DOCSLIB.ORG

THE CREATION of CULTURAL HERITAGE: TOWARDS CREATING a MODERN THAI ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY Vimolsiddhi Horayangkura Abstract

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
THE CREATION of CULTURAL HERITAGE: TOWARDS CREATING a MODERN THAI ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY Vimolsiddhi Horayangkura Abstract THE CREATION OF characteristics, together with document CULTURAL HERITAGE: research, were conducted with the intention of setting up information bases for further TOWARDS CREATING formation of theoretical and analytical A MODERN THAI frameworks, as well as guidelines for the ARCHITECTURAL creation and development of a Thai architectural identity for a modern society, IDENTITY through modeling investigations. Vimolsiddhi Horayangkura1 It is expected that this research will reveal that the various applications of Thai architectural characteristics are not Abstract particularly appropriate to the context of present society; neither the traditional and The Thai Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai applied Thai architectural styles nor the World Expo was basically similar to that of abstraction of aesthetic feature approach. the 1992 World Expo in Spain; both exhibited These findings will point towards the traditional elements of Thai architecture reinvention of a modern Thai architectural without any modern transformation. identity amid the trend of global architecture. Current factors––economic, social, cultural The inappropriate application of past Thai and technological––in the modern world have characteristics in contemporary architecture, to converge with past deep-rooted cultural particularly in buildings of national factors in an attempt to create a Thai significance, has been widely criticized. Yet, architectural identity. In this context, there there have been no obvious architectural have to be interrelationships between solutions to the demand for a modern Thai appearance and inherent wisdom. architectural identity. This research is undertaken with the following objectives: Concurrently, various approaches have to 1) To investigate the appropriateness of be investigated to promote the sustainable current Thai architectural identity in development of identity: for example, the modern society; 2) To seek guidelines for generation of public consciousness, the the creation of a modern Thai architectural reform of the education system, the identity, taking into consideration various establishment of an Institute for Research determining factors, especially the concept and Development of Modern Thai of green architecture and glocalization; 3) Architectural Identity, the stimulation of To suggest development approaches for concern for identity among practitioners, sustaining the creation of identity; 4) To and the support and spirit enhancement of extend the outcome of the development of a those with outstanding achievements in modern Thai architectural identity toward design and research. This research will also opportunities for supporting the creative identify opportunities for the output of the economy. Thus, in this study physical creation of a Thai architectural identity to surveys of buildings with various Thai support the growth of the creative economy. Finally, a series of research questions to be 1 Professor, Dr. Faculty of Architecture and comprehensively addressed in the future are Planning, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand formulated. Downloaded from Brill.com09/27/2021 08:05:16AM via free access The Creation of Cultural Heritage Introduction Whereas the Chinese Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo (Figure 1) exhibited dignity and progress, while reflecting the modern Chinese architecture identity, the Thai Pavilion maintained an outdated traditional character (Figure 2), which was similar to the formal expression of the Thai Pavilion at the 1992 World Expo in Spain (Figure 3). The “Thainess” that the Thai Government introduced in “Thainess: Sustainable Ways of Figure 3: Thai Pavilion, Sevilla, Spain Life” (Ministry of Social Development and (ASA 24,1992: 34) Human Security 2010) on the occasion of the 2010 World Exposition is fundamentally For a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic nation based on traditional notions of Thainess in such as Malaysia, the need to express a strong all aspects, including architecture. national identity in architecture become crucial regarding political implications. However, in Thailand a conscious effort is focused on the creation of a modern Thai architectural identity as part of the country’s cultural heritage. Practitioners and academics partly recognize the past failure to provide such a cultural identity (Horayangkura 1990, 1993, 2001 and 2009). Criticism among architects and the public in general became more severe, especially when important new building projects were under construction. Thai architectural identity for such edifices as the Suvarnabhumi Air Figure 1: Chinese Pavilion, Shanghai Terminal Building and the New Parliament Building of Thailand has become a critical issue – asking for architectural images of Thai identity which are rather obscure. Yet, proposed architectural solutions have to be investigated as to the appropriateness of applying traditional characteristics in the context of modern society. In-depth studies should involve the investigation of the underlying factors that deter the successful creation of Thai identity Figure 2: Thai Pavilion, Shanghai in modern architecture (Prakitnontakarn 2005; Horayangkura 2009, 2010). In general, architecture in Thailand expresses a mainly modern outlook, excluding Thai identity. 