PROJECT REVIEW

The new type of village revitalises the surroundings at Rincome intersection which feature walking streets and the space where a new public square is created, openly welcoming both local and international visitors from all over the world for the sake of art, activities, community and shopping.

One Nimman has become a new symbol for the town and the heart of community. This new open space was built from the contemporary urban development concept of where old meets new. This journal explores some of the interesting aspects and inspirations behind the work of One Nimman.

Importance of a Name

The new northern cultural village was named as a reflection on the exuberant centre of a modern bedrock town of Chiang Mai. The name is a result of combination of the term “Nimman” and “Soi 1.” “Nimman” is a shortened version of “Nimmanhenminda”, a very prominent road of Chiang Mai while “Soi 1” is the name of a soi that used to be known in Chiang Mai for arts and crafts.

Symbol as a Reminder

The brand identity of One Nimman was inspired by the iconic architectural accent, the arch logo to the signage systems can be found throughout the area’s public squares.

One Nimman’s identity logo refers to the pure compression form of an arch and its accurate graphic line. The visual concept was inspired by an iconic arch-curved structure spanning an elevated space at the doorway, windows, and decorating on the façade. The proportion of this was matched exactly with the real arch which exists in the architecture of the building. The designer elevates this iconic symbolic colour with a touch of bright red and orange to enliven the brand with a more fun and fresh approach.

Architecture as a Statement

The building, designed by Ong-ard Architects, is influenced by the local architecture, featuring a mixture of Thai Lanna and thirteenth century Nepalese Newar architecture .The shopping hall and the public space with clock tower were also conceptualised from Thai Lanna, while the wooden market hall prominently exemplified the Monpazier’s fifteenth century hall in Southwest France that used to be the heart of the town. The mixes of cultures created a one of a kind atmosphere for the visitors.

The architecture also reminds us of the work by Boonserm Premthada, the elephant pavilion which revives Thailand’s forgotten pasts and way of life. The timeless architecture and works of art placed the project in modern culture through Thailand’s forgotten pasts.

“Where art meets design, old meets new and being locally international while retaining its northern cultural flare”

Honouring the Heritage

The local heritage of Chiangmai is absolutely vital to the project’s identity. Although many of the approach is modern, the history and soul of the area are preserved. A similar approach can be seen from Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross, London. Coal Drops Yard is a complex project to revive the neglected area near King’s Cross. Although the design is industrial and modern, the history of the area is preserved through using the existing bricks, proudly showcasing the life they have had. The complex now house shops, restaurants, galleries through to office spaces. 

Commerce through Art

The bold project represents a contemporary take through development, through design execution, process with a touch of local authenticity, carefully tailored to One Nimman from the hearts of the real artists, resulting in the valuable intersection of creativity and commerce.

The amalgamation of inspirations from different cultures and architectures made this project colourful and unique. As a space that reunites old and new for both people, design, culture and arts, One Nimman aspire to cultivate a lively community in the heart of Chiangmai.