In a recent feature with Thai design magazine The Cloud, the KPF Principal shared her perspective on the firm’s commitment to mixed-use urban design, drawing on her experience with New York’s Hudson Yards and the firm’s contributions to Thailand’s One Bangkok district.
By spotlighting global voices such as KPF’s Marianne Kwok, The Cloud bridges international best practices with local aspirations, offering readers in Thailand and Southeast Asia a window into transformative architectural thinking. Structured around an interview with Marianne, the article highlights how KPF’s commitment to mixed-use design supports the creation of “central social districts”—urban environments that foster a diversity of activities throughout the day and night.
In the interview, Marianne described the original site of Hudson Yards as “an open railroad strip that created a huge gap in the city, preventing Midtown from extending to the Hudson River, and also separating South Chelsea from Hell’s Kitchen.” She explained KPF’s approach: “The concept of mixed-use is something that KPF always focuses on. We like the combination because it makes the space lively 24 hours a day. That’s why we have offices, residences, hotels, retail, and public spaces that complement the surrounding urban area.” Marianne emphasized the project’s role in reconnecting the city, stating, “We designed Hudson Yards to stitch the city back together again.”
Marianne noted that, “The way to balance density is to have enough open space and public space so that the city is livable. I think Hudson Yards wants to be that kind of community, both livable and exciting.” She also addressed the project’s sustainable energy systems: “We have both residential and office space combined, so this system will help us to use energy efficiently together.” Looking ahead, Marianne affirmed KPF’s people-centered mission: “We always want to create a good experience for users.”
At the conclusion of the interview, Marianne turned her attention to KPF’s ongoing work in Thailand, specifically the landmark One Bangkok project, where the firm designed four buildings. “Currently, many areas of the project are not open yet. But when they are all open, it will be amazing. We hope that in the future, One Bangkok will become like an extension of Lumphini Park,” she said. Marianne also emphasized the unique opportunities and challenges of designing in Bangkok’s tropical climate, stating, “It’s very important in Thailand because trees grow very well here, and the design can help with air quality to some extent. It’s a really interesting opportunity.” Through projects such as Hudson Yards and One Bangkok, KPF continues to apply its expertise in mixed-use and central social district design, advancing its mission to create vibrant, sustainable urban centers worldwide.
Read the full article in The Cloud here.
