In the post-war decades, Thai architects, many of whom had studied abroad, embraced modern principles as they were forced to address the pressing demand for residential and commercial space as well as the shortage of public facilities in the rapidly growing capital of Thailand. Although building materials and budgets were limited, their designs were rooted in their time and place, reflecting the local climate, social values, materials, technology and utilisation in an often unique and aesthetically pleasing way.

Published by River Books in February 2025 and supported by Docomomo Thai, The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage and the Goethe-Institut Thailand, the book BANGKOK MODERN Architecture of the 1950s-1970s provides a comprehensive overview of the architecture of this transformative period and is unique in combining photography, carefully researched background information and scholarly essays. In his richly illustrated talk, Walter Koditek will introduce the book and share his approach, methodology and motivation.