Glowing “Lantern” Hotel Towers by Heatherwick Studio in Bangkok

Heatherwick Studio has unveiled its first project in Thailand: the Hatai mixed‑use development in Bangkok’s Silom district, featuring a pair of lantern-inspired towers linked to public plazas and waterways.

Sculptural Lanters Stacked

The design reimagines traditional Thai lanterns through stacked, glowing forms that punctuate the skyline and give Hatai a soft, poetic silhouette. These towers are envisioned to house two hotels, wellness centres, a ballroom, conference facilities, an open-air market, event spaces, and landscaped plazas.

Street-Level Life & Cultural Connection

At ground level, the scheme integrates shaded plazas planted with native vegetation, a restored canal, and public spaces featuring a shrine and open‑air market. The intent is to weave together architecture and culture, creating an environment rich in experiential detail.

Heatherwick’s Cultural Vision

Thomas Heatherwick emphasised the cultural depth in his design approach:

“There’s a richness to Thailand's culture and historic architecture, but the anonymous, blank severity of many so‑called modern buildings in Bangkok does not speak to this at all. We wanted to do something that connects with the country's heritage in a deeper way and builds detail, feeling and story back into the city.”

He added:

“We’ve designed a series of lanterns stacked on top of one another, collectively forming a much softer silhouette in the skyline, and we have the opportunity to create a major piece of public space – including rain protection, planting and water – all designed to encourage street-level life filled with curiosity and exploration.”

Project Timeline

The Hatai development is targeted for completion by 2027, bringing Heatherwick Studio’s uniquely sculptural and culturally rooted architecture to Bangkok’s urban fabric.