Roi Re: Preserving the Stories of Thai Old-Style Street PeddlersReviving the Past through Illustration
Since the past, street peddlers have had a long and strong relationship with Thailand. However, the development and modernization caused old-style street peddlers to be less dominant. Many of the unique street peddlers have slowly changed their form, and some of them have disappeared. Moreover, their stories often come from word of mouth and memories of older generations, which sometimes got disconnected from younger generations.
"Roi Re" is an online exhibition website focusing on stories of Thai old-style street peddlers that rarely exist in the present day. The aim is to create appreciation and awareness among young generations toward Thai culture through the exploration of these rare old-style street vending activities. Roi Re provides information, knowledge, and tools through the use of a unique and riveting series of illustrations.
The online exhibition website provides information, knowledge, and tools through the use of a unique and riveting series of animated illustrations to mimic the environment of the street peddlers in the past. Audiences can play and explore items that pop up on the screen along with on the physical exhibition display, pop-up kiosks, using Augmented Technology (AR) to explore the hidden peddlers' stories on various historical locations, such as Charoen Krung Road.
The project started in September 2019 with research and design development and finished in July 2020 for the exhibition showcase at Siam Center (Bangkok) on 20-22 November 2020. The content mostly comes from interviews with older generations who had known and experienced old-style street peddlers.
"Roi Re" was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. It is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.
Through "Roi Re," the stories of Thai old-style street peddlers are brought back to life, preserving their cultural significance and allowing younger generations to appreciate and connect with their heritage. This unique online exhibition serves as a testament to the power of design and technology in preserving and sharing cultural history.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: poovakorn watcharaphongphiphat
Image Credits: poovakorn watcharaphongphiphat
Project Team Members: poovakorn watcharaphongphiphat
Project Name: Roi Re
Project Client: poovakorn watcharaphongphiphat