Academics frown on Hua Hin's foreign influenced architecture

[margaretcarnes]

I can understand if a genuine 'traditionalist' sees HH as becoming a bit too influenced by foreign design, although I do think some of the brighter mediterannean colours can look good, especially to relieve the boredom in the town centre itself.
Unfortunately it's too late now to turn back the clock - too many of the traditional houses have gone and will never be replaced. Mainly I guess because of the space they took up on what is now prime land. But there could have been more traditional touches incorporated into new designs.
Overall I think we have to remember that HH has developed very rapidly over the last decade. New buildings reflect a need to keep up to speed with accomodation for one thing. They are probably in danger of falling into the trap that many other cities have - like in the UK - where regrets about some designs set in very quickly. Here in the UK for example the 60's produced some atrocious buildings - many of which are already bulldozed, only to be replaced by yet more 'trendy' structures.
Architecture and buildings change much more rapidly than the good old days when we expected a building to serve for 100 years or more and still not look out of place. Some of course still do survive - which makes the contrast between old and new even more marked and maybe 'odd'. Those which remain successfully seem to be in strictly controlled conservation areas - the Shambles in York - Steep Hill in Lincoln - there are many more of course. But they all have one thing in common, that a whole area is retained in keeping with it's surroundings. And that costs. HuaHin hasn't - and never will IMO - achieve that kind of architectural status and heritage.

[Takiap]

I agree Pete, and some of the professor's reasons are laughable at best. For example, how is Marakesh (spelling?), or any of the other "copied" condos any less suitable to the climate here than the average condo in Bangkok or anywhere else in the country for that matter?

sorry Takiap , have to disagree with you with that comment.
Marakesh's climate is rated hot /dry while Hua Hin's is humid/tropical.Humid/tropical suggests heavy seasonal rains for a start so you will need to have a decent roof and drainage to deal with this aspect alone.Marakesh buildings typically have flat top roofs in keeping with the local climate and their designs have evolved over centuries to suit that particular climate, something the professor is noting with regard to Hua Hin's move away from designs in sympathy with it's local situation.

Good architecture and building should suit the local climate, be efficient in space,energy use and materials and importantly fulfill it's purpose. Whether the designs then blend in to the local setting becomes personal choice and I reckon that is one of the professor's main points of concern.

Buildings that are put up with the sole intention of making a statement to attract attention without addressing the above are a lost opportunity in my mind.

Deepee, I was really referring to any one place in particular, but was simply using the Marakesh condo development on the main road as an example. The only only thing that makes that development any different to regular non-themed developments, is nothing but a little "window dressing. What I'm saying is, the themes are simply cosmetic.

Think up some exotic name, invest in good landscaping, and decorate according to the chosen theme. At the end of the day, all these condos are being constructed using identical materials, and very similar basic designs. If you've stopped and had a look at Marakesh condos on the way through to Takiap, I fail to see how it is any less suited to Hua-Hin's climate than any of the other condos, apart from the fact that they have used a dark colored paint.

Rows and rows of town houses, which are immensely popular with the Thais, are no better suited to Thailand's climate than any western style home, which again brings us to the question.......what is considered a western style home, and what is a Thai style home? After all, very few Thais live in beautiful teak homes, because like many of us, they simply cannot afford to.


I think the same sort of thing applies in a number of countries, in that most of the population cannot afford to own a tradition style of home. I know this is the case in South Africa with Cape Dutch style homes..............they cost a bloody fortune , particularly if built to spec with thatch roof, clay/terracotta floor tiles, and etc.


Each to his own, but personally I believe variety is the spice of life.

[deepee]

The sad thing about the Marakesh development Takiap is it is being targeted at those who can afford to get something that is designed and built to slot into the local climate , and probably for the same amout of baht ,unlike many Thais who are forced to live in those shop houses in the big urban areas, which of course Hua Hin isn't ( at the moment).I'm only guessing here but I bet you would not have windows that actually open up in the Marakesh for a start.

[Takiap]

Not sure about the windows, but I for one would never buy a place with windows that can't be opened. The first thing I do when I wake up is I open all the windows and doors. In fact, some of our windows stay open 24/7 - I enjoy fresh air, and am happy to report that I get by perfectly well without the help of aircon.

[STEVE G]

.....as well as Villa Maroc in nearby Pran Buri.

I do think that this area of Pranburi beach has been spoilt by clashing styles of property design. There is nothing wrong with Villa Maroc except it just doesn't seen to belong there and then further along there are some modern houses that would look fine on an upmarket Bangkok estate but also seem completely out of place where they are.
In the same area there are also some flat roofed glazed boxes that surely can't be the relevant architecture for a country with a lot of rain and sun.