61 Downloaded from Brill.com09/27/2021 08:05:16AM via free access MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities Regular 13.1, 2010 The request for Thai character in most architecture as a contributing vehicle in the competitions’ terms of reference only results creative economy. in bringing in a juxtaposition of traditional elements with modern design complexes to 5. To reach a conclusion and propose reflect a related belief system. Without a recommendations and a series of research modern transformation, contextual conflicts issues to be comprehensively addressed in are inherent in such architectural solutions. the future. Otherwise, architects mainly focus on the abstraction of traditional configurations to Research hypothesis attain formal aesthetics without any other The Thai identity traditionally applied in implications regarding functional, environ- contemporary architecture is incongruent mental or economic aspects. with the context of modern Thai society. The goal of this study is to examine the Only through the integration of various appropriate Thai character of modern determining factors in the “reinvention” architectural design during the past two approach, can a modern Thai architectural decades. It should be a contributing vehicle identity be created and become an intrinsic for enhancing the creative economy as well part of the country’s cultural heritage in the as generating cultural heritage. future. Research method Research objectives This research, under the title “The Creation Based on an exploratory approach in the of Cultural Heritage: Towards Creating a creation of a modern Thai architectural Modern Thai Architectural Identity,” is a identity, the objectives of this preliminary preliminary investigation of ongoing research. research are as follows: The aim is to determine conceptual 1. To investigate the congruence of current frameworks and critical issues to be Thai architecture identity in modern society, undertaken in more in-depth studies in the especially the identity generated from future. Thus, systematic physical surveys of traditional architecture, applied Thai buildings which exhibit various Thai architecture and the aesthetic abstraction characteristics will be conducted together approach. with document surveys of previous studies. The formation of a basis of information and 2. To examine the various determining factors theoretical and analytical frameworks would and propose design guidelines for creating a lead to the comprehensive formulation of Thai architectural identity for modern Thai research problems, creation approaches and society through ‘reinvention’ with the intention sustainable measures for the development to create future cultural heritage. of Thai identity in modern architecture. 3. To study the approaches for enhancing the sustainable development of the creation In addition, the conclusion of the findings of a modern Thai architectural identity. reached in this preliminary study will be confirmed through a review of experts, 4. To study the opportunities and benefit practitioners and those involved, regarding potential that can be postulated through the issues raised in the discussion of this employing modern Thai identity in study. 62 Downloaded from Brill.com09/27/2021 08:05:16AM via free access The Creation of Cultural Heritage Research scope According to the five research objectives, this study examines architectural works that exhibit various patterns of Thai character constructed since 1947, and those that reveal attempts to express a modern Thai architectural identity. The latter cover only works of the past two decades when the lack of a Thai architectural identity had been publicly perceived and criticized Figure 5: National Library Building (Horayangkura 1986). As a whole, the goal of this research is to investigate the collective development of a Thai identity in architecture rather than present an in-depth case study of architectural works. Research results and discussions The congruence of Thai architectural identity within the context of present Figure 6: Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton society Reserve, Krabi A review of the scant criticisms of Thai a) Traditional Thai Architecture architectural identity, as subsequently cited in relevant texts, and surveys of buildings The application of traditional
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chinese Art Within Thai Temples in Malaysia: the Disappearance of Thai Art
