Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The Robot Building in Bangkok is one of those buildings that make you stop and stare. It looks like a giant robot made out of cubes, with bolts sticking out from its head and antenna on its back. It has windows shaped like cartoonish eyes that seem to follow you around. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand, but it is also one of the most endangered.
The Robot Building was designed by Sumet Jumsai, a Thai architect who was inspired by his son’s toy robot. He wanted to create a futuristic building that would reflect the computerization of banking at the time. He completed it in 1986 for Bank of Asia, which later became UOB Thailand.
But now, UOB Thailand is planning to change its facade and make it more energy-efficient and employee-friendly. The company says that it will replace its original glass exterior with an all-glazed one that will minimize artificial lighting and carbon emissions. It will also remove some of its distinctive features such as bolts, antenna, and eyes.
This decision has sparked outrage among conservationists and architects who say that it will destroy the building’s original identity and heritage. They argue that the building represents not only a cool design but also a cultural symbol that tells a story about Thailand’s history and society.
Sumet Jumsai himself has expressed his dismay at seeing his creation being altered or removed. He wrote an open letter to UOB Thailand in April 2023, urging them to reconsider their plans before it is too late. He said that he felt “devastated” by what he saw as “defacement” of his work.
He also said that he was concerned about losing his “soul” as an architect who created something unique for his country.
But why does this matter? Why should we care about preserving an old building when there are so many new ones being built every day? Why should we value an architectural masterpiece when there are so many other forms of art being created every day?
The answer is simple: because architecture matters.
Architecture matters because it shapes our environment, our culture, our identity. Architecture matters because it reflects our values, our aspirations, our challenges. Architecture matters because it connects us with our past, our present, our future.
Architecture matters because it is not just about buildings; it is about stories.
