SAEDNEWS: Bangkok’s Elephant Tower is a 102-meter, 32-story postmodern skyscraper shaped like Thailand’s national symbol. Built in 1997, it sparked both praise and debate—architectural genius or design misstep?
According to SaedNews Science Service, the Elephant Tower—locally known as Tuk Chang—is one of the most striking and debated buildings on Bangkok’s skyline. This 32-story, 102-meter skyscraper, completed in 1997, has gained worldwide fame not for its height, but for its uncanny resemblance to a gigantic elephant.
The tower’s architecture, a collaboration between Dr. Aron Chaiseri and architect Ong-ard Satrabhandu, is a notable example of postmodern design infused with cubist whimsy. Three separate towers, connected at the top, mimic the body and legs of an elephant. Details are meticulously crafted: two large circular windows serve as eyes, balconies form the ears, and two golden spires at the top represent tusks. This playful yet deliberate design pays homage to the elephant, a significant national and religious symbol in Thailand.
Yet, the Elephant Tower has never been universally admired. While some praise it as an engineering marvel that merges art with structure and maximizes a challenging plot of land, others label it one of the world’s ugliest skyscrapers. It has even appeared in global lists of the “most unattractive buildings.”
Regardless of opinion, this concrete elephant has become an undeniable symbol of Bangkok. It stands as a testament to bold architecture and engineering, showcasing a nation’s cultural identity in a modern, unique way. More than just an office and residential building, the Elephant Tower is a city landmark that challenges visitors to rethink the boundaries between art and construction.
