GreynJ United and ThaiHealth Foundation Transform Metro Passageway into ‘Walk Stadium’
The pace of modern life is accelerating at breakneck speed. The hustle culture is rising and expanding in big cities worldwide, including Thailand, which poses new challenges to individuals and has heightened public health concerns.
With rapid urbanisation, Bangkok tops the global rankings as the 5th ‘most overworked city’ and the 3rd ‘most commute time city’ globally. As a result, longer work and travel times have led to sedentary behaviour among Thais and are linked to poor health outcomes.
Senior director of social marketing support Supatnuj Sorndamrih said, “Every move counts towards better health. All physical activity is beneficial and can be done as part of daily life whether work, sport, leisure or transport.”
Thanks to space contribution from Bangkok Expressway and Metro, GreynJ United converted a 140-meter-long pedestrian tunnel at Bang Sue Station, one of Bangkok’s busiest stations, serving 359,000 passengers daily through its railway terminal, metro line and sky train system, into the ‘Walk Stadium’.
‘Walk with enjoyment’ is the design’s core concept. It allows commuters to immersively experience the 360-degree art space tunnel like virtually walking into a stadium in a surreal universe, surrounded by playful characters cheering, encouragement quotes and the inclusion of fast and energetic audio cues to encourage ‘brisk walking’ in a vibrant environment. Well-known local illustrator SHITTAK, famous for his one-of-a-kind drawings and candy-coloured paintings, designed the dynamic visual art.
“We don’t want commuters to view this passageway as an ambient advertising media. That’s why we are using an experience design method through narrative art and behavioural-based ‘nudging’ techniques to gain their attention, participation and eventually behavioural change too,” said creative director Kanchat Chotewattanakul.
