Khaoyai Art Forest
Khaoyai Art Forest is a land art institution in Thailand founded by philanthropist Marisa Chearavanont and directed by Stefano Rabolli Pansera, where artists create visionary projects that are not possible anywhere else. At the heart of Khaoyai Art Forest, Fog Forest is a 30,000m2 landscape in collaboration with the Japanese fog artist Fujiko Nakaya, being her largest permanent installation to date.
The Convergence of Landscape and Timescape – by Stefano Rabolli Pansera:
“The landscapes Nakaya designs in collaboration with MET team architects (Atsushi Kitagawara Architects at that moment), with their carefully orchestrated bumps, cavities, and undulating forms, are not passive backdrops but integral components of her artwork which is in a dialogue with time and nature. These terrains delay the dissipation of fog, creating an atmospheric dispositif that allows moments to stretch and expand, inviting viewers to inhabit the ephemeral.
This involves precise interventions, such as manipulating terrains, planting trees to create turbulence, or introducing gentle hills to influence air currents. These interventions are guided by meticulous studies on site. The concept of landscape as a dynamic timescape, where the contours of the land actively shape and mediate the passage of time.”
Going back to the origins
The project involved replacing the non-native plant species on the site with local ones, as well as restoring the natural shape of the existing pond, which had been historically adapted for human needs. Together, the designed bumps and undulations on the hills facilitate rainwater flow and collection, which is especially important during the rainy season.
Design process – Sculptural Landscape
Because of the strong rainfall during Thailand’s rainy season, new layers of soil could not simply be added, as they would not be strong enough and would be washed away by rainstorms. Therefore, the new topography was meticulously studied through a sculptural design process. The existing landscape was completely 3D modeled, and numerous topographical surveys were necessary during the construction phase to sculpt the new topography on site.
Project Data
Landscape architecture: Angel Estevez / MET
Other design offices involved in the project:
Fujiko Nakaya (fog artist)
Processart Inc. (fog engineering)
PLandscape (local landscape designer)
Other credits:
Artistic Director: Stefano Rabolli Pansera
Curatorial team:
Chonnipa Pokachaiyapat (Fai)
Ratsiree Rattanawan (Vogue)
Project location: Thailand
Year completed: 2025
