The contrasts between Phuket and Pattaya are many and varied but perhaps nothing illustrates this more than their respective local planning department's attitude towards building height. While Phuket continues to restrict the height of new buildings to a maximum of seven storeys in specified zones Pattaya has adopted a reach for the sky approach.
So which is the right policy? The answer is both of them. Phuket is an island of stunning beauty of varied sea and landscapes with a mountainous backdrop. To hide this with high rise buildings, however dramatic, would be to create a blot on the landscape. You need to look no further than Patong Tower to take my point. High rise buildings also cancel the possibility of a view from the buildings behind. As Phuket's terrain gradually rises from sea level, by restricting the height of the buildings good sea views are still possible several kilometres away.
Pattaya on the other hand does not have the dramatic backdrop but an impressive bay. The landscape remains flat all the way to Bangkok. By creating architecturally stunning skyscrapers Pattaya has the opportunity not only to cast its rather downmarket image but also to give the hundreds of occupants of those buildings an equally stunning view of the bay. Hence the sudden outcrop of fantastic skyscrapers that are being created for the sea fronts of Pattaya and its neighbouring beach, Jomtien. At the northernmost point of Pattaya Beach Raimon Land is building the appropriately named Northpoint; two identical towers with a northerly and southerly aspect located directly on the beach. The design is another success for Hans Brouwer of HB Design. On the southern beach of Jomtien possibly the most ambitious and exciting project in Thailand is soon to begin construction. Designated simply as Ocean 1, a 91 storey tower, the tallest building in Thailand and the second highest residential tower in the world, this mega project will include a 5-star shopping mall and several upmarket restaurants. Both of these projects have received worldwide interest and are recording record sales even before construction begins. This reminds me of Dubai in the early years before the sheer number of new building projects began to outstrip demand.
Phuket has rightly curbed the building of high rise but that does not mean it does not encourage exciting architecture. Far from it, some of the most fabulous and creative designers have created truly outstanding buildings for the future. Ironically, one of those designers happens to be Hans Brower who with The Heights at Kata has shown he is as talented with low level design as he is with high rise. The imaginary designs of KplusK Design of Hong Kong add drama to their already fabulous surroundings of The Bay at Cape Yamu villas and the magnificent Tawan Views condominiums and penthouses in Po Bay.
I hope local government planners will continue to adopt policies for the greater good of their communities. Sometimes we may be forgiven for wondering how some projects were ever given the green light but as developers and planners alike see the rewards to be received from encouraging innovative and creative architecture, the expense of which can easily be recuperated from the premium prices obtainable, we can look forward to seeing stunning designs working in harmony with their equally dramatic backdrops.
