Abstract:
Modern architecture has the same values as other historical architecture. It is evidence that shows the revolution of architecture; however, the result from this primary study shows that people do not pay much attention to modern architecture as they think it is not important. Consequently, some modern architecture has been abandoned, destroyed or renovated without fully understanding its significance because people think modern architecture is familiar and is not a rarity. Therefore, value and authenticity of modern architecture has been lost. A sample of modern architecture found on Ratchadamnoen Avenue is an example of modern architecture in Thailand at its first era, between 1932-1947. This group of buildings is significant because of their historical, architectural and functional values, but they have been used and renovated without any preservation efforts that significant buildings should get. In this group, there is one building was renovated from a commercial building to an exhibition hall. Its name is Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. It was renovated by preserving the exterior façade and interior spaces changed to accommodate their new use and to meet new current building standard requirements. This makes the Rattanakosin exhibition halls renovation concept and process appropriate to be used as a case study for this research. The studys result is based on the theory of preservation of modern architecture. It shows that the preservation in form and design will affect authenticity, especially within the unity of group of buildings. Although new interior design can be expressed in contrast, it is still harmonious with the old fabric by using simple elements and colors which do not reduce the uniqueness of the old one. Thus, this is an approach which can be applied to other buildings in groups of modern architecture buildings on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and others of the same era.