BAN BAT

a century-old community specializing in traditional production of handcrafted monk’s bowl


In the summer of 2018, I decided to volunteer in the 4-month pilot project for another low-income community called Ban-Bat. I was struck by the ironic fact that Ban Bat once served as a pioneering poster child for Thailand’s “One Tambon (sub-district), One Product” (or OTOP) scheme aimed at economic uplift, yet found itself in an increasingly dire economic situation, with its skilled craftsmen gradually leaving or having to supplement income through other unskilled jobs. I therefore became motivated to identify and implement design solutions that could help Ban Bat preserve its traditvvional identity while generating greater income through tourism.

    Walking door-to-door in the initial research phase, I noticed how underlying “fear of change” among Ban Bat residents might have led to their reluctance to cooperate. To foster trust and increase community engagement, I therefore proposed and led the organizing of a series of ice-breaking and idea exchange activities (including a dinner-and-dance event and mini-workshops) that would convey to the residents how our team sincerely care about their plight and how their opinions truly matters in our design process.

    Subsequently, through active community feedback and our detailed assessment of local community needs and practical spatial challenges, we decided to revamp Ban Bat’s main entrance to increase the visibility of Ban Bat to potential visitors, thereby introducing eye-catching installations inspired by local artisan’s metal-working techniques and newly designed wall murals depicting Ban Bat’s history and traditional techniques of producing its cherished monk bowls. We also introduced to clearer signage and maps throughout the area to aid visitor’s navigation.


Curated by Space SaloonTECHNICAL CONSULTANT StudioMake