Launching with a renovated premise in Soi Pridi Banomyong 42, in Prakanong, deCentral (Bangkok) will have approximately 1000 square meters of display space. The site was originally a denim and garment factory for major international brands, in which Central Group was one of the very first companies to gain licensing rights to manufacture, market, and distribute in Thailand. With its raw and brutalist design and layout, the building offers an ideal contrast to the stereotypical white cube modes of exhibiting contemporary art.

Architects

The deCentral Bangkok facility will be designed by Hong Kong-based firm, BEAU Architects, founded in Hong Kong in 2014 by Charlotte Lafont-Hugo and Gilles Vanderstocken. BEAU Architects has since evolved into a larger team of various fields and origins, all contributing to a critical methodology and rigorous production. In addition, both founders are involved in the academic field as tutors and invited critics. Gilles Vanderstocken is teaching at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (School of Design) since 2015, leading 2 design studios per year while they collectively led a M.Arch studio on adaptive reuse at Hong Kong University (faculty of Architecture) in 2022.

Launching within Jing Jai Market, one of the most popular creative districts in the north of Thailand, deCentral (Chiang Mai) will possess 380 square meters of multifunctional display space, its single ground floor offering a unique opportunity to build local audiences for art, as it sits in the heart of one of the city’s top domestic and international tourist destinations.

Jing Jai Market is designed as a space for inspiration and creativity, where the culinary arts meets local art, craft and design, amidst the organic agricultural communities of the North. Composed of large open, green spaces replete with cafes, restaurants and bars serving local ingredients and seasonal produce, this market serves as a venue for exchanging knowledge of the hand-made. Additionally, it is also home to ‘Jing Jai Weekend Market’, now known as one of the most significant community markets showcasing wares from across the North, open ‘Jing Jai Weekend Market’, now known as one of the most significant community markets showcasing wares from across the North, open every Saturday and Sunday.