“Urban in Progress” is a collaborative contemporary art project that explores various inter-disciplinary skills for disaster risk management and fair distribution in quality of life for urbanites. From conducting field research to creating an in-depth understanding of its people and the surrounding environment, this project was developed in collaboration with professionals from multiple sectors, such as artists, scholars, architects, conservationists and creatives. Presenting an alternative concept and point of view derived from lived experiences, the project reveals a story of the city, its people, future public policies and adjustments the inhabitants will have to make during changing times. In addition, the project received advisory support from official entities such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thai Public Policy Foundation, One Bangkok, FutureTales Lab, National Innovation Agency (NIA), Future Innovative Thailand Institute (FIT), Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre, BIGTrees Project, we!park and Design for Disasters Foundation (D4D), all of whom were key partners in this collaboration, working towards a common goal of developing a future public policy for the city.
---

The project “Urban in Progress” consists of two exhibitions that present the issue of the city from different perspectives.

“CITY ADAPTATION Lab!”

Creators: Kalaya Kovidvisith and Asst. Prof. Samustpon Tanapant, Kaninyan Chandrasma, Methawee Angthong, Diloklarp Janthachotbutr and Sakson Rouypirom (Na Café at Bangkok 1899),  Thanawat Maneenawa, and Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Nakorn Limpacuptathavon, Note Panayanggool, Patama Roonrakwit, Phichai Keawvichit, Phusanat Karunwongwat and Little Monster Family, Siam Attariya, Assoc. Prof. Singh Intrachooto, Ph.D., Suriya Umpansiriratana, Assoc. Prof. Suttisak Soralump, Ph.D.
Collaborators: Infinity Dev Company Limited, Pattrica Lipatapanlop and Noun Studio
Curator: Vipavee Kunavichayanont Co-Curator: Rinrada Na Chiangmai

The “CITY ADAPTATION LAB!” exhibition presents a look into the ways in which humans adapt in parallel with nature for survival, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practicing pragmatic yet positive thinking, the "City Adaptation Lab!" creates awareness for issues regarding the city, the community, the environment, future public policies, and the support available from multiple sectors within our society. The featured artworks are by a group of diverse creators including artists, designers, architects, conservationists, academics, actors and YouTubers and other creatives who chose to reflect on their point of view about sustainable living and the challenges city dwellers may face while adjusting for the future. This exhibition examines the public’s lifestyle and the change in their behaviours through innovative exhibition design by using augmented reality and virtual reality. This will provide an open access for easy viewing without the limit of time or space. This is an invitation to introspect and raise questions in order to help each other find ways to progress and joyfully live with the city, and this progress starts with us first.
---

“PARADISE LOST”

Creators: Jedsada Tangtrakulwong, Chunlaporn Nuntapanich, Karin Phisolyabut, Assoc. Prof. Kitichate Sridith, Ph.D , Pannaphan Yodmanee, Pichet Klunchun, Asst. Prof. Pirasri Povatong, Ph.D , Piyatat Hemmatat, Santi Lorratchawee, Wit Pimkanchanapong, Witaya Junma and Urban Creators
Curator: Sanitas Pradittasnee Co-Curator: Narongsak Nilkhet

Paradise Lost exhibition: The importance of having nature in cities, the existing biophilia hypotheses and the imminent natural disaster threats in current times all reveal the large impact of human intervention on nature. This exhibition thus proposes a different point of thought, by bringing the backdrop of natural landscape into the forefront as the main character, in the hope of making people stop to think and reflect on what we are leaving behind for the next generation. 

The first layer of this exhibition is based on field research, examining questions to deepen the understanding of changes that occurred from previous eras up until the present. When everyone is held accountable for the ecosystem in which they live, from their oral to material consumption, what do they really think about the changing environment? Can a city survive without nature? Are we educated enough about the natural sciences? Following this, the second layer of the exhibition invites the audience to explore a redefined Bangkok. The once ignored potential of the minority will now present Bangkok from a new perspective: through the views of children, other living creatures in the city, and Urban Green Space Projects

Paradise Lost exhibition encourages everyone to look at Bangkok from a new mindset where human beings are simply a small fraction of nature. The exhibition explores adaptability amongst society and culture that is constantly evolving, thanks to the creation of mutual partnerships among organisations working towards disseminating information and inspiring different groups of people, by using contemporary art, culture and creative outputs from different disciplines, such as urban historians, botanists, landscape architects, urban planners, graphic designers, ceramic designers, fine art artists and contemporary dancers, to help inspire sustainable living, promoting a true cohabitation between humans and nature, and finally working towards a future public policy for Bangkok.

Event Contact