Abstract

After the era of industrial revolution, there were dramatic changes to various principles. These changes include the principle of modern architecture which normally focuses on logical approach. Even though different architectural masters convey different design concepts, most of them base their thought on one common philosophy; saying that “Architectural aesthetics should be derived from logic. It expresses itself though its pure form and space without unnecessary ornamentations.” However today’s architectural design has a large number of factors to be considered beyond form, function and engineering. One of the significant, and unavoidable, influences is an economically driven society. Such an economically driven society emphasizes a mutual agreement between the seller and the buyer, marketing strategy, intellectual asset and contract. Therefore it is not only the architect, urban planner, or academician who can determine the architectural identity of community, but also the investor who drives the economy with mega projects. This influences both the process of architectural design and construction. This paper presents the challenge of architectural design under an economically driven system. Such influence has been developing for a long time, from manually painting billboards to the combination between corporate identity and building form. Now, we can see all the buildings in prime locations have been used to maximize the return on investment by renting. Large numbers of vertical spaces are full of vinyl commercial billboards. The highest building in Thailand, which is visible from every angle of Bangkok, is fully covered with advertisements. This has turned one of Bangkok’s prominent architectural landmarks into merely a huge advertising landmark. This force is going beyond a level which takes into account style and form. This article is expected to inspire all of the stake holders to be aware of the problem, and to work together to find architectural resolution. It aims to reserve the architectural value of Bangkok which is full of traditional spirit and passion and should not be overwhelmed by urban landscapes full of gigantic advertising that people can live in.