Fraser Property Holdings (Thailand) recently joined the "New Green Possibilities" international online forum - Business Talk on topic of "Green Business Pathway". The event, which is a part of the Bangkok Design Week 2021, aimed to raise awareness and public conversation on green space development and policy through an exchange of case studies between key urban players such as policy makers, networks, designers and real estate developers, to explore new possibilities for the development of high-quality and sustainable green space in urban areas through a participatory design process in order to meet the goals of the Green Bangkok 2030 initiative.
The Business Talk "Green Business Pathway" covered the topics of allocating private project areas for public use, development of green public spaces in partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and expansion of green space in public area of CBD to enhance the quality of urban life. The discussion brought together five qualified representatives from the private sector and state enterprise.
As a guest speaker, Worawat Srisa-an, Deputy CEO, Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the Joint Developer of One Bangkok, and Development Manager and Asset Manager of The PARQ, shared his views on the topic "Privately Owned Public Spaces", covering essential elements of public green spaces with the aim of making Bangkok a dream city and building pleasant, sustainable communities. "As a developer with sustainability-led thinking, we look at the lifespan of our developments to be a minimum of 30 years and to contribute positively in changing the city today while creating value for future communities. Bangkok is one of the global cities with limited green areas and rights-of-way. While the World Health Organisation recommends every city to provide a minimum of 9 sq.m. of urban green space for each person, Bangkok has an average of only 3.5 sq.m. per person. The city also has very limited right-of-way of only 7% compared to recommended minimum right-of-way coverage area of 20 - 25%. Issues with urban development in Bangkok disrupt the city's daily flow and restricts walkability. If these urban areas are improved to be more conducive to convenient walking, with enhanced safety and pleasant environment, the city can attract more people to travel on foot. This is one of the strategies for sustainable urban development."
Frasers Property is committed to uplift the quality of life in the CBD on Rama IV Road with the development of mixed-use projects with design concept focusing on creating more open space for public use, adding green area, increasing walkability and social and economic growth in these particular areas. This is part of creating a network of high-quality public green spaces in the heart of Rama 4 on the route linked to two large public parks - Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park.
"The PARQ and One Bangkok are two mixed-use projects that reflect our vision of creating a positive impact in the central business district of Bangkok on Rama IV Road, promoting a better environment to improve people's quality of life, along with contributing to economic and social development in urban communities.
A mixed-use office and retail development under the 'Life Well Balanced' concept, The PARQ is a perfect example of completed project that creates privately owned green public spaces, with large trees planted along the front of the building on the project's ground to create shady road and walkway, as well as to dedicate the space along the front of the project as a spacious pedestrian extension with improved landscape and benefit the passers-by. One Bangkok, a fully-integrated district and the largest private sector property development in Thailand's history now under construction, has four core development principles - Putting People First, by enhancing the convenience and comfort of peoples' everyday lives with large amounts of public space and a network of pedestrian friendly walkways; Championing Sustainability - with 50 rai of the 104 rai plot of land allocated to green and open space and design concepts set to attain LEED and WELL certifications; Living Smart - with smart technologies are integrated throughout the development; and Accessibility - with direct access to MRT system and expressway as well as vehicle-access along Wireless Road and Rama IV Roads," Worawat added.
Other projects developed and managed by Frasers Property (Thailand) and its affiliated groups, such as Park Ventures Ecoplex, Samyan Mitrtown and FYI Center are all focused on developing urban privately owned public spaces, including increasing green spaces with tree planting along the roadside, allocating open spaces in front of buildings for general public use, and connecting pedestrian areas along the street to the area of buildings, making them more spacious and increasing walkability.
"To define an ideal future city in one key word, I would say "Glocal", a combination of local culture, lifestyle and wisdom, and the world-recognized concepts, standards, innovations and cutting-edge technologies," concluded Worawat.