    Asian Social Science; Vol. 11, No. 9; 2015 ISSN 1911-2017 E-ISSN 1911-2025 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Chinese Art within Thai Temples in Malaysia: The Disappearance of Thai Art Punya Tepsing1 1 Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand Correspondence: Punya Tepsing, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. Tel: 66-83-14-6692. E-mail: [email protected] Received: August 12, 2014 Accepted: December 2, 2014 Online Published: April 2, 2015 doi:10.5539/ass.v11n9p43 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n9p43 Abstract The identity of Thai temples in Malaysia is disappearing, as the temples display more Chinese art than Thai. Thus, this research aims to investigate the patterns in Chinese art and the conditions that support the appearance of Chinese art within Thai temples. Chinese art appears within these temples in their sculptures of Buddha, pavilions, and walls. The conditions supporting the appearance of Chinese art include 1) the need for funds to construct new temples; 2) the abilities of pastors who can speak Chinese and English and are interested in art from various countries; and 3) the eastern coast of Malaysia being a place where many people of Chinese descent settled. Chinese people were not able to purchase land easily due to state laws; thus, they had to use Thai temples as places to preserve their identity by constructing Chinese art within the temple. Keywords: Chinese art, Thai temple, Malaysia, disappearance 1. Introduction Chinese culture has been found in Malaysia since the 15th century (Khin & Huat, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Iii a Comparison on Lan Xang and Early
    CHAPTER III A COMPARISON ON LAN XANG AND EARLY RATTANAKOSIN BUDDHIST ART AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS As a Buddhist kingdom, both Lan Xang and Rattanakosin cherished their temples by put every effort to build one and decorate it with the most beautiful artwork they could create at that moment. Those architectures and artworks not just express how luxury each kingdom was, but also represent the thought and circumstance in the meantime. Even though Lan Xang and Rattanakosin had a same religion and were neighbor, their arts and architectural designs are different as follow: 3.1 Lan Xang Buddhist Art and Architectural Design Lan Xang was a kingdom with diversity; even in the Lao race itself. Since the end of the reign of King Suryawongsa Thammikkarat, Lan Xang was divided into three separated kingdom; Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak. Even though they were split up, they still shared their art and architectural designs. Each kingdom had been influenced by the neighbor surround and outsider as described below: 3.1.1 Lan Xang Architecture Developed through centuries, Lan Xang architectures may contain a lot of outsider influence, but at some point, they have their own unique style of architecture. Lan Xang temples can be divided into two part; Buddhawat and Sangkhawat. This chapter will discusses only on the Buddhawat area which cantains of That (ธาตุ), sim (สิม), Ho Wai (หอไหว), Oob Mung (อูบมุง), Hotrai or a library (หอไตร) and Ho Klong or a drum tower (หอกลอง), 3.1.1.1 That (Pagoda or Stupa) That (ธาตุ) in Lan Xang architecture is a Buddhist monument which can refer as a Chedi or pagoda (in Thai Architecture).
    [Show full text]
  • The Journal of the Walters Art Museum
    THE JOURNAL OF THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM VOL. 73, 2018 THE JOURNAL OF THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM VOL. 73, 2018 EDITORIAL BOARD FORM OF MANUSCRIPT Eleanor Hughes, Executive Editor All manuscripts must be typed and double-spaced (including quotations and Charles Dibble, Associate Editor endnotes). Contributors are encouraged to send manuscripts electronically; Amanda Kodeck please check with the editor/manager of curatorial publications as to compat- Amy Landau ibility of systems and fonts if you are using non-Western characters. Include on Julie Lauffenburger a separate sheet your name, home and business addresses, telephone, and email. All manuscripts should include a brief abstract (not to exceed 100 words). Manuscripts should also include a list of captions for all illustrations and a separate list of photo credits. VOLUME EDITOR Amy Landau FORM OF CITATION Monographs: Initial(s) and last name of author, followed by comma; italicized or DESIGNER underscored title of monograph; title of series (if needed, not italicized); volume Jennifer Corr Paulson numbers in arabic numerals (omitting “vol.”); place and date of publication enclosed in parentheses, followed by comma; page numbers (inclusive, not f. or ff.), without p. or pp. © 2018 Trustees of the Walters Art Gallery, 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, L. H. Corcoran, Portrait Mummies from Roman Egypt (I–IV Centuries), Maryland 21201 Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization 56 (Chicago, 1995), 97–99. Periodicals: Initial(s) and last name of author, followed by comma; title in All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without the written double quotation marks, followed by comma, full title of periodical italicized permission of the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland.
