Workshop: Superskywalk

Instructors: Scott Drake & Preechaya Sittipunt

    In February 2011, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that it would construct a ‘Superskywalk” system, consisting of 50 km of clutter- free, elevated walking space. The project, with an estimated cost at Bt15 Billion, and a construction schedule spanning 4 years, would make Bangkok more pedestrian friendly.  Most sections of the project would link to the existing BTS skytrain, extending existing pedestrian skywalks such as that between Chit Lom and Siam stations. 
    Curiously, a year after the announcement, little more has been said about the project.  Clearly Bangkok’s pedestrian network needs attention – sidewalks are in bad repair, cluttered with vendors and food carts, and filled with obstacles such as fire hydrants and low level signs.  Street crossings are dangerous, with cars and motorcycles seeming reluctant to wait for green lights or give way to pedestrians.  But are pedestrians likely to ascend above street level to avoid such obstacles? Yes the streets are cluttered, but this is part of their attraction – cheap food and an endless parade of characters for entertainment.  In contrast, the existing raised walkways are mainly circulation spaces – clean and corporate, engineered to be safe yet without provision for pedestrians to linger or enjoy the city. 
This workshop will explore possibilities for a Superskywalk – how could it be designed to be inviting and interesting for pedestrians? How could it be filled with vendors and food carts without becoming cluttered and dangerous? How could it link to existing areas where street culture is lively to make a multi-level pedestrian experience? The workshop will reflect on another design for a Super Skywalk, created by Supermachine Studio, comprising a giant ‘mega-compound’ raised above a city overcome by flood.