Green Spaces of Chulalongkorn University: Open Areas for an Inclusive Community and Society
Photo by Nopparuj Lamaikul on Unsplash
Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park: Forest in the City, an Accessible Green Space for All People in the Community
Chulalongkorn University has more than 29 rai or 46,400 square meters of green space in the central part of Thailand’s capital, which is part of its Green & Clean City Creation policy. The goal is to follow in the spirit of King Chulalongkorn’s royal intention when he offered land for the university to be used for learning, and to return the benefits of land use to society as a whole. It was in this spirit that CU Centenary Park was created and opened to the public on March 26, 2017.
The green space of Chulalongkorn University is open for all members of the public to use free of charge. People can come to breathe fresh air, walk or exercise while enjoying a cool breeze, watch a sunset amid a calm ambience, and stay close to nature in the heart of busy Bangkok.
CU Centenary Park was designed with a constructive idea to not only increase green space by planting many big trees for surrounding residential areas, but also to promote biodiversity through the use of various types of plants. These trees and plants are part of a naturally grown “Forest in the City”.
In line with a mission to provide surrounding communities with lush greenery, freshness and beauty, the park’s design was inspired by the way Chamchuri branches grow and expand. The Chamchuri (rain tree) represents Chulalongkorn University. In addition, the park was created with an aim to become a center for ecosystem connection at the level of urban green infrastructure. Architects cleverly considered how the park could help balance water flow by means of water resource circulation. The park has thus become a prototype for an urban public park that can contain water, creating a healthy ecosystem and providing recreational opportunities for surrounding communities. [ https://pmcu.co.th/chula-centenary-park/ ]
Activities and Space Usage
[ https://www.facebook.com/chulalongkornuniversitycentenarypark/ ]
CU Centenary Park is a venue for recreation, exercise, and a place for get-togethers or hangouts for people of all ages, especially those living in nearby communities. It is open every day from 5am to 10pm and is free of charge.
The space in the park is designed for multiple forms of public activities and open for all, free of charge, year-round. These include outdoor exhibitions, music festivals, social-impact activities, and campaigns by independent groups to disseminate public information. The university encourages the public to take the opportunity to make the most use of CU Centenary Park, creating a link between neighboring commercial and residential districts and the university compound with no boundaries. More importantly, the park helps reduce social inequality among community residents from different walks of life in a multicultural society. Below are examples of the variety of activities that took place in the park in 2023-2024.
CEO Festival, February 2-3, 2023
Office of Property Management, Chulalongkorn University has invited interested public people to join a CEO Festival between 2-3 February, 2023 at Chulalongkorn University’s Centennial Park from 16.30 p.m. onwards. At the festival, there will be a concert by leading singers from Thailand such as Foolstep, Lipta, Serious Bacon and Stamp Apiwatch. There will also be booths from participants at the Beat the Biz 2022 Competition, food stalls and beverages from various brands, games, a photo booth and other activities. [ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/103128/ ]
A Workshop on “Urban Green Infrastructure” for Sustainable City at Chulalongkorn University’s Centennial Park (Workshop: “Urban Green Infrastructure”), March 16-22, 2023
The Swedish Embassy in Stockholm in cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, invited a group of experts in reforestation and Wood Cities architect from Sweden to conduct a trip to greenspace at Chulalongkorn University’s Centennial Park, located in the center of Bangkok. A workshop on urban green infrastructure to design green space for sustainable cities will be held by Sajjabhong Lekuthai, design director for LANDPROCESS Co Ltd. He will exchange experiences and share inspiration with the participants on what is behind his work to transform deserted areas to a greenspace in the city. Flood related issues will also be discussed. [ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/107781/ ]
Zero Waste Day, March 30, 2023
In celebrating the UN’s World Zero Waste Day on 30th March, 2023, Chula Zero Waste Project organized a Zero Waste Day’s potluck dinner for students and zero waste staff who are interested in the environment’s issues to get to know one another at Chulalongkorn University’s Centennial Park. At the potluck dinner, they have brought in a variety of food and joined a networking session. [ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/110826/ ]
“Music by the Park, 7th Edition” by the International Music Club, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, April 11, 2024
We invite all music lovers to join us for the 7th edition of “Music by the Park,” hosted by the International Music Club of the Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University (Psyche Music). Enjoy beautiful and fun tunes amidst a pleasant atmosphere and memorable moments on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park. Admission is free for all. [ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/154827/ ]
Music Against Drugs 2024 Concert at Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park for International Day Against Drug Abuse, June 22, 2024
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board invites you to the free concert, Music Against Drugs 2024, in celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse 2024. Enjoy performances from top artists such as Fellow Fellow, bamm, and Tilly Birds in a warm, vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park.