    [Show full text]
  • Sanam Luang’ Urban Space Dilemma
    Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 42 ( 2012 ) 12 – 26 AcE-Bs 2010 Kuching ASEAN Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies, Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak,, Malaysia, 7-8 July 2010 From ‘Homeless’ to ‘Hopeless’: Bangkok ‘Sanam Luang’ Urban Space Dilemma Sitthiporn Piromruen* Facultity of Architecture, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand Abstract The objective of this paper is to look at the dilemma of Bangkok’s main urban space focusing on the on-going conflict between physical setting and users’ behavior and activities based on the past records and the author’s field observations. Transformation in terms of its physical appearance and human activities that it generated since it first came into existence as the royal ground to its present day function as the peoples’ ground will be illustrated. Conflicts of interest and utilization which highly affected physical setting will also be reviewed and discussed. ©© 20122011 Published Published by by Elsevier Elsevier B.V. Ltd. Selection Selection and/or and peer-review peer-review under under responsibility responsibility of Centre of Centre for Environment- for Environment- BehaviourBehaviour Studies(cE-Bs),Studies (cE-Bs), Faculty Faculty of of Architecture, Architecture, Planning Planning & & Surveying, Surveying, Universiti Universiti Teknologi Teknologi MARA, MARA, Malaysia Malaysia Keywords: Urban space dilemma; physical setting vs. users’ behavior; conflicts of interest and utilization 1. Introduction Sanam Luang is Bangkok’s major public urban space located in the old central part of Rattanakosin historical area. Its oval shape of about 210 x 630 meters occupies an area of approximately 74 rai or 29.6 acres. The dominant physical features of Sanam Luang consist of the large open field with 4 rows of trees planted around the periphery.
    [Show full text]
  • Pierre Dupont's L'archéologie Mône De Dvāravatī and Its English Translation by Joyanto K. Sen, in Relation with Cont
    Pierre Dupont’s L’archéologie mône de Dvāravatī and Its English Translation by Joyanto K. Sen, In Relation with Continuing Research Nicolas Revire To cite this version: Nicolas Revire. Pierre Dupont’s L’archéologie mône de Dvāravatī and Its English Translation by Joyanto K. Sen, In Relation with Continuing Research. Journal of the Siam Society, The Siam Society (Thailand), 2011, 99, pp.196-225. hal-00713316 HAL Id: hal-00713316 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00713316 Submitted on 3 Jul 2012 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. 196 REVIEW ARTICLE Pierre Dupont’s L’archéologie mône de Dvāravatī and Its English Translation by Joyanto K. Sen, In Relation with Continuing Research Nicolas Revire L’archéologie mône de Dvāravatī was published in 1959 by the École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO; Dupont 1959), based on a draft left by the French archeologist Pierre Dupont who died in 1955 at the age of 47. It remains unrivalled in importance for all students of pre-Thai art and archeology1; that is, the period before the Tai kingdoms in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Lang Xang or Ayutthaya were established (ca.
