MoMA was built by an ambitious group of clients with the goal of reviving the significance of aluminum in Thailand. Thailand was once the largest aluminum producer in Southeast Asia in the late 20th century. However, the Asian financial crisis in 1997 forced Thailand’s aluminum industry to sell all its “records,” blueprints, and business relationships related to aluminum at low prices to survive.

Architecture and Design

MoMA not only uses conventional aluminum strips for display, but also envelops them in architecture, furniture, landscape, and lighting. This architecture creates a seamless, uninterrupted feeling for visitors both inside and outside the building. The facade is covered with tens of thousands of aluminum strips, each with a slightly different color and texture, resembling the fur of grass.

The museum is located in a bustling transportation hub in the suburbs of Bangkok. During the day, MoMA stands out like a grass, with elements hanging in the wind, bringing softness and lightness to the busy Ratchaphruek road; at night, MoMA transforms into a firefly, adding a sense of nature and tranquility to the commercialized Ratchaphruek road. By extending the natural landscape of Ko Kret island to the project area, MoMA serves not only as a public space but also as an escape for busy urban residents.

MoMA is a testament to the creativity and potential of aluminum, not only as an industrial material but also as an important part of Thailand’s history and culture. This is an important step in exploring and honoring the value of aluminum in the 21st century.