In the wake of the 1997 Asian economic crisis, Laemtong Shopping Mall in Laemchabang stood as a stark reminder of retail’s darkest hour in Thailand. The once-vibrant 100,000 square meter mixed-use project had deteriorated into a half-abandoned relic. Its high-rise section rotted away while retail spaces lay almost empty, a shadow of architectural neglect.

Fast forward to 2007, and the challenge was clear. The second generation of the owning family saw an opportunity to reclaim and redefine this project. They rebranded it as Harbormall and embarked on an ambitious renovation project. Despite the constraints of a modest budget, we accepted the challenge to transform this decaying structure into a beacon of modern retail.

Our task was monumental: redesign the façade, front plaza, and interior to align with the new business landscape. We began with the façade, constructing a new steel structure that enveloped the front of the old building. This wasn’t just a cover-up; it was a statement. We attached approximately 2,000 laminated glass fins in seven custom colors, creating a complex, multi-layered transparency. By day, it stood as a solid blue monument; by evening, it transformed into a glowing green beacon, highlighting the movement of people inside and breaking away from conventional solid wall designs.