This project began in response to a rural school’s request for a dedicated space where students could engage in after-school activities, including workshops, arts and crafts, and community events. Developed under the Design and Construction Project for Communities course at INDA, the International Program in Design and Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Roof and Room was funded and designed in collaboration with 13 undergraduate students.
The main objective was to create a low-cost, simple, and durable space that could
accommodate a range of activities. Positioned between the school’s main entrance road and the playground, the design maintains visual continuity, offering clear views in all directions.
The structure consists of small steel members arranged in sloped, gate-like frames. Uniform curved pipes rest atop these frames, tying the structure together. In some areas, the roof extends downward, creating varying levels of openness. Translucent surfaces connect the structure to surrounding buildings while maintaining a sense of transparency.
Inside, natural light reflects off the silver roof and filters through the clear ceiling, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The gently sloping roof opens toward the playground, while from the road, the structure offers privacy, gradually revealing itself upon approach.
The curved roof helps channel air through the interior, promoting natural ventilation. Steel members, sized similarly to the playground equipment, reinforce visual relationships and can be manually bent on-site for ease of construction and maintenance. The form is a transformation of a simple pitched roof, shaped by various external factors.
Our goal was to create an open architecture by gathering, transforming, and constructing with what is available and what already exists. More than just an assemblage of parts, the project demonstrates a unique, collaborative approach to architecture.
