Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Project Type: Architectural and Interior renovation
Completion: 2012
Design Team: Pitupong Chaowakul, Suchart Ouypornchaisakul, Nuntawat Tassanasangsoon, Wattikon Kosolkit, Santi Sarasuphab and Supanna Chanpensri
Photograph: W Workspace
bu Lounge
Forget the old-school ways of learning locked in classrooms and libraries. Nowadays, with the internet and social networks, knowledge is right at your fingertips. Schools and universities are catching on and revamping their spaces for this new age. Enter Bangkok University Student Lounge (BU Lounge, aka Imagine Lounge)—the ultimate hangout spot that's breaking all the rules.
Situated under the multi-story lecture halls in the brand-spanking-new Bangkok University Landmark compound, Imagine Lounge is the go-to hub for students to chill, study, and play. What used to be boring professor offices has been transformed into a buzzing lounge where students can spend their time. This place is a “youngsters’ ecology” in every sense.
Downstairs, you’ll find the “Reading Cave,” a wicked cool space made up of thousands of OSB ribs forming cozy nooks. Whether you’re hitting the books solo, in a small group, or hosting a big discussion, the cave has got you covered. Outside the cave, there’s the “Big Sofa,” a bunch of pixel units that you can mix and match into endless setups—perfect for any group size or vibe, whether it’s serious or super chill. Everything here screams flexibility and creativity.
Upstairs, it’s all about fun and action. Think of it as a little village where you can take a break from studying. Two quirky huts steal the show: a polka-dot pink karaoke house hanging off the deck and a wooden music rehearsal room that opens up for small events. Around these huts, there are play zones packed with awesome stuff like a super-long pool table with adjustable holes, a giant dartboard that’s impossible to miss, a rounded ping pong table, a pole dance corner, a girls’ make-up counter, and a Kungfu-style stress release area.
Both floors are connected through a network of cool holes. There’s a glass hole for peeking, an openable one for ordering drinks, a fireman pole for sliding down, and a periscope for spying. Two staircases link the levels: one with Manga shelves, and the other a spiral staircase inside a giant bear sculpture. The bear, currently decked out as a panda, is slated to get a fresh new look each semester, thanks to the students’ artistic touch.
Imagine Lounge is more than just a hangout—it's a playground where learning and fun collide, pushing students to think creatively and make the most out of their time.
