Focusing on “people-centered performance” is important for increasing sustainability of the built environment. One of the five “target issues” created by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction is “PEOPLE”. The “target issues” are used in the Holcim Awards competition to evaluate and compare all entries. The human factor of sustainability is supported by projects that reflect a sensitive understanding of their unique social and political contexts, and generate the potential for long-lasting positive impacts on the local community.

An urban water transport system for Bangkok by DI Designs proposes to revive the ancient canals of the city to create a modern network of waterways and supplement the existing Metropolitan Rapid Transit system. After winning a LafargeHolcim Acknowledgement prize in 2014, the project has been presented at the Thailand Urban Designer Association exhibition and DI Designs are engaged in community consultation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to ensure the waterways are part of a sustainable urban master plan for the city.

The Resurrected Canals concept offers an answer to the notoriously congested traffic conditions in Bangkok. The project proposes to revive the ancient canals of the city to create a modern network of waterways and supplement the existing Metropolitan Rapid Transit systems.

A train-to-boat transfer station and pier will be built as a prototype, to be positioned along various intersections of canal lines and rail stations. The development of water transport will not only reduce commuting time for residents, but also provide social services at key locations. This major infrastructure project will also introduce flood control and pollution reduction measures.

Read project feature in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)

D I Designs has released a 4-minute video presenting how Bangkok’s urban canal system can contribute to the city’s sustainable development. The Holcim Awards Acknowledgement project Resurrected Canals: Urban water transport system was praised for its aim to rehabilitate a historic city network to create a modern network of waterways and supplement existing Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) systems.

Santi Sombatwichatorn of DI Designs views the strength of his project is to encourage inhabitants of Bangkok to use a wider range of transport options. “Resurrected Canals: Urban water transport system” in Bangkok, Thailand revives ancient canals of the city to create a modern network of waterways to supplement existing Metropolitan Rapid Transit. 

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The winning projects of the Holcim Awards 2014 Asia Pacific show how building with sustainable construction in mind can enhance the region’s human, natural and economic performance. A bird sanctuary in Thailand, a locally-adapted orphanage in Nepal, and a community library in Sri Lanka received the top prizes.