VIRTUAL: Prague Heritages

Abstract

This paper reports on a field survey that aims to establish a framework for developing a night-time identity of Rattanakosin Island, the historic urban area of Bangkok. The two old neighborhoods selected for case studies are Banglamphu, one of the oldest commercial areas famous for its street food and Royal Thai craftsmanship, and Pak Klong Talad, the most famous and largest 24-hour flower market in Thailand. The current conservation and development plans, particularly lighting design guidance, focus mainly on highlighting historic landmarks and routes for tourism purposes. However, this study proposes that the unique night-time identity of these old, yet lively communities need a lighting design approach that compassionately and tastefully illuminates their intangible cultural heritage and the local ways of life after sunset. The study focuses on what the locals identify as a strong identity during daytime and night-time and how other key stakeholders perceive these old communities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 82 respondents, including 41 residents, 15 representatives from tourism-related service providers (e.g., hotel and food vendor owners), 20 Thai visitors, and six lighting designers. Photographic surveys and lighting measurements were also carried out during daytime and night-time. The results reveal four aspects of the district’s identity: physical, social, sensory, and memory and meaning, as proposed by Shao. This initial study also informs more extensive research in these two areas and will significantly contribute to developing a coherent, meaningful, and unique night-time image of these historic communities.