In 2023, Chat Architects unveiled their latest project, the Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion, situated off the coast of the historic Angsila fishing village in Chonburi Province, Thailand.
Restoring a Way of Life
Once a bustling small-scale fishing hub, the Angsila community has faced challenges in sustaining its traditional fisheries in recent decades. Factors such as unfiltered waste from nearby factories and the expansion of new suburbs have contributed to diminished water quality in Angsila Bay, resulting in decreased aquatic life and profitability in seafood cultivation. Consequently, the abandonment of traditional fisheries has become a reality, with many of the younger generation seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, such as in factories, offices, or retail businesses in nearby Bangkok.
A Solution through Innovation
The Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion Project aims to breathe new life into Angsila’s struggling fishing and seafood industry by introducing a novel oyster eco-tourism infrastructure prototype.
Drawing inspiration from the traditional bamboo scaffolding used for oyster cultivation, the pavilion design offers visitors a unique sea-to-table dining experience amidst the coastal splendor. Local fishermen guide small groups of visitors to the pavilion, where they can handpick oysters from the ocean below, freshly prepared for consumption.
Bridging Heritage and Tourism
This innovative oyster-tasting experience not only allows Angsila fishermen to share their fishing heritage with visitors but also serves as a platform for advocating the protection of Angsila Bay’s sensitive coastal ecology. By showcasing shellfish cultivated on the scaffolding, tourists enjoy seafood freshness while supporting the local economy.
Multi-functional Design
Beyond its role as a tasting pavilion for eco-tourists, the covered platforms of the pavilion serve as recreational fishing piers for local fishermen and their families. Equipped with fishing gear, they enjoy the clean, shellfish-filtered waters surrounding the oyster and mussel bundles below.
Sustainable Construction
The pavilion’s design prioritizes sustainability, utilizing everyday materials, labor, and construction techniques. Built entirely by Angsila fishermen, the scaffolding employs local shallow-ocean bamboo construction methods that require no power tools. Rejected car seatbelts, sourced at a discount from local auto plants, are repurposed to tie the bamboo members together. Additionally, a light-filtering agricultural tarp, commonly used in nearby nurseries, provides shade for visitors while allowing ocean breezes to pass through.
Through innovative design and community involvement, the Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion stands as a beacon of hope for the revitalization of Angsila’s fishing industry and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
