Anyone who has travelled through Rama IX area will probably have seen the opening of the gigantic mall complex Show DC, Thailand’s first one-stop retail and entertainment megamall and the best entertainment destination in Southeast Asia. Its décor is guided by both fresh innovative ideas and the functionality that the target groups, both Thai and foreign tourists, will be looking for. This principle has also been extended to the design of the Bangkok Bus Terminal, which is part of the first comprehensive tourist information and transit center in Southeast Asia and has arisen from the collaboration between the project owner and SCG Chemicals. Mr. Kittikhun Tattakorn, a landscape architect at G.L.A. Design, designer of the Show DC project, let us in on the details of the project.

            “The client’s initial goal is to make the Bangkok Bus Terminal a new transport hub of Rama IX, where commuters can travel to key destinations in Bangkok or visit the mall before heading to Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport. Shuttle transport services are also offered, so visitors can travel to the mall from different locations across Bangkok.”

           In response to the request above, the structural architects initially proposed glass as the construction material. However, after further discussion, certain limitations of glass became evident. At the same time, SCG Chemicals also introduced the team to Shinkolite Heat Cut Sheet, innovative acrylic sheet that reduces heat and offers airiness. Under a roof made with this innovation, passengers waiting at the stop for their rides will not feel hot or have their skin burned. Mr. Choardsak Karmai, CCS Sales Manager of Thai MMA Co., Ltd., which is a joint venture between SCG Chemicals and Mitsubushi Rayon Japan, explained,

“Initially, the designers opted for mirror materials. However, as the roof was facing west and would be considerably exposed to the sun, we suggested using Shinkolite Heat Cut Sheets for the roof, which would meet the client’s need for protection against sunlight. The passenger under the roof will not feel their skin prickling as the heat is reduced.”

           The key to the heat reduction lies in the unique properties of the Shinkolite Heat Cut Sheet, which, despite its transparency and sleekness, can deflect as much as 58% of infrared rays and shield off heat, resulting in a reduction of as much as five degrees Celsius.* After the choice of material had been settled cam the installation process, during all the relevant teams worked closely. Mr. Kittikhun Tattakorn explained this process for us.

“After the architectural plans had been approved, they were sent to the Show DC team, so they could work with SCG Chemicals and obtain their consultancy. During the process, SCG Chemicals offered assistance on various issues such as the installation and the price. In addition, SCG Chemicals also manufactured custom-size sheets for us. Regular Shinkolite sheets are three meters long, but six-meter sheets were made for us to reduce seams and speed up the installation, which benefited both teams. The collaboration with SCG Chemicals gave us numerous advantages. Not only did we get the material that met the need of the project developer and the result as designed at a reasonable price, we also received helpful advice on the installation and assistance in communicating with the on-site foremen. Ultimately, the people who enjoy the benefit of this collaboration are the mall visitors, who will gain satisfaction and will not be subjected to heat while using the facility.”

           It can be seen that this partnership has resulted in mutual benefits. Mr. Toontam Sukosit, the project’s architect, added:

            “Our goal was to construct a beautiful, well-ventilated, and cool shuttle transport stop. The challenge was that we had a short timeframe and a limited budget. However, SCG Chemicals stepped in to join us and offer assistance with the roof, providing solutions that ultimately enabled us to overcome the challenge. They also gave us helpful advice. We collaborated and worked closely throughout the process and succeeded in achieving the desired result in the end. In our past experience working with SCG Chemicals, we have never encountered any issue, and there will be more collaboration between us in future projects.”

Mr. Toontam Sukosit

Architect of Show DC Mall

 

           Our goal was to construct a beautiful, well-ventilated, and cool shuttle transport stop. The challenge was that we had a short timeframe and a limited budget. However, SCG Chemicals stepped in to join us and offer assistance with the roof, providing solutions that ultimately enabled us to overcome the challenge.”

 

           When asked about his feelings towards this synergy, Mr. Choardsak Karmai said:

                      “The value that we share is that the interest of the consumers comes first, not the benefits of SCG Chemicals or Show DC. The priority is our customers. Because of this shared mindset, our work became easier. From this collaboration, we’ve learned and witnessed the working approach and process where every party united to deliver the best result on schedule. I’m thoroughly impressed.”

Mr. Kittikhun Tattakorn

Landscape architect at G.L.A. Design, Designer of The Show DC Project

 

            “The collaboration with SCG Chemicals gave us numerous advantages. Not only did we get the material that met the need of the project developer and the result as designed at a reasonable price, we also received helpful advice on the installation and assistance in communicating with the on-site foremen. Ultimately, the people who enjoy the benefit of this collaboration are the mall visitors, who will gain satisfaction and will not be subjected to heat while using the facility.”

Mr. Choardsak Karmai

CCS Sales Manager of Thai MMA Co., Ltd.

Joint venture between SCG Chemicals and Mitsubishi Rayon, Japan

 

           “The value that we share is that the interest of the consumers comes first, not the benefits of SCG Chemicals or Show DC. The priority is our customers. Because of this shared mindset, our work became easier.”

Ms. Praparwarn Waeladeevong, Vice Chairperson of Show DC Corp, Operator of Show DC Mega Complex shared with us the idea behind Show DC:

 

            “We intend to build Show DC as Thailand’s first entertainment and retail mega complex and the best of its kind in Asia. We offer best live shows, namely Ong Bak Live and Himmapan Avatar, as well as a full array of restaurants and shopping areas that cater to the lifestyle of Bangkokians. In addition, we have also constructed Thailand’s first Bangkok Tourist Terminal, where tourists can visit Bangkok Tourist Lounge to take a shower and leave their luggage before their flights. Shuttle transport services will also be provided to both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport as well as around 30 hotels in the vicinity of the mall. Therefore, every tourist can truly make the most of their time.”