‘The Commons’ Touch
I’m pretty good at doling out advice on the perfect spot for a dinner party, proposing marriage, a date, or even a baby hower. But I found it a bit challenging when my family asked for recommendations for a cool place to just enjoy a quality time together over Christmas. For we are a range of personalities with individual tastes and preferences. But what we have in common is that we love chilling out somewhere outdoor. Which is why “The Commons” comes along as a perfect option for our family gatherings during this holiday season.
The Commons – the community mall on Soi Thonglor 17 – has an open living space that can simply satisfy CBD Bangkokians’ needs for greenery and the outdoor life.
Credit: The Commons
There are four main areas at The Commons: the “Market” that’s filled with an array of restaurants offering specialized food and drinks; “Village” or an open-air deck area where visitors can breeze through shops and beauty salons; “Play Yard” with tutorial schools and gyms; and “Top Yard” where shoppers can find a green space for relaxation and enjoying a cup of coffee.
“It’s our intention to build first a community, then a mall. We wanted The Commons to become Thonglor’s backyard and a stomping ground for specialized producers and their customers. We hope to promote wholesome living and a true sense of community,” said founders Vicharee and Varatt Vichit-Vadakan.
After founding the renowned “Roots” coffee shop and “Roast” café, the siblings spent years developing this community mall and bringing their concept to life. Eventually, they came up with a thoughtful design for The Commons, envisioning it as a space where everyone can share not just things, but also values and memories.
A number of design and architecture collaborators, all experts in their respective fields, worked hard to create The Commons. Its outstanding architecture is the work of Department of Architecture Co. The firm created a multi-storied structure that consists of steps, ramps, platforms, and seating all shaded by the third and fourth floors above to fight off Bangkok’s horrid heat.
Credit: The Commons
The vertical and horizontal open sides enhance air circulation throughout the premises, allowing the cool breeze to blow in and cool down the place, making it a perfect place for my father keen on chilling out and people watching.
With béton brut (raw concrete) walls that’s left seemingly unfinished, this gigantic four-story, loft-style building is a palette of warm earth tones when viewed together with the wooden ground floor platform and steps leading out to the entrance.
To top it all off, the place has a variety of lively signage and environmentally themed graphics designed by be>our>friend Studio on display throughout for an artistic vibe.
My sister, who loves to dine in fancy restaurants, will love to visit the indoor Market zone where all the great food outlets are located. The Market is air conditioned, but still provides guests with a gauzy feeling with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a cozy dining area.
Credit: The Commons
The ramps act as walkways, a well-thought-out design that provides easy mobility for wheelchair-bound visitors and access to just about anywhere in this living space.
The top floor’s landscape, designed by Wabi-Sabi Studio, is one of my favorite spots. Here visitors can relax by walking through the green lawn and herb garden or enjoy a coffee break or a hearty meal at the “Roast”, a casual all-day dining restaurant.
If you’re in the area, drop by The Commons, you’ll find something for everyone – a communal ground for all of your loved ones to share a good time together.
The Commons
335 Soi Thonglor 17
Tel. 02 712 5400
www.thecommonsbkk.com
