Nikkei Asia Prizes 2000

Pinyo Suwankiri

Thai architect builds on nature Educator, activist combines traditional forms with his own unique vision

BY NORIKO SEKIHARA
staff writer

Sthiradharma Sthana is nestled in lush foliage on the outskirts of Bangkok. Like all traditional Thai architecture, the Buddhist convent has elevated teak floors, sharply curving roofs and a large terrace. The structure, its beauty enhanced by its natural surroundings, is one of Pinyo Suwankiri's most significant creations.

"Harmony with nature is particularly important for me because I was born and grew up in the country," says Pinyo.

Bangkok teems with modern high-rises but even in the overbuilt Thai capital, a number of Buddhist temples and small shrines give people a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Pinyo is very attached to Thai tradition and produces new art forms by combining traditional Thai architecture with his own vision. He has long been active as an educator, trying to hand down tradition to younger generations, and as an activist, working to preserve old buildings and promote cultural activities.

Pinyo was born the son of a civil servant in Sathingphra, Songkhlaa. At the age of 8, he already showed an interest in traditional Thai arts. He discovered the beauty of Thai design after he was adopted by his father's friend, Pathumthammathaarii, a Buddhist priest.

The priest excelled at drawing patterns on paper, which were used for religious festivals. Pinyo never tired of looking at the artful designs and began trying his hand at the craft. Thanks also to the priest's disciples, who were generous with advice, Pinyo was soon able to create designs for use in theater, architecture and furniture.

At the time he entered Chulalongkorn University, Thai architecture was generally regarded as a minor subject, Pinyo said.

He continued to study traditional architecture, while most other students aspired to design modern buildings. But the other students turned to Pinyo for help when they were assigned a project to paint a mural for a Buddhist temple.

Pinyo began working as an architect while still a university student and has since designed numerous temples, museums, college buildings and even the Thai King's villa. He has been commissioned to design Thai-style temples in the U.S., India and Nepal.

The architect's major achievement was to elevate traditional building methods to an art form. In the past, Thai architecture relied mainly on time-tested designs. Pinyo, after making an in-depth study of traditional architecture, went on to create new designs while still adhering to the methods of older artisans. He has introduced innovations of his own such as the use of stainless steel and copper relief in his buildings.

"You can create ordinary structures with a computer but there is a considerable artistic aspect to Thai architecture, and that is what I love," says Pinyo.

After studying in the U.S., Pinyo taught at Chulalongkorn University for many years, where he revamped the university's curriculum to upgrade courses in Thai architecture. Meanwhile, Thailand's younger generation has developed an heightened interest in traditional architecture.

The architect lives in Bangkok with his wife and three daughters. At the age of 63, Pinyo still has quite a youthful spirit. "That's because I leave money and other irksome matters to my wife and do only what I wish," he laughed. His next project is to write a textbook on Thai architecture for university students.

"My goal is to always create something original and educate young people so that they can take over from my generation of architects," he said.