Q&A: André Fu on creating a genuine vision for Dusit Thani Bangkok

As Dusit Thani Bangkok, one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks, has just reopened, let’s find out how interior designer André Fu preserves this legendary hotel’s heritage while introducing innovation.

Growing up in Bangkok, a place that holds a special spot in the hearts of many Thais is Dusit Thani Bangkok. This iconic hotel has been a part of our lives for 50 years, weaving itself into our memories and traditions. From the grand celebrations in its ballroom to the quiet family moments, Dusit Thani Bangkok has always been a steadfast presence in our community. When it closed for renovation, it felt like a piece of our history was being put on hold. But now, after 4 long years, the hotel has reopened with a luxurious, modern look, yet maintaining its heritage, thanks to André Fu Studio.

In the realm of glitzy projects and luxurious five-star hotels, André Fu is no stranger. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Fu has become one of Asia’s hottest architects who has gained international recognition. His extensive portfolio spans across Asia and Europe, where he has redefined modern luxury with projects that showcase his signature artistic perspective and timeless sensibility.

Recently, we caught up with him at the soft opening of Dusit Thani Bangkok. Here we chit-chatted with Fu as he discussed his vision and creative process for his latest project, which aims to showcase Thai hospitality on a more globalised international stage.

[All images courtesy of Dusit Thani Bangkok]

Q&A: André Fu on creating a genuine vision for Dusit Thani Bangkok

Tell us about your collaboration in the rebuilt Dusit Thani Bangkok.

It started in 2018 when Dusit Thani invited me to collaborate. I remember during that time; I saw how many Thais have this emotional linkage with the hotel. Whether it’s their parents getting married, royal occasions in the ballroom, or kids coming to the property as a child, Dusit Thani Bangkok is Thai-rooted.

For this project, I see it as an opportunity to capture Thai hospitality and the moment to showcase that to a more globalised international stage. It is infusing the old with the new, bringing a side of Thailand or Bangkok that will be familiar to a lot of Thai people, but also for them to discover a certain unfamiliarity due to the freshness and twist.

Why did you choose to work on this project?

These days to work on a project, I need to give myself a reason. There are loads of new projects- empty boxes where I have to give spirit and infuse a soul in it. I think customers know when you put the energy, the soul into certain projects, therefore, when I take one on, I usually create a narrative. The narrative is the vision of what we’re trying to do, and what defines this property. If I feel that I have something to tell, then that usually permeates the air of that project. Dusit Thani Bangkok is one of them. It’s elevating the flagship brand of what they can achieve globally and capturing the heritage of the original property. I hope the old customers come in here and get those fond memories, yet feel the property’s freshness.

How did you infuse the old with the new?

I’ve visited the original property prior, so I understood the original vision. Looking at it in 2019 is much different to looking at it in 1970 when it was built. I know there’s much emotional connection with the original property, and although nothing I do would be Thai enough since I am not Thai, I stand to be truthful to the original vision.

The Dusit team has done a lot of great research, where every element and motif has been recorded and analysed. With that, I understand a lot of why certain things came to be and their meaning within the hotel, including its name. I then extract these elements, pulling different things together. It’s like piecing a collage, and the colours started to be stronger in this curation journey.

How do you maintain authenticity?

I guess it’s an inner sense. But the more I’ve been in the industry, I’ve learnt a lot, especially from my mistakes, so I guess I have a clearer mind (smiles). But the good thing is I rarely change my mind. If I believe in something, I’ll explain why we should be like this and why we should not.

Design is about the micro. It’s the little things, but each little thing affects the whole thing. I try to remember the vision when we begin the whole project, see what that vision is, and then add key moments because trends come and go. For instance, there’s always something happening in Bangkok, new projects, hotels, and so on. These days things get exchanged globally on a second-by-second basis, so it’s about trying to be more truthful and just going with it.

Lastly, what highlights can we expect in Dusit Thani Bangkok?

The guest rooms with 5-metre windows. It’s very cinematic. I’ve always wanted to create this long day bed like a sala where people can sit by the window and look out at the picture frame. For me, it captures the perspective of the project, because the inside gives off this bungalow feeling. And what’s amazing is when you sit there and lean back, you have this amazing patch of greenery, Lumphini Park. Then there’s also the cityscape of Bangkok. It’s not just a view. It’s a dialogue of the past, present, and future that makes it such a cinematic provocative vision.

Another highlight is the lobby area. The diamond-shaped ceiling. The idea of preserving the two Benjarong columns, making them a threshold right in front of the left lobby. It’s marking the moment when we’re ascending the journey up to discover all the layers of experiences that we created.