FP&M, as a part of the team that worked to restore a Madison cultural landmark honoring Thai alumni, was recognized at the 2025 Madison Trust for Historic Preservation Awards on May 14. The Royal Thai Pavilion project received the Restoration Award for its “meticulous” revival of the structure, which was gifted to UW-Madison in 2001 by the government of Thailand and the Thai chapter of the UW Alumni Association. The Thai student population at UW–Madison is among the largest in the United States. The pavilion, which resides in the City of Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, was the first Thai pavilion in the continental U.S.
Every year, Madison Trust honors projects around the community that show excellent historic preservation. Originally constructed in 2001 by Thai artisans, the pavilion was starting to show signs of wear from Wisconsin’s harsh climate. The restoration project, conducted in collaboration with the City of Madison Engineering Division, brought together local and international specialists to complete structural repairs, install new custom Thai clay tiles, and restore detailed woodwork and mosaic elements. The project balanced cultural authenticity while preserving traditional Thai construction practices and using materials suited to Wisconsin weather conditions.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej generously gifted the pavilion on behalf of the people of Thailand, and especially UW-Madison Alumni, to the UW-Madison Board of Regents, in celebration of UW-Madison’s sesquicentennial. The Board of Regents are the owners and financial contributors, and the City of Madison is the land steward and day-to-day caretaker. Additionally, UW-Madison committed to funding any future preservation maintenance, which is what this restoration project fell under.
For this project, UW-Madison funded the initial design, shipping, reassembly, location prep, and installation.
The pavilion—40 feet long, 22 feet wide and 30 feet high—is one of only four of its kind outside of Thailand. It was built in Thailand, disassembled and shipped to Madison, where it was reassembled with the help of Thai artisans.
FP&M employees Top Tantivivat (Facilities Access Specialist) and Aaron Williams (Senior Campus Planner) were involved with the pavilion’s restoration process. They followed along with the project and answered questions, engaged campus experts, and tracked the budget. Top had a significant role as a liaison and for his cultural expertise.
“As a Thai, UW alumn[us] and FP&M employee … I found the project very exciting and was amazed with the creative solution that was found to accomplish the project’s unique requirements related to Wisconsin climate and Thai aesthetic,” Top said. “I am glad to be part of it.”
Aaron noted that the pavilion emphasizes what he enjoys most about the Olbrich, which is the constant reminder that beauty lives in contrast.
“The structure transforms both place and time by turning everyday moments into something memorable and inspiring,” Aaron said.
Last year, Peter Schlecht, University Architect and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Campus Planning & Design, joined Aaron and Top in an opportunity to sign tiles that were installed during the pavilion’s restoration. Additionally, more than 1,000 community members of various cultures and backgrounds had the opportunity to write messages on the back of the tiles before they were installed.
Aaron recognized Kimberly Santiago, currently with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, who was instrumental in the original gift as the UW-Madison Director of International Relations for the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Kim was re-engaged during the restoration for her expertise and continued relationships with the Thai artisans. He also added that he is thankful for past people who worked on the mutual agreement between the City and UW-Madison, as it was beneficial in the creation of a space where culture, education and community can flourish together.