Exploring Global Masterpieces: Dusit Central Park and the Evolution of Mixed-Use Developments

In the ever-evolving realm of urban development, the concept of ‘mixed-use’ has become the modern-day gold standard. It’s a solution that maximizes land value while preserving the cultural tapestry of history. These architectural innovations skillfully intertwine hotels, retail spaces, offices, and homes to sculpt self-sustaining microcosms that breathe new life into whole neighborhoods. With the Dusit Central Park in Bangkok on the verge of completion, let’s delve into how iconic landmarks worldwide have brilliantly reimagined historic spaces to fit into today’s world.

Battersea Power Station: London’s Industrial Icon Reborn

Once the powerhouse of London from 1935 until its shutdown in 1983, the Battersea Power Station, recognized by its four imposing flue-gas stacks, has undergone an extraordinary $16.5 billion transformation. Today, this riverside hallmark is a Grade II Listed Building, reborn as London’s largest mixed-use development undertaking.

The project, occupying almost 170,000 square meters across seven phases from 2014 to 2025, thoughtfully redeems its industrial ancestry. On the ground floor, an upscale shopping arcade beckons, and entertainment venues adorn the second floor. Office spaces, including the headquarters of tech giant Apple, are situated above, topped with opulent residences. Remarkably, the once smoke-filled flue-gas stacks now operate as elevator shafts ascending to observation decks that provide sweeping vistas of London.

What truly captivates is the 29,000-square-meter rooftop park, boasting 55 distinct plant species. It’s a testament to how urban expansion can pay homage to history while fashioning verdant spaces that serve communities.

The Refinery at Domino: New York’s Sweet Transformation

Perched on the banks of New York’s East River, the historic Domino Sugar Refinery, with its Romanesque façade from way back in 1856, sets a scenic backdrop. After its closure in 2004 due to dwindling sugar demand, this Williamsburg beacon embarked on a $30 billion renaissance in 2014, courtesy of Two Trees Management.

The ambitious project spans an impressive 330,000 square meters and will eventually embrace retail spaces, 3,415 apartment units, 43,000 square meters of office space, and 20,000 square meters of public green space. The central “Refinery” structure poetically melds the original brick face with contemporary glass and steel elements, topped off with a stunning vaulted glass ceiling.

“The Vault,” on the top floor, boasts a spectacular nine-meter ceiling, offering breathtaking vistas of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Encircling the central Refinery edifice are residential towers, retail outlets, schools, fitness centers, co-working spaces, and a waterfront promenade custom-built for community interaction. The grand completion is projected for 2030.

Azabudai Hills: Tokyo’s Urban Village Vision

In Tokyo’s Toranomon-Azabudai district, a once quaint realm with wooden homes and outdated buildings is being transformed through Mori Building’s 30-year grand design. This $4.4 billion “Modern Urban Village” carves out a midtown oasis complete with 1,400 luxury condos distributed among four buildings, all embraced by 20,000 square meters of lush greenery.

With a massive gross floor area of 860,400 square meters, Azabudai Hills offers a walkable design that links multiple mixed-use edifices. Each building hosts a center court, catering to diverse lifestyles, including commercial zones, offices, hotels, recreational hubs, and cultural venues.

The development stands out with its wellness focus, anchored by the Keio University Center for Preventive Medicine. Here, community health is paramount with fitness programs, spa treatments, health-centric dining options, and communal gardens. Its seamless integration with Tokyo’s metro ensures efficient connectivity to the expansive city.

Tian An 1000 Trees: Shanghai’s Vertical Forest

Shanghai’s once industrial riverside has flourished into a breathtaking landscape through the visionary Tian An 1000 Trees project, part of the city’s “Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation” mission, initiated in 1998. Drawing inspiration from Mount Huangshan’s landscapes, constructions rolled out in 2014, creating a mountain-like marvel adorned with more than 1,000 green columns holding over 70 different tree and plant species.

The 300,000-square-meter development encompasses vibrant commercial zones offering dining options, cafés, supermarkets, luxury retail, and cinemas—both indoors and outdoors. Office spaces and boutique hotels afford stunning panoramic views of both the gardens and the scenic Wusong River. Art lovers can bask in the M50 Arts District, an homage to New York’s SoHo, a hub bursting with artist studios and international exhibitions.

Notably, the project meticulously preserved several heritage buildings, including riverside warehouses and the historic Fufeng Flour Mill, fashioning an urban sanctuary that rekindles the city’s industrial past amid lush nature.

Dusit Central Park: Bangkok’s Next Chapter

Now unfolding its transformative tale is Bangkok with the Dusit Central Park, a whopping 46-billion-baht venture crafted by Vimarn Suriya Co., Ltd. (a partnership between Dusit Thani Plc. and Central Pattana Plc.). Nestled in Silom—historically Bangkok’s “Thai Wall Street”—this 23-rai (440,000 square meters) masterpiece symbolizes the next chapter in one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks.

The development hosts four pivotal elements:

• The new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel: A towering 39-story, 257-room luxury establishment offering world-class dining venues, such as Cannubi by Umberto Bombana and Spire Rooftop Bar, all infused with the signature warmth of Dusit’s Thai hospitality.
• The Residences at Dusit Central Park: This ultra-luxury housing collection presents two unique living experiences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside) that embrace natural ventilation in their design. Standing tall at 299 meters, it ranks among Thailand’s top five tallest buildings and is Southeast Asia’s inaugural residence to receive LEED Gold V.4.1 certification.
• Central Park Offices: Delivering a premium workspace conceptualized around “The Future Work/Life for Global Visionaries” and situate in Bangkok’s Super Core CBD.
• Central Park Retail: Heralding Thailand’s first “Hospitality Meets Retail” model with a “New Luxury” theme, showcasing meticulously curated products and services from leading local and international brands.

The project is crowned with the impressive 7-rai (11,200 square meters) “Roof Park,” envisioned as a lush hill at the city’s heart. Thoughtfully selected flora create an “Infinity Park” illusion, harmoniously blending with the adjacent Lumpini Park. Visitors will discover a scenic natural trail, running track, amphitheater, children’s playground, dining facilities, and event venues.

Both the Central Park Offices and Central Park Retail are set to operate by late 2025, fulfilling a vision poised to redefine Bangkok’s urban complexion while augmenting the city’s limited green spaces.

These international examples of mixed-use development vividly illustrate how well-crafted designs can resurrect industrial relics, morphing them into vibrant community hubs that respect the past while embracing the future. As Bangkok’s Dusit Central Park approaches its grand reveal, it stands ready to join these world-renowned landmarks in redefining urban spaces with a perfect blend of contemporary needs and cultural legacy.

For more information about The Residences at Dusit Central Park, call 02-233-5889 or email [email protected].