BANGKOK — Flames erupted over the Chao Phraya River again when one of the nation’s top architects pointed out that recently unveiled plans for a structure anchoring a controversial river redevelopment project were identical to that of a famous British architect.
In fact, architect Duangrit Bunnag said the design for the signature landmark Viman Phra In (Paradise of Indra), a monumental structure which will house a museum, came from a 3D model of architect Norman Foster’s work available for free download online.
On Tuesday, he asked the international architecture community to bring the story to Foster’s attention and offered his help to bring legal action against the university-hired boardwalk design team.
“The use of a model open for the public to download for free is common, but as a small part not the main design,” said the prominent architect, who has been a vocal opponent of the junta-driven project to develop concrete walkways along the river. “The 120 million baht design cost of this project was paid using our taxes.”
[Source:-Khaosod English]
