2004 under the Government’s auspices, the TCDC is a popular venue. It is located in a major shopping mall, Emporium, and offers to visitors exhibition spaces, a library, a shop and a coffee shop. The task of the centre –which covers a surface of 4,500 m2 is all about design and the promotion of Thailand increasing number of talented designers and design companies.

Some of TCDC exhibitions became instant hits. The one about Thai ghosts, UK fashion, Thai disappearing traditional objects or Thai young designers draw many visitors. Especially as it is all free!!!

But now the TCDC wants to take a more business oriented approach. Exhibitions, seminars and workshops will continue but the centre wants also to be more responsive to the industry and its stakeholders by connecting more Thailand design industry with potential investors. The TCDC will consequently move out from its Emporium location to go the Grand Postal Building. The structure which used to be Bangkok Central Post Office is located along Charoen Krung, Bangkok’s centre of the European life 100 years ago. Built in the late thirties, the Post Office was carefully renovated last year. It is currently managed by IMPACT Exhibition Management, which runs IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Convention and Exhibition Centre, and is open for private functions.

The TCDC just signed a contract with Thailand Post for the use of a part of the building from 2017, once the contract with IMPACT expired. According to the TCDC, the future design centre will then occupy 8,000 m2. It will not only offer exhibition facilities but also offices and showrooms for design companies. Some 400 million Baht (US$ 110 million) will be invested into the conversion project.

The move occurred as the area is turning increasingly into Bangkok arts district. Many art galleries are already present along Charoen Krung Road and in its surroundings. The Bangkokian Museum stands already near to the Grand Postal Building while the nearby Custom Houses, one of Bangkok’s most historical building – and also one of the city’s most dilapidated- is now on the verge to be renovated and being converted into a museum. With the museum across the river at the future SiamIcon Shopping Mall, the area around the Chao Praya River is likely to become the upcoming district of the years to come.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews