Architectural Cases

In an effort to mend fractured urban ecosystems and foster harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world, Fengyi Wu's visionary 'Urban Living Library' project introduces a fresh perspective on city planning. Employing the hedgehog as a symbolic ambassador for wildlife, this initiative proposes a sophisticated network of ecological pathways, green spaces, and educational zones. It aims to transform underutilized urban plots into thriving habitats that support diverse species while simultaneously offering enriching public spaces, thereby merging ecological imperatives with daily human experience through thoughtful design.

The 'Urban Living Library – Reclaiming the Hedgehog Habitat' represents a pivotal design research endeavor led by Fengyi Wu, aiming to showcase how thoughtful landscape architecture can bolster biodiversity within urban environments while crafting meaningful spaces for city dwellers. The project champions the hedgehog as a key species to illustrate the potential for reconnecting disjointed urban habitats through strategic landscape interventions. It envisions an interconnected web comprising various habitats, ecological corridors, communal gardens, and outdoor learning areas. This network would convert neglected city landscapes into vibrant ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and the broader public, deliberately integrating ecological infrastructure with human activities through innovative planting schemes, water features, shelters, and meticulously designed communal areas.

Fengyi Wu's landscape strategy is rooted in creating environments that facilitate both habitat development and opportunities for human observation, education, and community engagement. The design incorporates dense vegetation, safe havens for wildlife, rainwater management systems, and sheltered gathering points. These elements collectively form a series of spaces where individuals can engage with urban nature, while simultaneously providing essential resources for local fauna. A core question driving this project is how cities can advance beyond merely tolerating biodiversity to actively designing for an integrated coexistence. The hedgehog serves as a metaphor to explore wider issues such as ecological connectivity, the erosion of natural habitats, and public involvement, positioning landscape architecture as an essential tool for cultivating more biodiverse and resilient urban settings.

This innovative concept transforms urban areas into dynamic living libraries, where the cityscape itself becomes a learning environment for ecological principles. By focusing on species like the hedgehog, the project underscores the importance of even the smallest creatures in maintaining ecosystem health and the collective responsibility to protect them. It's a call to action for urban planners and communities to rethink their relationship with nature, moving towards a future where cities are not just human-centric but are designed to be shared, thriving ecosystems for all inhabitants.

Ultimately, the 'Urban Living Library' transcends traditional urban development models by advocating for a holistic approach that intertwines ecological preservation with human well-being. It champions the idea that cities can be vibrant hubs of biodiversity, where green infrastructure is seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric, creating a more sustainable and harmonious future for generations to come. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that innovative design can bridge the gap between human aspirations and ecological necessities, forging stronger bonds between people and the natural world within our urban landscapes.

Anonym Studio has unveiled its latest residential marvel, the Pridi41 House, a captivating architectural solution for urban living in Bangkok. This innovative dwelling, situated on an 800-square-meter corner plot on Pridiphanomyong Road, redefines modern family housing by prioritizing privacy, natural airflow, abundant daylight, and superior thermal comfort within a bustling neighborhood.

Pridi41 House: Blending Urban Sophistication with Sustainable Design

In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, Anonym Studio has ingeniously crafted Pridi41 House, a multi-story residence completed on August 7, 2026, that stands as a testament to thoughtful urban design. Confronted by a dense residential landscape and the looming presence of a 20-meter apartment building, the design team implemented a vertical arrangement of spaces around a central core, which seamlessly integrates an elevator and staircase. The ground floor is dedicated to essential service functions, including a garage for six to eight vehicles, a Thai kitchen, storage areas, and staff quarters. This strategic placement ensures that the primary living zones are elevated, providing an enhanced sense of seclusion from street-level activities.

Ascending to the second level, residents discover the main communal areas, encompassing a spacious living room, an inviting dining area, a contemporary kitchen, a fitness room, a sparkling swimming pool, and serene outdoor terraces. This elevation not only guarantees privacy but also unlocks panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. To mitigate oversight from adjacent structures, storage and building services are strategically positioned along the southern perimeter, acting as a natural buffer for the main living spaces. Conversely, the remaining rooms are oriented towards the north, maximizing exposure to natural light and expansive vistas.

A grand outdoor living terrace gracefully extends across the second floor, fostering a harmonious connection between the interior and the verdant landscape. The swimming pool, stretching almost the entire length of one side of the house, integrates seamlessly with the living room, fitness area, and outdoor dining space, enhancing visual continuity and promoting cross-ventilation. A soaring double-height living room serves as a visual conduit, linking activity areas on the third and fourth floors and reinforcing spatial relationships throughout the home.

Thermal comfort is paramount in Pridi41 House, achieved through a sophisticated blend of orientation and passive design principles. The master bedroom, facing east, welcomes the gentle morning sun while offering tranquil views of the trees and pool. On the western facade, elegant aluminum laths provide effective solar shading and bolster privacy. This screening system is extended to the children's bedrooms on the fourth floor, artfully limiting solar heat gain while safeguarding private areas.

Despite the elevated living spaces, the house champions passive environmental strategies. The building's precise orientation, coupled with meticulously designed cross-ventilation, lush landscaped outdoor areas, and strategically placed voids, collectively regulate daylight, airflow, and temperature. Furthermore, robust perimeter walls and the thoughtful arrangement of volumes shield the interior from intrusive external views while preserving captivating connections to the natural surroundings. Anonym Studio's Pridi41 House exemplifies how innovative spatial organization, sustainable environmental design, and integrated landscaping can successfully navigate the constraints of a dense urban environment, striking a perfect balance between privacy, openness, and thermal performance for a modern, multi-generational family.

The Pridi41 House by Anonym Studio serves as a compelling model for sustainable urban residential development. It demonstrates that with thoughtful design and a deep understanding of environmental principles, it is possible to create a private, comfortable, and visually connected home even in the most challenging urban contexts. This project encourages architects and developers to explore innovative solutions that prioritize inhabitant well-being and environmental harmony, proving that dense urban living doesn't have to compromise on quality of life.