Review on the Relationship between the Spatial Developments and the Change of Wooden Houses in Original Settlements in the Suburban Expansion of Bangkok

Abstract

This study examines the causes of the decadence of the wooden houses in trader communities settled during the period of King Chulalongkorn of Rattanakosin Capital, which represent old urban dwellings in the central region of Thailand. The conditions of remaining wooden houses and disappearing ones were compared to explore appropriate methods of reconstruction or repairs. Since modern developments started in Thailand, most of the original settlements disappeared amongst the rapid changes of urban transformation. Many of the original houses or communities have become abandoned, deteriorated or destroyed. The results show that the speed of deterioration is related to the ability of the dweller to maintain their house. With urbanization, the economy of old communities becomes stagnant and the population ages. If the dwellers in such aging communities hope to improve their houses, a methodology to reduce the cost and the amount of labor is needed. Three things should be considered to achieve this goal: the dwellers' current construction skills, possible techniques that everyone can acquire without difficulty, and available local materials. Revitalizing such old houses will not just provide them a comfortable life but demonstrate the quality and value of early communities, and it will fortify the identity of the local area and help historical conservation.