In the dense urban context of Bangkok, shophouses with narrow frontages of around 4 meters and four to five stories in height once served as a foundation for local commerce. Traditionally, the ground floor was used for retail while upper floors served as living quarters or storage. Natural light could only enter from the front and back, and each unit functioned as a self-contained structure, physically and socially separate from its neighbors.

Over time, shifts in economic models and urban lifestyles made this typology less relevant. As residents moved out and shopping behavior changed, the integration of living and retail functions became less viable.
Many of these buildings were left vacant, no longer able to meet the demands of contemporary city life.

GUMP Cross proposes a architectural strategy to revitalize five abandoned shophouses by reconfiguring them into a fully interconnected vertical retail space. The design removes internal party walls to create a continuous spatial field across all five units. Circulation is reimagined to prioritize walkability and natural light as key spatial experiences.

A sequence of stairs begins at the main entrance and guides visitors gradually upward through a series of newly configured retail spaces. This path connects the front to the back and the lower to the upper levels in a way that feels intuitive and enjoyable, avoiding the typical sense of narrowness and low ceilings found in traditional shophouses.

Strategically placed voids and glass block walls bring daylight deep into the center of the building. These interventions also serve as display surfaces and transitional elements, enhancing visibility and spatial depth.
As visitors move through the building, they encounter shifting perspectives of light, shadow, and space that make the experience both clear and engaging.

This project presents a new approach to reactivating traditional commercial architecture in response to shifting economic and social dynamics. It demonstrates how small-scale vertical structures, long abandoned across Southeast Asian cities, can be reclaimed as compact, contemporary community malls—revitalizing urban memory while reconnecting with present-day urban life through renewed spatial value.