Pioneering design firm Heatherwick Studio has unveiled its highly anticipated first project in Thailand, Hatai, transforming a historic site in Bangkok’s bustling Silom business district into a luminous, culturally resonant destination. Replacing the original Narai Hotel, this ambitious development promises to inject warmth and distinct Thai character into the urban fabric, creating an entirely new ‘Lantern Quarter’ inspired by the nation’s exquisite traditional craftsmanship.
At the heart of Hatai are two prominent hotels – Six Senses and the reborn Narai Hotel – offering over 300 rooms combined, alongside a wellness centre, ballroom, and conference facilities. However, the project’s true ambition shines beyond hospitality. Heatherwick Studio has prioritized creating 5,200 square metres of new public space, fundamentally “giving back to the street”.
The design’s defining feature is a series of stacked, glowing forms, directly evoking the delicate beauty of traditional Thai lanterns. This approach aims to replace the “anonymous, blank severity” Thomas Heatherwick, the studio’s founder and design director, observes in much of Bangkok’s modern architecture. “We wanted to do something that connects with the country’s heritage in a deeper way and builds detail, feeling and story back into the city,” Heatherwick stated. The lantern-inspired structures create a softer silhouette on the Bangkok skyline, radiating a unique sense of place.
Ground level is conceived as a vibrant public village. A lush green canopied plaza featuring native planting provides essential shade and respite. Significantly, a restored canal will weave through this public realm, offering a moment of calm and quiet amidst the city’s energy. This carefully curated space will host a diverse mix of functions, including a shrine, an open-air market, dedicated event spaces, and even a nursery, designed to attract both local workers and curious explorers.
“We’ve designed a series of lanterns stacked on top of one another, collectively forming a much softer silhouette in the skyline,” explained Heatherwick. “We have the opportunity to create a major piece of public space – including rain protection, planting and water – all designed to encourage street-level life filled with curiosity and exploration.” The inclusion of elevated walkways further enhances connectivity and the pedestrian experience.
Developed by the Narai Hospitality Group, Hatai represents a significant addition to Heatherwick Studio’s global portfolio, joining landmarks like New York’s Little Island, Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA, Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills, and London’s Coal Drops Yard. This lantern-inspired architecture project, scheduled to open in 2028, is poised to become a major cultural and social hub within Bangkok, demonstrating how contemporary design can powerfully and poetically engage with local heritage and community needs. It stands as a bold statement against urban anonymity, aiming instead to create a space that is radically more joyful, engaging and human.