Making Strides in Sustainable Architecture: Princess Zahra Pavilion’s Global Recognition

dwp enews chatted with Khun Waralak Thongsrikate based in dwp’s Bangkok studio about the award winning project: 

Congratulations on the recent recognition of the Princess Zahra Pavilion at the Aga Khan University Hospital. It was awarded third place in the “Public Building” category at the esteemed Casalgrande Padana Grand Prix awards. This is quite an achievement, considering the event’s 30-year history and the stiff competition from over 1,800 global submissions from around 1,300 architects. What does this win mean to you?

Khun Waralak: It’s incredibly validating to see our work recognised at such a prestigious event. The Princess Zahra Pavilion isn’t just a remarkable piece of architecture; it’s a symbol of our commitment to sustainability and to the local community.

dwp: That’s indeed laudable. Your eco-conscious approach, from design to construction, is particularly striking. Can you tell us more about the sustainable elements of the Pavilion?

Khun Waralak: Absolutely. A significant element that enhances the Pavilion’s sustainability is the use of locally sourced materials. As lead designers, we travelled to Pakistan and visited local suppliers and chose materials that were abundant in the local environment, such as the ceramic tiles for the flooring and construction materials for the façade. This method reduced the carbon footprint typically associated with sourcing materials from remote locations. Simultaneously, it minimized transportation costs and provided a boost to the local economy.

dwp: So, a focus on environmental responsibility and local economic support played a key role in your design philosophy?

Khun Waralak: Absolutely. We aimed to show that it’s possible to design state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that are not just visually impressive and culturally resonant, but also environmentally conscious and designed to last for generations. Our win proves that the Princess Zahra Pavilion stands as an embodiment of that philosophy. We believe that such eco-friendly approaches in architecture are not just an option but an imperative for our collective future in our quest to “Design for a Better World”.