Mega Mat Transforms Plastic into a Public Dialogue

February 22, 2025

Mega Mat Transforms Plastic into a Public Dialogue

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In the heart of Bangkok Design Week, an installation is making waves—not just for its vibrant aesthetics, but for the message it carries. Designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, the “Mega Mat” is an expansive public space crafted from over 500 recycled plastic mats.

Situated at Lan Khon Mueang Town Square, outside Bangkok Metropolitan Authority City Hall, this temporary installation by MVRDV transforms an everyday household object into an interactive infographic that highlights Thailand’s plastic waste and recycling challenges.

Thailand produces nearly 2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, a growing concern as industries and government policies push for greater sustainability. With this context in mind, MVRDV set out to create a space that not only provides a welcoming gathering spot but also educates visitors on waste disposal and recycling efforts.

A Traditional Mat with a Modern Message

At its core, the Mega Mat is an oversized version of the traditional Thai “Sua” mat, an object deeply embedded in Thai culture. Comprising 532 individual modules woven in traditional patterns, the installation invites visitors to sit, relax, and engage with the space. Each mat measures 1.8 by 0.9 meters, and once the exhibition concludes, they will be repurposed—some will be donated to temples, others will be transformed into yoga mats or upcycled into bags and other everyday products.

Beyond its cultural significance, the Mega Mat functions as a powerful visual tool. Its striking colour gradient serves as a data-driven representation of Thailand’s plastic waste management.

The outermost red sections signify the proportion of waste ending up in unsanitary landfills, while the orange hues represent waste in regulated landfills equipped with pollution barriers. Moving inward, yellow areas depict uncollected waste, while the green core illustrates the percentage of plastic successfully recycled.

This colour-coded layout not only educates but also echoes the architectural hues of the nearby Wat Suthat Thepwararam, reinforcing a connection between tradition and innovation.

A Space for Reflection and Engagement

“The way we think about materials is shifting globally. People are recognizing the need to integrate sustainability into daily life,” says Winy Maas, Founder, MVRDV.“Thailand is already engaging in this conversation, and the Mega Mat contributes to that dialogue in a tangible way. It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about celebrating the opportunities that recycled materials present.”

One of the most striking features of the installation is a lifted corner, an architectural nod to the upward-curving roofs of traditional Thai temples.

This elevated section houses an exhibition detailing Thailand’s plastic waste journey and the significance of recycling. Visitors can explore data, learn about the recycled plastic used in the mat, and reflect on the environmental impact of their choices. Meanwhile, the rest of the installation provides a communal space, turning the square into an outdoor living room where people can unwind, read, and connect with one another.

MVRDV’s Commitment to Sustainability

The Mega Mat is part of MVRDV’s broader commitment to sustainability. The firm has been actively pursuing low-carbon design strategies, including its Carbon Confessions exhibition in Munich, which explores carbon reduction initiatives. From developing the CarbonScape software to optimise project emissions to launching The Green Dream Foundation to counteract travel-related carbon footprints, MVRDV is actively reshaping its practice to align with global environmental goals.

Beyond the Mega Mat, MVRDV has undertaken additional projects at Bangkok Design Week. In collaboration with We!Park, the firm showcased “PROMPT PARK,” an interactive AI-driven concept reimagining an underutilised space beneath the Sirat Expressway.

Additionally, Winy Maas delivered a keynote lecture, “People, Places, and Architecture,” at Silpakorn University, further exploring themes of sustainability and urban innovation.

A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Future

Supported by the Creative Economy Agency, PTT Global Chemicals, and the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Mega Mat is more than just a temporary installation—it’s a conversation starter, a statement of intent, and a call to action. By blending cultural heritage with environmental advocacy, MVRDV has created a space that is both visually compelling and socially impactful, demonstrating the potential of design to address urgent ecological issues in meaningful ways.