PAVA is an interdisciplinary practice in environmental design studio, based in Bangkok. PAVA was founded in 2018 by Pacharapan Ratananakorn and Varat Limwibul. In response to climatic challenges, environmental degradation and urbanization, we practice cross-disciplinary boundaries and conduct research to holistically revive, adapt, and transform architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism. PAVA considers design practice as a growing process and holistic system. Time, place, and context matter. We believe that practice in architecture needs to reflect the multi-dimensions and invisible layers of economics, politics, culture and the environment. What design “does” is empowering, which is calling past memories and hope for the future. Pacharapan and Varat have been teaching, researching and lecturing globally. With the topics of cultural values and environmental challenges, PAVA has taught “Reviving” studio at INDA, International Program in Design and Architecture, Chulalongkorn University to “Revive” past legacy of the heritage town and post-war modernscape in Lopburi, Thailand. In 2024-2025, PAVA architects will design and research on cultural assimilation in Chinatown, Bangkok as the Victor L. Regnier Distinguished Visiting Professor, College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University. PAVA has been recognized and received design awards both internationally and locally. In 2023, Kaomai Museums and Tea Barn was the Winner of Creative Reuse Category in World Architecture Festival and was also commended by the Architectural Review for AR New into Old Awards. The Kaomai Estate 1955, master plan and adaptive-reuse project, was awarded UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2018 for Cultural Heritage Conservation in ‘New Design in Heritage Contexts’ category. Mekong House received the Silver Medal Award from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, Thailand in 2024. Teak Pavilion and its research were exhibited as a main Thematic Pavilion at Architect Expo 2023, Bangkok. In 2023, PAVA was selected as a cohort of Practice-Based Funding program by re:arc institute, Copenhagen, to work on local ecology rehabilitation and community based design models.
Projects by Pacharapan Ratananakorn and Varat Limwibul
