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River view of Wat Aroon
River activity
Diagram of natural waterways suggests a basic structure to a city plan divided into sections delineated by boundaries of canals
There are several suggestions to be found in traditional Thai architecture, methods inherent in historical exam- ple, which can provide a base for a contemporary Thai city. Specifically, ideas are generated from the formal and spatial attributes of traditional temple and residential designs. The elements I enumerate below are found in all architectures, but these are noted for their unique characteristics in the Thai expression.
a) Arcade: Inherent
protective
and ventilating properties:
openess on street level.
b) Platform: Creates changes in level: separates traffic flow & building functions.
c) Perimeter Wall: Enclosure: de- signates buildings according to hierarchy of importance.
d) Court Yard: Privacy of in- terior space; separation from outside disturbances.
This listing could include pavilions. roofs and other architectural forms in addition to the broader relevancies of materials, colour and texture. They all prove to be important elements in Thai design and their translation into contemporary usage is critical to the perpetuation of tradition.
Unfortunately, after observing the refinements of temple architecture where light, shade, ventilation and circulation were handled with sophis- tication, I fall to see where this par- ticular genius has been utilised in the contemporary city.
Japan's renowned garden finds itself not only in the temple, but also in the most humble dwelling house. giving dignity and beauty to both. The use of sculptural forms, colour and texture are Thailand's measure of tradition, but they are not present- ly used with the conviction existent in the prototype.
Master Plan
One level of beauty in the temple is its unity, a single totality composed of many parts. The city has not con- cerned itself with the overall organisa- tion necessary to achieve this quality. I would cast part of the blame on weak, if not non-existent, city build- ing plans. This fact restates my plea for a city master plan which would better incorporate the parts into an ordered entity.
There is another major advantage to a planned city in addition to its functional problem solving ability; a beneficial psychological sense of order can be achieved even though the in- dividual building units may not be perfect and sophisticated elements by themselves.
It is true that temple and palace can stand alone, but the buildings of everyday those functional, uli- tilarian and economic structures become much worthier if aided by their environment. This means that proper placement of buildings in a
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Far East Architect & Builder March, 1967