AIA East Gateway is a new model of office building located in the Bangna area. This building emphasizes the well-being of office employees by integrating nature and green spaces into the building.
“The scientist who specializes in workplace management and wellbeing stated that developing work efficiency and improving the well-being of employees cannot be separated. When employees have good physical and mental health, they can work more efficiently, decreasing the average of sick leave, as well as a reduction in resignations”
As an extention to working life within the building, the surrounding landscape on ground, on podiums and sky balcony are not only offers a relaxing atmosphere for people, but also providing areas to promote physical and mental well-being; such as an outdoor exercise area featuring a vibrant red running track contrasted with greenery along 400 meters, an outdoor fitness, table tennis, indoor fitness, and even a saltwater swimming pool.
During the day, employees can change their atmosphere for working. The space was designed to allow the user to come out to discuss in the outdoor Co-Working Area, which is surrounded by nature. It can help to increase concentration, reduce fatigue, enhance work efficiency, and creativity by approximately 15 – 20%.
There are area to promote Social and Community well-being for employees, with meeting pavilions, resting pavilions, walking meeting route, and dining tables. Another highlight is the urban farming corner with abundant edible plants species to be harvested and enjoy by people working here. Activities of gathering plants, cooking them together and taking care of the farm can be bonding social moment. Studies have found that having an edible garden can improve people’s health by up to 15%.
‘‘Bangna’ district has an elevation of only 0 to 0.5 meters above sea level. Rapidly growing economic with high construction density would result in lacking of space to absorb water during rainfalls which leading to frequent flooding’
AIA East Gateway building not only emphasizes well-being but is also dedicated to addressing the issue of flood-prone areas with nature-based solution. The design ensures that the property can serve as a water retention area during heavy rainfall for 4 months and store up to 1,161.25 cubic meters of water. The significant key of the design is the natural retention pond and the bioswale, which not only enhance the ambiance of the surrounding area but also function as water retention areas for the project.
The natural retention ponds also serves as a rainwater harvesting area and up cycle the water. All of the green spaces within the project are designed as Rain Gardens capable of capturing and slowing down water flow. These gardens feature can also filtering dust and contaminants before allowing the water to flow into natural ponds. This is achieved through long bioswales which are designed like streams amidst green vegetation. Those parts help to trap pollutants and slow down the water initially, then stored in rain harvesting tanks and undergoes a nature-based purification process. The purified water is reused for various activities within the project, such as irrigating the plants.
With these design that is environmentally conscious and prioritizes the well-being of its users, the AIA East Gateway building has achieved the WELL Building Standard, which assesses buildings under seven core concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort, and Mind. It also received the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Building Certification, which is beneficial not only to the building’s users but also to the people in the neighborhood and the surrounding area.
Architecture offices involved in the design: Creative Crews Ltd.
Location: Bangna, Bangkok
Design year: 2018
Year Completed: 2023
