Bangkok Design Week 2025 is set to captivate audiences as it enters its second phase from February 15 to 23, 2025, under the theme "Design Up+Rising: ออกแบบพร้อมบวก+". This year, the festival shifts focus to the historic districts of Phra Nakhon and Banglamphu-Khaosan, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage and historic narratives. The event aims to blend the past with contemporary design, creating inspiring experiences for both locals and visitors.
The festival will feature over 46 programs throughout the Phra Nakhon area and 42 programs within Banglamphu-Khaosan, each carefully curated to reflect the essence of Bangkok through exhibitions, artistic endeavors, and community activities. These programs aim to connect people more closely with their community, emphasizing the importance of public spaces and innovative business models to uplift the local economy.
One of the standout projects, 'อัณฑะเหมียวครองเมือง + หมาน้อย หมาน้อยธรรมดา,' presents visitors with the opportunity to engage with stray cats and dogs from Bangkok's shelters. Designed under the concept of 'Welcome Home,' this initiative seeks to provide shelter animals with homes and showcase the strong bond between humans and animals. This project will be hosted at the Poh Chang Academy of Art.
Another notable initiative is 'Made in Phranakorn,' which fosters collaboration between seasoned shop owners and young creatives to modernize local products. This project highlights traditional favorites, such as the reimagined Nangloi Scented Water and modern takes on traditional Thai snacks.
'MinutePocket UrbanBed,' by SP/N, is aimed at temporarily activating underutilized private lands, showcasing how these spaces can serve the community through playful installations and public rest areas. This initiative encourages the public to engage with previously unused land and promotes community bonding.
A major highlight of the event will be the 'Puppup Parklet,' which seeks to transform parking spaces back to zones for pedestrians. This project emphasizes reclaiming urban spaces for community interaction, safety, and sustainability, pushing forward Bangkok's commitment to being more pedestrian-friendly.
The festival does not shy away from addressing social concerns. 'มุมมองชราจร RISE IMPACT' encourages reflections on the daily challenges faced by the elderly, heightening awareness about urban accessibility. Through visual storytelling, the project aims to spark conversations about creating age-friendly environments.
'Power of Design Urban Ally' will explore how the creative industries can improve urban living, showcasing the various sectors contributing to the city's vibrancy. This project is set to engage attendees directly through interactive experiences and discussions.
One of the most ambitious installations is 'MEGA MAT: Reimagining Waste Into Wonder,' created by renowned architects MVRDV and other partners, featuring gigantic recycled plastic mats laid out across the city to highlight sustainability efforts and the importance of recycling.
Visitors can also look forward to 'Boundless Pleasure,' which leverages projection mapping to narrate the dynamic stories and movements of urban life, displayed on one of the key public buildings, showcasing the area's artistic capabilities.
With each program and installation, Bangkok Design Week 2025 will offer diverse experiences, capturing the imagination of attendees and encouraging active participation from the community. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves fully and enjoy the interactive frameworks prepared to engage all senses—sight, sound, taste, and touch—making each moment memorable.
Participants can share their experiences on social media using hashtags like #UpRiseBangkok and #DesignYourChange, connecting their personal journeys with the broader vision of transforming Bangkok through design. The festival encourages everyone to join as co-creators of change, helping to forge the city's future through creativity and collaboration.
Bangkok Design Week 2025 is more than just an event; it is a vibrant celebration of the city's cultural heritage, pushing the boundaries of design and innovation, and fostering community spirit.