The event will also feature workshops and fun activities, with many prizes to be won. Admission is free for all activities. [ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/169524/ ]
“Share for Change”, October 5, 2024
You are invited to enjoy beautiful music performed by students from Silpakorn University in collaboration with students from Chulalongkorn University at the “Share for Change” street performance event. All proceeds will be donated to support flood victims in Chiang Rai province. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park. [ https://www.facebook.com/share/7zB3opUrb3etu5VA/ ]
In addition to Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park, which serves as the main green space of the university, the campus is further enhanced by the planting of large Chamchuri trees and other types of trees in 14 gardens. These green areas are open to both the Chulalongkorn community and the general public, welcoming people of all ages to enjoy free access. These spaces provide areas for relaxation, cool shade, improved air quality, pollution reduction, and health promotion, while also fostering community engagement for sustainable development.
Source: Chulalongkorn University
- Phra Kieo Kaeo Garden: Named after the royal emblem of King Rama V, this garden is designed with water management in mind and includes the planting of vetiver grass to enhance biodiversity.
- Waew Vajira Garden: Named after the royal emblem of King Rama VI, the garden was endowed with various tree species by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The land is shaped like waves to retain water and allow some rainwater to seep into the ground.
- Sathiramaitri Garden: A flexible-use space with improved walkways for safety, this garden preserves as many original trees as possible.
- Pridikhwan Garden: An experimental area for planting native forest trees to observe their survival and growth. The surrounding pathways are designed for exercise and relaxation.
- Panyathawi Garden: Large trees are planted to provide shade, connecting to the Sri Maha Bodhi Courtyard, a space open to staff, students, and the public.
- Srisattaphat Garden: Located near the Borommaratchonnani Srisataphat Building, which was built to commemorate the 100th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, this garden features open, airy spaces with large trees providing shade to nearby buildings, supporting student and staff activities.
- Chatuchirawat Garden: Large trees are planted to provide shade to the walkways, with open spaces designed to accommodate student activities in the nearby lecture hall.
- Sala Phra Kieo Garden: Pink plumeria trees are planted to symbolize Thainess, reflecting the architecture of Sala Phra Kieo and Chulalongkorn’s identity. The large trees provide shade and increase relaxation spaces.
- Dhamma Center Garden: This is a meditation garden used for religious activities and exercise. The trees planted here connect with Buddhist traditions.
- Pharot Racha Garden: A three-story wooden house serves as a reception for the university president’s guests and hosts various activities. It is now preserved for future generations to learn about past architecture, surrounded by lawns and winding exercise paths that protect the original trees.
- Chula Narumit Garden: This open space highlights the adjoining reception building, surrounded by a variety of plant species that create an impressive, eye-catching environment.
- Chamchuri 1-2-3 Gardens: With ponds and walkways that connect administrative buildings, the garden provides shade and a relaxing atmosphere for passersby.
- Park@Siam Garden: This garden connects the academic areas with Siam Square and is designed to accommodate users of all ages (Universal Design).
- Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building Garden: This garden includes art and urban farming spaces, serving as a relaxation area and event venue, creating a forest-like and agricultural atmosphere in the city.
BY
- Office of Property Management, Chulalongkorn University
- Office of Physical Resources Management, Chulalongkorn University
- Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University
- Chulalongkorn University Communication Center (CCC)
Others
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