In the bustling heart of Bangkok, an extraordinary transformation has taken place. The Benjakitti Forest Park, once a lifeless tobacco factory, now stands as a testament to innovative urban design and sustainable development. This 102-acre green space has quickly become a cherished public haven, demonstrating how thoughtful landscape architecture can revitalize even the most uninviting urban areas.
From Brownfield to Green Lung
Benjakitti Forest Park was developed on a former industrial site, previously home to a tobacco factory. The area was densely packed with warehouse buildings, surrounded by a contaminated canal and isolated by urban infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the park was developed with a modest budget and a tight timeline of just 18 months. The project, overseen by an army team with little experience in landscape design, aimed to create a multifunctional green space that could manage stormwater, cleanse polluted water, and provide a sanctuary for both wildlife and residents.
Innovative Design Strategies
1. Recycling and Reuse:
One of the project’s most impressive feats is its commitment to sustainability through recycling and reuse. Existing trees were preserved, and old factory buildings were repurposed into a sports center and a museum. Demolished concrete from the site was recycled for the park’s foundations and paving. This approach not only reduced waste but also kept costs low, making the project economically viable.
2. Creating Porosity and Wetlands:
The park’s design employs a cut-and-fill technique to create wetlands dotted with small islands, transforming the impermeable, concrete-paved ground into a porous landscape. These wetlands are capable of retaining up to 200,000 cubic meters of stormwater, mitigating flood risks during the monsoon season. The wetlands also support a diverse range of native plant species, promoting a low-maintenance, self-sustaining ecosystem. Additionally, a linear water-remediating wetland along the park’s border cleanses contaminated water from the adjacent canal, improving the overall water quality.
3. Low-Maintenance “Messy Nature”:
Embracing the concept of “messy nature,” the park fosters a semi-natural plant community that evolves over time. Seed sowing and planting tree seedlings have initiated the growth of native species, creating a dynamic and diverse landscape that requires minimal maintenance. This approach not only enhances biodiversity but also introduces a new aesthetic to urban green spaces, contrasting with the typical manicured lawns.
4. Immersive Public Spaces:
Benjakitti Forest Park is designed to offer immersive experiences for visitors. Boardwalks along the shallow wetlands allow people to engage with the natural environment up close, while a skywalk through the preserved canopy trees offers a unique perspective of the park. These features make the park accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of activities, from jogging and cycling to family gatherings and even wedding photography.
A Success Story in Urban Design
Despite its rapid development, Benjakitti Forest Park has already proven its value. The park remained flood-free during heavy rains that inundated much of Bangkok, thanks to its innovative stormwater management system. It has also become a vibrant habitat for wildlife, with 91 bird species spotted in the area. Most importantly, the park has quickly become a beloved recreational space for Bangkok residents, attracting tens of thousands of visitors daily.
Benjakitti Forest Park stands as a powerful example of how urban design can address environmental challenges, provide essential ecosystem services, and enhance the quality of life for city dwellers. This project showcases the potential for similar brownfield transformations in other urban areas, highlighting the importance of sustainable and innovative landscape architecture.
