As the theme of Chiang Mai Design Week 2023, the concept of ‘TRANSFORMING LOCAL: Adapt / Enhance / Local / Grow’ not only represents the process of transforming and elevating Chiang Mai’s cultural heritages through collaborations between different generations of designers, but the notion itself is also reflected in the venues of the events. Especially in the Chang Moi area, where old buildings long overlooked by passersby have been transformed into spaces infused with the fresh air of creativity and inspiration. What’s there to explore in this neighborhood? Here are some highlights for you to check out:

Chang Moi: Old Commercial Neighborhood with a New Life

The Chang Moi area is situated to the east of Chiang Mai Old City, on the road connecting the square moat’s road with Warorot Market and the Ping River. As one of the city’s most prominent old commercial centers, the neighborhood is filled with charming structures that have been standing here for more than 50 years. With urban expansion toward the outskirts of the city, the old city center lost its bustle and liveliness that it once saw in its heyday. However, in the last 3-4 years, the younger generations of entrepreneurs saw the potential of modern business around the Old City, reviving Chang Moi as a fine blend of existing businesses and emerging ones. 

Mantana Building: From Timber Warehouse to Creative Space in the Heart of the Neighborhood

Situated at the heart of Chang Moi’s commercial center, the Mantana Building was once an office and one of the city’s first timber warehouses. Now, it serves as a space for hosting creative events organized by the younger generation of artists and entrepreneurs. During the upcoming festive season, the building will house the Upper Floor Project Exhibition, which explores the possibilities of utilizing the mostly unused upper floors of commercial buildings. This will be achieved through various activities, including showcases that tell the history of buildings in the neighborhood, workshops, rooftop movie screenings, live music, and even fortune-telling!

In addition to that, there is the Persona of Things Exhibition, which seeks to shift the focus from merely renovating old buildings to creatively reviving and reinterpreting objects. It highlights the process of adopting artisanal handicraft skills to repair or repurpose used or damaged items, infusing them with new ideas and added worth and values, all while preserving the priceless histories behind those objects.

Tokki: International Showcase inside an Izakaya Bar

Not too far from the Mantana Building on Chaiyaphoom Soi 1 (in front of Chomphoo Temple), you’ll find Tokki Izakaya Bar, a Japanese restaurant that has played a role in reviving Chang Moi. During the festival, the bar will host the International Showcase, presenting works by designers from Japan, Taiwan, and Laos, with the aim of igniting inspiration for Chiang Mai locals.

Thana-Arkarn Building: Making an Old Bank Building Shine Bright with Ideas

Thana-Akarn is a 3-storey building with a stylish façade, reflecting a legacy of modern architecture popular in Thailand several decades ago. The building used to house a well-known commercial bank on Ratchawong Road. After the branch closed down, visionary entrepreneurs took over the space with plans to transform it into a mixed-use area.

During the festival, Thana-Akarn is the host of several highlights, including the Sound Moment Exhibition by Wittaya Chanma—an interactive exhibition that combines video with sound from vinyl, resulting in experimental vinyl animation generated using the ‘afterimage’ technique. There’s also the Flavourscape Exhibition, another interactive exhibition that raises questions about the relationship between food and people in various geographic landscapes. Additionally, The Haunted House, created by students from the College of Art, Media, and Technology in collaboration with the Faculty of Science at Chiang Mai University, incorporates AR technology to create a haunted house, providing a unique experience that is both fun and frightening simultaneously.

Sri Lanna Thai Women’s Culture Promotion Association Building: Creative Activities for Kids

The last stop is at the Sri Lanna Thai Women’s Culture Promotion Association Building, located at the same venue as TCDC Chiang Mai. The space will host several creative kids’ programs, including children’s stage plays, storytelling activities, and more. Moreover, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) will offer an extraordinary experience with a solar system model exhibition called Glow in the Dark Exhibition, creating a miniature planetarium with free admission throughout the week.

Check in with Convenience with Trams Connecting Every Neighborhood in the Festival

You can easily navigate and check in at all these programs offered during the festival at different venues with the convenience of a tram service that connects the main event areas, including Chiang Mai Old City, Chang Moi-Tha Pae, and other neighborhoods. The trams will shuttle between each neighborhood, departing every 60 minutes. Alternatively, exploring on foot is also a great option as the venues are not too far from each other. This provides an excellent opportunity for sightseeing around the town, enjoying light and sound shows, and experiencing performances along the streets.

Explore the creative routes in the process of transformation, breathing new life and spirit into an old neighborhood during Chiang Mai Design Week 2023, which takes place between December 2 and 10, 2023. See you around!