Chompunuch Vanichayanguranon
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
/Night-time identity-Enhancing night-time identity and lighting quality for public space in the old districts of Bangkok: a case study of Banglumpu and Pak Klong Talad District
Site: Old Districts of Bangkok
Cities search for new ways to promote themselves as attractive destinations for tourists and residents, and a key to successfully promote themselves is a strong city identity. To encourage a distinctive identity usually centers around the city’s historic district through the district’s conservation plans, the same as a conservation plan for the historic area of Bangkok, Rattanakosin Island. However, the development plan and identity study are limited to the city in the daytime. In contrast, the nighttime aspect of the city is neglected. The illumination in Rattanakosin only focuses on general brightness, without knowledge in urban lighting that could help enhance district night-time identity. It is necessary to establish a framework to develop a night-time identity suitable for the context of Thailand. The developed framework is based on studying the most active areas in Rattanakosin at night: Banglumpu and Pak Klong Talad.
The study includes site observation based on Lynch’s legibility study and the interview because the identity perceived by external stakeholders (Thai tourists) and the identity of the locals are keys to addressing the identity of the two areas. Apart from identity topics, related topics such as night-time perception, problem, and expectation, were also asked in the interview. The results reveal the area’s identities and essential requirements of the areas at night. Banglumpu needs a revival to become prosperous in commercial activity day and night as in the past because they are the identities of Banglumpu. On the other hand, subjects are satisfied with the existing lighting quality in Pak Klong Talad’s, although, from the light measurement, it conflicts with the standard of good lighting. The study proposed lighting design guidelines and design samples for the two districts. The established framework may contribute to the study of night-time identity in other areas of Rattanakosin.