A spectacular new landmark on prime real estate will soon grace the skyline of Bangkok. Dusit Central Park, across from the famous Lumpini Park, is a mixed-use development in four parts: a five-star hotel, residential and office towers, and a retail complex embellished by four levels of tropical garden. The word Dusit means the fourth of the seven levels of heaven in Thai philosophy and this project is sure to live up to the name.
Two of Thailand’s household names have banded together to present a new approach to urban living in Bangkok’s centre; hospitality company, Dusit International, which owns or manages 320 resorts and hotels across 16 countries with retail magnate Central Pattana owner and operator of 34 shopping centres and mixed-use projects. Dusit Central Park is an ambitious, once-in-a-generation project integrating luxury with nature.
The project spans 3.7-hectares and stands on the site of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, a 5-star hotel known for its distinctive golden spire pointing to the heavens. The hotel closed its doors in January 2019 and was razed to make way for the USD 1.4 billion Dusit Central Park. The site will be home to a refreshed 39-storey Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok, 69-floor residential building offering two distinct living experiences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a 40-storey office building (Central Park Offices), and 80,000 sqm of retail space. An expansive roof park on the seventh floor will link the four buildings which have been designed in a sustainable manner in accordance with the principles of feng shui.
This world-class mixed-use development is co-designed by Hong Kong based architectural firm OMA and leading local architect, Architects 49 Limited (A49). The colours of the four buildings represent auspicious metals: gold, rose gold and silver, a tribute to traditional Thai beliefs. The modern form is inspired by the dynamism of Bangkok “We came in to work on the design development after OMA started the concept and masterplan. Guided by the owner’s vision for a new landmark in Bangkok while preserving the heritage, legacy and core values that is unique to the Dusit brand, while keeping up with the level of expectations for a super high-end project unlike any other. We studied OMA’s design and the original hotel’s modernist style. We worked on giving it a new interpretation. We trimmed the corridors and included private lifts boosting the luxury factor. We also preserved some original elements such as the columns, paintings that will grace the new restaurants and the spa, taken piece by piece to be reincarnated all over again,” said Somkiat Lo-chindapong, deputy managing director of A49.
The reimagined 39-floor Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel will retain its iconic golden spire, circumscribed by a multi-level rooftop bar and restaurant. with a digital gallery showcasing the history of the original hotel and its unique contribution to Thailand’s tourism industry. The 259 rooms will be spacious with higher ceilings oriented towards the view of Lumpini Park.
Extending their “Always Gracious” hospitality into the homes of city dwellers are the serviced Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside, offering two different lifestyle experiences in a single 69-storey tower with separate lobbies. The Residences, located on floors 30 to 69 comprise 160 ultra-luxurious units ranging from 120 to 750 sqm with direct-entry private lifts. These interiors assert timeless grace, embracing the exclusive ambience and amenities for a family home with large living spaces. Meanwhile, Parkside on floors 19 to 29 will cater for the new generation of affluent urban professionals and young families. With contemporary interiors and state-of-the-art amenities, the 246 units will be 55 to 115 sqm in size.
Residents will enjoy a wide range of facilities such as HEPA filtration systems, swimming and jet pools, fitness centre, steam room, sauna, library, private dining room and outdoor deck. The service includes exclusive access to the five-star amenities of the new Dusit Thani Hotel such as concierge, limousine and spa.
Being in the central business district, at the intersection of the historic Silom and Rama IV roads and in close proximity to the international embassies and businesses, Central Park Offices tower provides ultimate connectivity for start-ups and large companies. The 40-storey, Grade A building stretches 90,000 sqm, is designed to facilitate maximum creativity with flexible working spaces.Connecting the towers is the low-rise Central Park, a 80,000 sqm retail space showcasing iconic international and local brands under one roof. Continuing Dusit’s philosophy for sustainable business experiences, a 11,200 sqm Roof Park is a green paradise that seamlessly connects the four building clusters. The layout references Thai traditional beliefs, Dusit Thani means town in heaven, while Dusit is the name of the fourth of the seven levels of paradise, so the terraced urban jungle will ascend 20 metres, or four levels, up to the seventh floor. Appearing to merge seamlessly with the lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park, the terrace will create an extended expanse of verdure, visible from across the city, helping Bangkok to become cleaner, greener and more sustainable.
The Roof Park will immerse residents in an inviting landscape of lush foliage, tropical flowers, shady trees, rippling ponds and soothing waterfalls. Inspired by the tropical gardens in the original hotel, where to there will be dedicated areas: a workout zone with a 752-metre jogging track, an exhibition area, a live music zone, a water feature, picnic, playground and dog-friendly areas. Considering accessibility as well as safety and privacy, the terrace has separate zones for hotel guests and residents of Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside. While the public zone is open to everyone.
“With its three colours and composition, these buildings are unique and have a strong Dusit personality. The architectural stack looks almost mountainous, each building tilted away from each other facing a different direction yet they still provide a panorama of Lumpini Park. What should be noted as well is the generous size of the parking bays to accommodate the needs of the clientele. The location is splendid as it connects the old to the new, there is no other space like this in Bangkok,” said Somkiat.