Shma redefines green space as the ‘urban medicine’ for longevity

Yossapon argues that landscape is never a mere “backdrop” to architecture; it is a vital infrastructure that dictates how we breathe and feel. He views modern cities—cluttered with glass and tarmac—as suffering from a collective illness: the “Urban Heat Island” effect, pollution, and mental fatigue.

“The city makes us sick—that is a fact,” says Yossapon. “From heart disease to hypertension and 'nature deficit' fatigue, our surroundings drain us. But if design can make us ill, it can also be the cure. We need to find the right 'medicine' to restore our energy.”

A flagship example of this philosophy is Jin Wellbeing County, Thailand’s first comprehensive wellness mixed-use development. Here, Shma moved beyond simple aesthetic greenery to create a Therapeutic Garden. Designed to stimulate all five senses—from the scent of specific blooms to the tactile variety of foliage and the acoustic calm of flowing water—the space is a living tool for rehabilitation.

The design adheres to the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, featuring joint-friendly walkways for the elderly and social nooks designed to combat isolation. Shma’s “prescriptions” also extend to the public realm through projects like The Long Walk—a “living lab” near the Chao Phraya River. By designing “20 ways of walking”—from mindful paths to creative trails—they encourage residents to meet the WHO’s 30-minute daily exercise quota through sheer enjoyment rather than obligation.

At Shma, beauty is backed by data. Enter Shma Lab, the firm’s research arm that serves as the "brain" of the operation. By using computational tools and AI, the team simulates wind flow and heat accumulation long before a single tree is planted.

“We need proof points,” Yossapon explains. “We show clients exactly how many degrees a specific design will lower the temperature or how material choices affect the microclimate. It is research-based design; we blend art with measurable scientific data.”

Beyond physics, they have developed the Shma Sustainability Index. Synthesised from international standards like LEED and WELL, this five-pillar framework measures everything from biodiversity and water efficiency to carbon footprints and community engagement.

While AI assists in processing these vast datasets, Yossapon remains a firm believer in human intuition. “A designer acts as a bridge. We listen to the people, the nature, and the algorithms, then distill them into a soul.”

In ultra-luxury projects like The Residences 38 or The Standard Hua Hin, Shma’s definition of luxury is the “curated sanctuary.”

“Luxury is a curated experience. It isn't accidental,” Yossapon notes. At The Standard Hua Hin, the landscape is the protagonist. The team worked meticulously to preserve existing trees, turning them into natural sculptures that provide both privacy and a sense of history. In the heart of Sukhumvit, The Residences 38 acts as a green oasis, filtering out urban noise to offer a sense of French Art de Vivre amidst the chaos of Bangkok.

This philosophy has traveled internationally. At The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, Shma interpreted the “island spirit” using native species and refined craftsmanship. In Singapore, the Mondrian Duxton integrates a “foliage gallery” that reconnects the modern hotel with the historic textures of Chinatown, encouraging pedestrian permeability.

Importantly, Shma bridges the gap between private luxury and public good. A green wall on a luxury tower doesn't just benefit the resident; it cools the street for every passerby. “The goal is to ensure that private investment yields public dividends,” Yossapon says.

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For Shma, social sustainability is the final piece of the puzzle. Through “placemaking,” they transform empty voids into meaningful destinations. Their we!park initiative is a prime example, where they facilitate partnerships between the state and private sectors to turn derelict land into “pocket parks.”

These “third places”—spaces that are neither home nor office—allow for “walking meetings” or “music in the park,” fostering a sense of belonging. “The process of participation creates a soul for the space. It’s about how people actually feel when they are there.”

Looking ahead a decade, Yossapon sees a region facing climate extremes and shifting demographics. He believes the landscape architect of the future must be a “convener” who assembles the pieces of a complex urban puzzle.

He calls for “bravery in decision-making” from both the government and the private sector. “We have learned enough; now we must act. We need to look forward to what the next generation needs—a city that is walkable, resilient, and life-affirming.”

If true luxury is the ability to live a high-quality life every day, Shma has proven that investing in green, health-centric design is not a cost—it is a longevity strategy. After all, a “better earth” is the only foundation for a “better future.”

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