Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a type of development control measure. Regulatory bodies in Bangkok use FAR to govern building size.
FAR determines the maximum allowable floor area a developer can build on a plot.
FAR differs from building coverage ratio (BCR). BCR restricts the percentage of land that can be covered by the building footprint, while FAR restricts the total floor area.
This differentiation highlights FAR’s focus on vertical building limits, whereas BCR emphasizes horizontal expansion.
FAR features density control as a popular aspect. Bangkok’s zoning laws specify FAR values to manage urban density, examples include commercial districts with higher FAR allowances.
FAR features development flexibility as a popular aspect. By manipulating FAR, developers can design buildings with varying heights and sizes, examples include skyscrapers in Bangkok’s central business district.
FAR features investment guidance as a popular aspect. Investors use FAR to assess the potential value of land, examples include evaluating land in Sukhumvit area for high-rise developments.
FAR features include regulating building height as common. Limitations on FAR directly impact how tall a building can be, examples include residential zones with low FAR values.
FAR features include promoting efficient land use as common. By limiting the total floor area, FAR encourages developers to utilize land effectively, examples include mixed-use developments.
FAR features include influencing building design as common. Architects must consider FAR in their design process, examples include incorporating multi-level parking to maximize usable space.
FAR features include enabling air flow and light penetration as unusual. In dense areas, higher FAR values could lead to taller buildings, which may improve air flow and natural light in urban canyons, examples include narrow alleys in Bangkok’s older districts.
FAR features include dictating public amenity spaces as unusual. Some regulations tie FAR bonuses to the provision of public spaces, examples include developments around Bangkok’s public parks.
FAR features include encouraging historical preservation as unusual. In certain cases, FAR incentives are offered for preserving or integrating historical buildings within new developments, examples include conservation projects in Bangkok’s heritage zones.
FAR features unique aspect in influencing skyline silhouette. Bangkok’s skyline, defined by areas with high FAR allowances, shows the direct impact of FAR on urban aesthetics, examples include the iconic Mahanakhon Tower.
FAR features unique aspect in shaping urban growth patterns. Districts with varying FAR values demonstrate strategic urban planning, examples include the contrast between Sukhumvit and the Old Town area.
FAR features unique aspect in supporting transit-oriented development (TOD). Higher FAR values near transit stations encourage denser developments, examples include developments around BTS and MRT stations, facilitating sustainable urban mobility.
While both FAR and BCR aim to regulate building dimensions, FAR’s ability to control urban density, influence investment decisions, and shape cityscapes sets it apart from BCR and similar development control measures. FAR’s unique blend of promoting efficient, flexible, and strategic use of urban space underscores its critical role in real estate development.
For further details on real estate terminologies, visit our glossary about Bangkok real estate.