A Research On Lanna Architecture Applied In Contemporary Architecture Design In Thailand

This thesis studies the architecture of Chiang Mai province,the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for about 500 years between 1292 and 1775.Its unique traditional arts,culture,and language still exist within eight provinces in Northern Thailand and has become a major tourist city in Thailand.Over the years,the effects of modernization and urbanization is gradually making Traditional Lanna architecture lose its identity.This has stirred communities to creating trends in protecting its history through architecture design.Various reasons have led to the diminishing effect of the Lanna architecture most prominently are: 1.A changed lifestyle which has rendered functional spaces in the original buildings non applicable.2.Traditional building materials,such as wood,are not as durable as emerging materials and are relatively expensive.3.A decline in the number of craftsmen who are good at traditional wood crafts thereby increasing labor costs.4.Traditional Lanna buildings are mostly constructed of natural materials.When the materials are worn out,they are difficult to repair.They are often removed and replaced with new ones.The study reviewed literature and publications focused on community composition,surrounding layout and residential classification of traditional Lanna residences in eight provinces in northern Thailand.It also includes a summary of analysis and survey of traditional Lanna architecture(residential buildings,palace buildings,commercial buildings,Buddhist buildings)in Chiang Mai,the unique,style and important elements of traditional Lanna architecture.Case study on selected buildings in Chiang Mai revealed design guidelines of contemporary Lanna architecture which includes: 1.Maintain the traditional planning layout,2.Adjust the architectural function space,3.Apply the elements of traditional architecture,4.Change building materials and construction techniques,5.Respond to the surrounding environment of the building,6.Metaphorical traditional cultural beliefs.Deductions from theoretical research,case study,questionnaire survey and relevant data analysis and compilation of the people in Chiang Rai informed the design practice of the Chiang Rai Learning Exchange Center.The paper concludes with a summary of the significance of contemporary Lanna architectural design to social development,current shortcomings and prospects for future development.