Speaking about our world today, most forms and shapes of buildings around the world are created to interpret the times and seasons we are in. People's idea have metamorphosed into futuristic designs,placing more emphasizes on the aesthetic features. With this notion Architects, are becoming more creative in designing. I call it the Empire Stairs because of its colour and movement .
Architectural review announces it as the winner of the 2015 AR Emerging Architecture Awards, located in Bangkok. It is referred to as the mostArchitecture, at its very essence, is a mirror of the times we live in. Across the world, forms and shapes of buildings have evolved to interpret the shifting seasons of culture, technology, and society. From sleek skyscrapers to organic structures inspired by nature, the built environment has become a physical translation of human imagination and progress. In our era, there is an increasing shift toward futuristic design, where aesthetics are not only celebrated but infused with symbolism, cultural relevance, and innovation.
One fascinating embodiment of this architectural spirit is what I call the Empire Stairs—a bold structure that speaks not only through its form but also through its movement, energy, and meaning. Officially known as 10 Cal Tower, this remarkable design in Bangkok captures the imagination with its winding staircases, labyrinthine layout, and vibrant aesthetic. It is more than just a building—it is a statement of resilience, creativity, and the evolving role of architecture in society.
- Main Architect: Pitupong Chaowakul and a team of young architects, Sujinda Khawkam, Kasidis Peuktes and Mint Mintly.
A Design that Moves You—Literally and Figuratively
The 10 Cal Tower derives its name from the average number of calories a person burns while traversing its twisting staircases. At first glance, this might seem playful, even whimsical, but it cleverly connects the body’s energy with the built environment. Unlike conventional architecture, which often prioritizes function or form in isolation, this tower merges movement, health, and play into one experience.
Walking through the tower is an architectural workout, engaging both young and old in a journey of exploration. It is not designed to be a passive space but rather an interactive environment where people climb, discover, and challenge themselves. In this sense, the tower becomes a “living building”—one that comes alive through human interaction.
The Concept of Resistance and the Labyrinth
The project was awarded the 2015 AR Emerging Architecture Award by Architectural Review, which described it as the most “resistant” design of its year. This word—resistant—captures much of what makes the tower unique. Resistance here is not about defiance but about resilience: the ability of design to withstand monotony, stagnation, and irrelevance.
By creating a labyrinth of staircases, the architects embraced a form that resists simplicity and easy categorization. It invites users to lose themselves within its twists and turns, making the journey as important as the destination. This labyrinthine quality ties back to one of architecture’s oldest purposes: to create experiences of wonder and mystery, spaces where the imagination is free to roam.
Bridging Generations: A Playground for All
The 10 Cal Tower was designed to suit both the older and younger generations, a rare balance in contemporary architecture. Too often, spaces cater either to the young, with playfulness and experimentation, or to the older demographic, with function and restraint. But this tower manages to bring both worlds together.
For the younger generation, it is a playground—a maze of excitement, curiosity, and activity. For the older generation, it is a reminder of vitality, movement, and resilience, encouraging them to engage with their environment in new ways. The tower fosters intergenerational interaction, proving that design can transcend age and become a unifying experience.
The Creative Minds Behind the Tower
This innovative work was spearheaded by Pitupong Chaowakul, alongside a talented team of young architects—Sujinda Khawkam, Kasidis Peuktes, and Mint Mintly. Together, they crafted a project that blends contemporary thinking with cultural sensitivity. Their approach reflects a new generation of architects who are unafraid to experiment with form, color, and purpose, breaking away from rigid conventions.
By grounding their design in the themes of energy, play, and community, the architects have offered Bangkok not just a structure but a landmark of ideas—a symbol of creativity and a reminder of the endless possibilities of architectural expression.
Aesthetic Symbolism: The Empire Stairs
What makes the Empire Stairs unforgettable is not just its physical presence but its symbolic resonance. The sweeping staircases represent movement through time—climbing, descending, twisting, and returning, much like the journey of human life. The vibrant colors add emotional energy, turning architecture into a visual performance.
Its aesthetic is futuristic, yet it feels timeless, echoing humanity’s eternal fascination with staircases—from the Pyramids to modern skyscrapers. Here, stairs are not merely functional—they become a language of movement, a choreography of architecture.
Architecture as a Reflection of the Times
The Empire Stairs is a testament to how architecture is no longer confined to shelter or utility. In today’s world, it must be responsive, symbolic, and participatory. The tower encapsulates this evolution by intertwining health, aesthetics, social engagement, and play into a single form.
It reminds us that buildings are not static monuments but dynamic companions to human life. They interpret our present, reflect our aspirations, and challenge us to move forward. In this sense, the Empire Stairs is a microcosm of 21st-century design: bold, playful, resistant, and forward-looking.
Conclusion: A Stairway to the Future
In naming it the Empire Stairs, one sees not just the structure’s color and movement but also its grandeur and impact. It is an empire of ideas, built on the foundation of creativity, resilience, and imagination. The 10 Cal Tower is more than an award-winning design—it is an invitation to view architecture differently, not as something to be observed from a distance but as something to live, climb, and experience.
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