Bang Pa-in Paper Factory Learning Center

พื้นที่เรียนรู้โรงงานกระดาษบางปะอิน

Learning center, Redevelopment

Bang Pa-In Paper Factory started its business in 1961 manufacturing writing paper from a by-product of agricultural activities, rice straw. Since 1988 the company is formed with the government holding 30%, the private holding 70%. Until now the company’s sales have continued to decline according to the shrinking demands on paper product, as a result, more than 70% of the site are abandoned. Consequently Bang Pa-In Paper Factory Development Project for Learning Center is established to develop a high potential Chao Phraya riverfront land aligning with the strategic planning of Ayutthaya.

Due to the long history of the factory and site location which is not far from other tourist attractions, this project aims to educate people on paper industry and new economic knowledge and to generate income for the company in a sustainable way. There is also a recreation area that serves employees and surrounding community.

On a study area of 474 rai, the project is consist of areas for learning, commercial and public spaces. Design must take into account the rehabilitation from industrial use in the past. Also, this project is responsible for designing the future by allocating space for commercial benefits in a new economic model that will allow company to grow sustainably with the community.

Designer name

Thanapa

Sathirapinitkul

Project Location

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Project Area

474 rai

Masterplan

Entrance

Arriving at the welcome boulevard from main road entrance, there is a symbolic water feature and plants showing an implication of a site history. Entrance Assembly Plaza is a main distribution point for facilitating tourists to contact staffs for informations and to lend a bike to tour the whole area.

Paper Factory Learning Center

Due to a long history of paper industry tied to the project area, the Paper Factory Learning Center guides tourists on paper making process. Factory building are conserved and modified in various methods according to new uses. And phytoremediation and rain garden are selected methods for rehabilitation from a former industrial use.

Chao Phraya Recreation

Chao Phraya Recreation is a waterfront space serving social activities along the river. There is an amphitheater and outdoor event space using the roof and columns of the straw warehouse, showing a glimpse of the paper factory in the past. The landscape in the area are diverse, ranging from riverside areas, fields, sloped amphitheater and detention pond for stormwater management.