From the early days of the last century, the automotive industry has been a driving force in shaping architecture. While buildings haven't often influenced cars, the reverse is a different story. From materials and shapes to the speed of manufacturing, the world of automobiles has left an indelible mark on architectural design. Iconic examples include Fiat’s Lingotto factory in Turin, with its rooftop test track (Mattè Trucco, 1923), and BMW’s Central Factory in Leipzig, where Zaha Hadid (2005) seamlessly integrated car production with architectural brilliance. Indeed, cars and architecture make the perfect pair.

Enter Autostella, a boutique car showroom nestled near the Eakamai-Ramintra expressway in Bangkok. Specializing in charming, fun-to-drive vehicles like the Fiat 500 and various compact models from Alfa Romeo, Autostella breaks the mold of the traditional Thai car showroom. Forget the towering glass facades; Autostella ditches the stereotype of speed and dynamism in favor of a cozy, inviting vibe. Picture a small bakery and café, with car parks right in the middle of the shop. This design caters to lifestyle-conscious customers who often buy with their hearts rather than their heads.

Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Project Type: Architectural and Interior Design
Size: 350m2
Completion: 2009

Design Team: Pitupong Chaowakul, Worawit Hongwiang, Nuntawat Tassansangsoon and Marisa Boratisa
Photograph: W Workspace

autostella

The structure itself is a simple red box, creatively pushed, pulled, deformed, and divided into four distinct yet interconnected rooms. Each room boasts windows of varying sizes, facing the street and tailored to the room's dimensions. The flexible design allows for future redecorations to match the mood and style of new car models.

"Why should a car showroom be a monotonous white box?" we asked. "That’s just boring."

At Autostella, we’re reinventing the car showroom experience, making it as unique and delightful as the cars themselves.