takanao todo's glass prism pavilion refracts new perspectives across bangkok riverfront

through the looking prism distorts its urban context

Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Through the Looking Prism refracts and reflects the vibrant lights of the riverfront, casting new perspectives over Bangkok’s cityscape. Realized by Takanao Todo in collaboration with lighting design studio ambiguous, the pavilion enhances its urban context with these luminous distortions, echoing the city’s diverse culture from its temples to its skyscrapers. For Bangkok Design Week 2024, the dismantleable structure was created with 300 glass prisms supported by a sandblast-finished stainless steel frame. Its delicate form, stable in even windy conditions, casts a symphony of kaleidoscopic patterns that evolve with the shifting daylight and nighttime glow.

all images by Swita Uancharoenkul

takanao todo opens new perspectives for bangkok’s future

‘Bangkok has cultivated a liberal and rich culture that embraces diversity and values exchange. In our contemporary society, which is becoming more heterogeneous, fragmented, and complex, we must envision a new way of coexisting. We propose a window that consists of a glass prism wall,’ reflects designer Takanao Todo. In this context, through the Looking Prism serves as a portal to multiple perspectives and possibilities for the future. As visitors approach the structure, they catch glimpses of their own silhouette and those of other visitors, merging and splitting in a dynamic display.

Each glass prism, measuring 30mm x 30mm X 150mm, is fixed to the frame with a wedge supported with an adhesive connection. The frame, 1900 mm in height and 2000mm in width, is portable and can be easily assembled and relocated as needed. Following the exhibition, this structure has been relocated to the one of the largest flower markets in the world, Bangkok Blossom Market.

sited along the banks of the Chao Phraya River

realized by Takanao Todo in collaboration with lighting design studio ambiguous

Through the Looking Prism refracts and reflects the vibrant lights of the riverfront and the cityscape

comprising 300 glass prisms supported by a sandblast-finished stainless steel frame

sunset view with a refraction of Wat Arun

the frame is self-supporting and easily portable

it casts a symphony of kaleidoscopic patterns that evolve with the shifting daylight and nighttime glow

unveiled at Bangkok Design Week 2024

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project info:

name: Through the Looking Prism
designer: Takanao Todo Design
lighting design: ambiguous

location: Bangkok, Thailand

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom