In the heart of southern Thailand, an intriguing architectural marvel has emerged, challenging conventional notions of design and sustainability. Boonserm Premthada's Goya Tower, a testament to innovation and cultural reverence, stands tall amidst the lush landscapes of Phang Nga.
What makes this tower truly remarkable is its unique construction material: handmade bricks crafted from elephant dung. This unconventional choice is not merely an artistic statement but a thoughtful exploration of the deep connection between elephants, the local community, and the natural environment.
The Tower's Organic Form
Goya Tower invites visitors on a sensory journey, guiding them through a series of cylindrical columns and curved walkways. As they ascend, the surrounding landscape unfolds, offering a gradual revelation of road, garden, forest, sky, and sea. The experience extends beyond the summit, encouraging a slow and immersive climb.
Handmade Bricks: A Creative Economy
The project's inception was sparked by a simple yet profound question: Could elephant dung become architecture? Each circular brick, measuring 33 centimeters in diameter and 5 centimeters thick, is meticulously crafted by hand. Produced in five natural colors and left unfired, these bricks rely on the skilled hands of artisans, the warmth of the sun, and the passage of time.
During construction, the bricks are carefully threaded onto steel rods and stacked in a designed color pattern. This repetitive process transforms the organic material into a structural element, creating a unique surface that is both tactile and visually captivating.
A Journey from Ta Klang Village
The story of Goya Tower began with a single elephant-dung brick, carried from Ta Klang Village. What started as an experimental idea, met with initial skepticism, evolved into a long-term research project. Over time, this innovative material gained recognition, finding its way into the collections of prestigious institutions like MoMA and M+ Museum.
However, with Goya Tower, Premthada brings this research back to its roots, integrating it into the very landscape it celebrates. Here, the brick transcends its status as an object of preservation or display, becoming an integral part of a cyclical relationship between animals, humans, and the land.
A Broader Perspective
Goya Tower raises intriguing questions about the role of architecture in shaping our relationship with nature and culture. By incorporating elephant dung, a byproduct of the local ecosystem, into its very fabric, the tower suggests a more holistic approach to design. It invites us to consider the potential for architecture to be shaped not only by human hands but also by the natural world and its inhabitants.
In my opinion, this project is a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities for creativity and sustainability. It challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace the unexpected, fostering a deeper connection with our environment and the unique cultural heritage it embodies.
