The City Planning Office of City Hall is to introduce a new design of manhole covers as part of the efforts to beautify and improve the landscaping of Bangkok.
The new, colorful manhole covers will first be installed along Khlong Ong Ang in the old town area of Bangkok, which was given a face-lift several months ago, with the garbage-strewn canal unclogged and all the make-shift canal-side shops removed.
Associate Professor Chakraphan Wilasineekul, a researcher with the public sculpture design and public participation project, said that the new manhole covers will help enhance the identity of communities.
He said that the sidewalks along Khlong Ong Ang could have various works of art installed, and he proposed the new manhole covers to beautify the sidewalks.
The designs include floating sculpture bas-relief designs, said Chakraphan, adding that he was discussing with Metropolitan Waterworks Authority about designing 18 manhole covers to be installed on the Yaowaraj Road in the China Town area, and follow that with landscaping of the areas along the route of the Blue Line electric train.
