coir - noun \ˈkȯi(-ə)r\
a stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut
COIR was designed in collaboration with 16 design students at INDA, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. COIR explored the coconut and its versatility for sustainable use and reuse. The project was deployed as a permanent addition to the riverside community of Kadeejeen in Bangkok. All parts of the coconut were used to create:
+ A TRANSFORMATIVE FOOD CART/MOBILE PUBLIC SPACE (Coconut Meat / Milk) ... that transports coconut ice cream, and can extend and transform into a small-scale pavilion/public space to serve the ice cream and act as a local gathering hub.
+ NEW BUILDING MATERIAL: COCONUT COMPOSITE BOARDS (Coconut Husk / Shell) ... made from the remaining coconut husk and shell will be used as cladding for parts of the mobile space.
The primary objective was to explore a potential closed-loop sustainable cycle for the coconut, with a zero waste goal. Using all parts of the coconut, we designed a coconut-centric mobile food cart and gathering space out of stainless steel and our own new material: coconut composite board. Using the triangle as a base module, COIR was designed as a kit of parts, including 16 stackable stools and 4 tables, that is able to be easily transported and reconfigured.
In its compressed state, the mobile food stall can transport the coconut ice cream through Bangkok's streets. In its extended state, the cart expands into a “long table” and the stools and chairs, designed to stack snugly into its interior compartments, can be pulled out. Two large shading devices are also housed in the cart’s interior and can be used as shade or cover from rain. Here, the cart becomes a new social space and community gathering spot.
Alongside the cart design, we explored prototyping various aggregates of coconut husk and shell (raw material often discarded in Thailand) to form composite boards with a hot press. The boards were used as cladding for the structure. Currently, there are few existing coconut building material products, as it is still an open area of research and development.
The community of Kadeejeen is one of the few areas with a wide diversity of religious and cultural influences. We developed patterns inspired by the diverse groups in the area, which were then pressed onto the boards.
Design Team:
Professors: Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong and Devan Harlan Simunovich
T.A. : Ekkrit Suwanwong
Students: Santawat Chienpradit, Thinnapoph Chongchiravisan, Rawisara Chulerk, Channat Karnkorkul, Nichakul Kulvanich, Natchai Lelatawornpanya, Jakkaphan Luengvattanavut, Panitnaat Phuphatana, Trai Praditpong, Chayaphon Ruenruedeepanya, Thanapat Sriprasert, Alliya Suthikorncompee, Pimpika Teravaninthorn, Phanthep Thiengthamcharoen, Napat Wongthanasophon
Supporting Institution: INDA (International Program in Design & Architecture), Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand
Collaborators:
+ Ruen Samut Community Enterprise
+ Songklod Jarusombuti, Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University
+ UDDC (Urban Design and Development Center) and the Community of Kadeejeen
UDDC
COIR
A Transformative Mobile Public Space Coconuts as Opportunity for Inventive Reuse