Benchakitti Forest Park

Creation of new green areas, Maintenance and management of urban nature, Creation of semi-natural blue areas, Knowledge creation and awareness raising

The project aimed to introduce an urban forest park concept that promotes ecological biodiversity in an urban area with minimum maintenance as well as to offer various activities to different groups of people. To realize the urban forest concept, several strategies were planned to be used, including keeping existing trees, planting new trees, constructing wetlands and ponds, and creating eco canals, bioswales and community space for people. (Ref 1,2,3) The specific project objectives include (Ref. 1,2,3) : 1. Creating new green public spaces that hold various values and benefits for all humans and other living organisms in the urban area. 2. Managing surface water and mitigating floods in the area during heavy rain periods. 3. Promoting sustainable construction and design. 4. Supporting agroforestry and providing an opportunity for citizens for farming activities. 5. Creating various opportunities for recreation, social interaction and learning, providing universal access to all visitors. 6. Transforming a former industrial area into an urban park and turning the main buildings into museums.

The Benchakitti Forest Park can be divided into 3 main parts (Ref. 1,2,3): Natural areas include: 1. 1,733 existing trees have been saved, which is less than expected. This is due to the condition of the trees that are unhealthy, which links to safety issues. 2. 7,155 new trees and other types of vegetation of more than 300 species, all native to Thailand, have been introduced. 3. 4 constructed wetlands and ponds that can hold up to 128,000 Lb.m. of water. The wetland also helps filter surface runoff and water from nearby canal that has been diverted into the park. The water collected has been used to water the planting within the park. The wetland has been designed with small islands to help improve oxygen levels in the soil, as the soil used in this project mainly comes from the compacted ground under existing buildings. 4. Eco canal and bioswale 5. An agroforest garden for urban farming to produce food for the city people in the canal area Path for learning, leisure and exercise (Ref. 2): 1. 5.8km. of the natural trails for learning and strolling 2. 2.8km. of running trail 3. 3.4km of bike trail 4 existing buildings were renovated into (Ref. 1,2) 1. Museum 2. Indoor sports facilities 3. Urban farming space serving as an educational area, showcasing over 300 native species 4. Event and multi-purpose space with amphitheatre that can hold up to 15,000 people Other activities that support the sustainable design and construction goal: 1. With careful management of the cut and fill technique, this project use only existing soil to construct the park (no new soil being introduced and no existing soil being wasted). (Ref. 1) 2. Reuse the brick from the demolition of exiting buildings to construct certain structures such as water system and pathway within the project. (Ref. 2)

• National-level government
• Citizens or community groups
• Marginalized groups: People with functional diversities