Old Hand Corner
Part 1
Yongchai Seat Repair Shop
I started my project by exploring the sites in Samyan, an old neighborhood in Bangkok. One shop called Yongchai, which specializes in seat repair, caught my attention. It fascinated me because of the interesting objects and tools related to chair repairs that I saw there. Yongchai has been a part of Samyan for more than 50 years, initially starting with car door lock repairs before expanding into chair repairs. Today, it is one of the most well-known seat repair shops in Bangkok.
Yongchai Site Model
I used an illustrative approach to depict the site, symbolizing its expertise through the representation of a chair. Since the shop is situated in Samyan, a neighborhood boasting diverse establishments, I selected three legendary shops to highlight: a renowned restaurant, a shoe shop, and a hair salon. These three shops are visually represented as patterns surrounding the model, with Yongchai positioned in the right corner, mirroring its real-life location on a street corner.
To showcase the shop's plan, the model features an extrusion on top. Inside the model, three boxes are present, each representing a crucial step in furniture repair and the corresponding materials used: wood, sponge and spring, and leather.
At the bottom of the model, a map is included to indicate the specific area from which the shop acquires its materials. Additionally, the model can be disassembled, illustrating the concept of chair repairing.
During my exploration, I closely examined the materials and tools present at the site. I sketched a diagram illustrating the layout of the shop. The site itself possesses a distinct boundary, encompassing the shop, the footpath, and the adjacent street.
Among the various materials utilized for furniture repairs, I discovered that leather, sponge, and wood were the primary components. Intrigued by their journey within the shop, I proceeded to create a second diagram. This diagram depicted how the shop effectively manages and organizes these repairing materials.
To handle waste materials, the shop employs a large cabinet to store reusable items, ensuring their potential for future use. Meanwhile, materials deemed unfit for reuse are placed outside the shop, awaiting collection by the designated trash truck.
Furthermore, my observations extended to the manufacturing aspect of the shop. I noted the presence of five skilled repairers, along with a dedicated vehicle and an array of essential repairing tools.
Part 2
Part 3
Yongchai Seat Repair Shop 2020 VS 2030
The 2020 Maker poster highlights a significant observation regarding the absence of a distinct zone separating the repairer from the materials. The repairer's daily responsibilities encompass chair repairs, shop maintenance, and ensuring the chairs are safely loaded into clients' vehicles. Considering Yongchai's commitment to providing customized and handmade services, preserving the skillset becomes imperative.
Fast forward to 2030, the role of the maker has evolved beyond being solely a repairer. Now, they also serve as demonstrators, showcasing their expertise and craftsmanship to further enhance the customer experience.
Furthermore, the waste materials that were previously left outside the shop now undergo a different process. Instead of being discarded, they are shredded and repurposed for various applications, reflecting a more sustainable approach towards waste management.
Part 4
Old Hand Corner
Drawing inspiration from the esteemed Yongchai seat repair shop, we recognize the remarkable opportunity to embrace the uniqueness and trustworthiness of their skills. In order to safeguard and cherish these skills for future generations, I have designed a structure called "Old Hand Corner"
The purpose of the Old Hand Corner is to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing. Individuals are welcome to visit and actively participate in chair repairing showcases. This structure remains accessible throughout the daytime.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, at either 10 am or 2 pm, captivating chair repair demonstrations take place, captivating the audience with the artistry and expertise involved. Moreover, visitors are also encouraged to enter and indulge in the open-air folly, allowing them to climb, sit, or simply relax within the space.
Within the Old Hand Corner, each part is dedicated to showcasing different types of materials, including genuine leather, artificial leather, and sponge. Visitors are warmly invited to take a seat or even recline within these designated areas, allowing them to intimately experience the various textures and characteristics of each material.
Furthermore, there is a sky seat specifically designed for panoramic viewing of the Samyan neighborhood. This elevated vantage point allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and ambiance of the surrounding area.
The section drawing reveals that the structure has a height of approximately 8 meters, taking into account the presence of a supporting bridge that extends above the road. Positioned amidst the Samyan shophouses, this unique structure ingeniously occupies the space above the road.
The plan of Old Hand Corner
The plan and accompanying drawing on the right depict the outer layer or "skin" of Old Hand Corner. Inspired by the structure of a chair, the primary framework is constructed using steel wire. To provide a visually appealing exterior, the structure is adorned with a covering of leather. The interior, on the other hand, is comfortably cushioned with sponge and upholstered with genuine leather.
When strategically positioned in Samyan, adjacent to the shop, the design allows for seamless passage of cars through the structure, providing a unique and harmonious integration between Old Hand Corner and its surroundings.
