Retail, reinvented
Central Embassy’s Open House, an engaging space merging lifestyle, dining and retail elements, transcends the usual idea of a shopping mall. The 7,000sqm space journeys in an inventive direction in which future malls around the world may travel.
The work of Astrid Klein from the architecture firm Klein Dytham, Open House comprises a well- planned assortment of restaurants, cafes, a bookshop and ample space to read, relax or simply allow the mind to wander. It features eight distinct zones: Eating Deck, Eat by the Park, Open House Bookshop by Hardcover, Co-Thinking Space, Art Tower, Design Shop, Open Playground and Diplomat Screens Embassy by AIS.
The work-inclined will be drawn to space to work and collaborate in a setting with sky-high views of downtown Bangkok. Open House was designed to encourage creativity, foster a sense of community as well as create a home away from home for locals and visitors. Those seeking an extra dose of inspiration from the well-curated selection of books spanning genres as wide-ranging as art, photography and Thai history, will definitely find it here. Barom Bhicharnchitr, managing director at Central Embassy, holds the view that simplicity is the new luxury where the good life and a sense of community can be found in a multifunctional space with specialised zones.
Meanwhile, one floor down is the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Siwalai City Club, part-club, part-restaurant and totally stylish venue to chill. The space features an outdoor terrace and indoor area that includes a sports bar, gift shop and a city lounge with the exclusive stamp of a contemporary gentleman’s club.
The menu at Siwalai City Club is varied and mixes East and West tastefully. Expect dishes such as locally inspired steak tartare cooked in betel leaf, red curry, lime, radish and taro crisps. There is also the chargrilled octopus with chorizo, potato, pear and romesco. For a Thai touch, sample the ocean trout and blue crab, served with piping hot yellow curry, coconut, fragrant leaves and rice noodles.
The 1,200sqm space should be another must-visit establishment for your next Bangkok trip.
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