    [Show full text]
  • Fifty Years of Archaeological Research at Dong Mae Nang Muang, an Ancient Gateway to the Upper Chao Phraya Basin
    49 Fifty Years of Archaeological Research at Dong Mae Nang Muang, an Ancient Gateway to the Upper Chao Phraya Basin Stephen A. Murphy and Pimchanok Pongkasetkan Dong Mae Nang Muang, in Banpotpisai district, Nakorn Sawan province is the present-day name for the site of Thanya Pura, one of the northernmost settlements of Dvaravati culture (6th–11th centuries CE) in central Thailand. Research conducted to date extends from the first surveys and excavations by the Fine Arts Department in 1956 and 1967 to recent projects of master’s degree students of the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University and the Fine Arts Department, Lopburi, 2008–2009. The material culture and archaeological record of the site, its period of occupation, state of preservation of extant monuments and new evidence of inhumation practices are discussed. The evidence shows that Dong Mae Nang Muang was an important political, economic, religious and artistic centre in the Upper Chao Phraya Basin. Located in the upper reaches of the Chao Phraya Basin, the ancient site of Dong Mae Nang Muang marks one of the northernmost settlements of Dvaravati culture in central Thailand (figure 1). Strategically placed on tributaries of major river systems, the settlement flourished for a period of approximately 400 years between the 8th and 12th centuries CE. Despite being located over 300 kilometres north of the modern-day coastline, Dong Mae Nang Muang was not an isolated site on the periphery, but participated in and contributed to the vibrant cultural, religious, artistic and economic exchanges that took place within the Dvaravati culture of central Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhist Temples of Thailand
    22mm Dan White Joe Cummings For Review onlyBuddhist ABOUT THE AUTHOR No book has ever before assembled in a single volume Joe Cummings first came to Thailand in 1977 and the history and regional diversity of Thailand’s most two years later began researching Southeast Asian Buddhist Temples of Thailand iconic architectural structure — the Buddhist temple. art history for a master’s degree at the University of Temples of California at Berkeley. He has written more than 30 To fill this lacuna, Southeast Asian art history expert guidebooks on countries in Asia and North America, and writer Joe Cummings researched and shortlisted and authored several books on Buddhist archaeology, 42 of Thailand’s most historically significant wats, out Thai design and related topics. His works include Thailand of the over 40,000 that are registered in the country. Buddhist Stupas in Asia, Lanna Renaissance, Burmese Well-known British photojournalist Dan White then Design and Architecture and Chiang Mai Style. A Visual Journey covered over 12,000 kilometres on motorcycle to Through Thailand’s capture images of these stunning edifices — from the world-famous Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok, ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER 42 Most Historic Wats to the unique pair of Shan-style temples Wat Jong Dan White spent two decades capturing images Klang and Wat Jong Kham in northern Thailand, down and stories in South and Southeast Asia. Initially REVISED AND EXPANDED to Wat Phra Mahathat in the southern province of based in Paris and then London, he later made his Nakhon Si Thammarat. home in Bangkok. He did pioneering work on India, particularly in revealing the complex world of Buddhist Temples of Thailand is the first book to bring together all the archetypal The selections featured in this book represent all the Hindu ascetics, and also in Cambodia, celebrating examples of this diverse architectural form from across the country’s regions.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis-1966R-G123p.Pdf (1.209Mb)
    ARCH. UBRARY Thesis 1966R G123p PROPOSED BANGNA HOUSING PROJECT BANGKOK, THAILAND By CHATCHAI GADAVANIJ Bachelor of Architecture Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand 1960 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillments of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE May, 1966 PROPOSED BANGNA HOUSING PROJECT BANGKOK, THAILAND By CHATCHAI GADAV ANIJ Bachelor of Architecture Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand 1960 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillments of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE May, 1966 PROPOSED BANGNA HOUSING PROJECT BANGKOK, THAILAND Report Approved: Report Advisor Dean of the Graduate School ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The writer wishes to take this opportunity to express his appreciation to the many people who have contributed of their time and energy in the furtherance of this investigation. The writer is especially indebted to his parents, Luang Athavinij Natinart and Mrs. Choosri Gadavanij, who encouraged him to come abroad to further his studies and who supported him financially. Appreciation is also expressed to his advisor, Professor W. G. Chamberlain, whose helpful guidance and counsel have been a constant source for inspiration. Professor F. Cuthbert Salmon, Professor Bruce R. Miller, Professor William L. Fash, Mrs. Nancy Perry, Mr. William B. Seay, Mrs. Peggy Harrison, Mr. Seshagiri Natesan, and my wife, Pongsri Gadavanij have offered valuable suggestions to help bring this study to a successful completion. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page I. INTRODUCTION • • • . • . • • • • . • • . 1 II. CLIMATIC AND SOCIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS •. 2 2-1. History of Bangkok , • . • • 7 2-2.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Bath PHD the Changing Use of Materials in Construction of the Vernacular Thai House Punpairoj, Poomchai
    University of Bath PHD The Changing Use of Materials in Construction of the Vernacular Thai House Punpairoj, Poomchai Award date: 2013 Awarding institution: University of Bath Link to publication Alternative formats If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact: [email protected] General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 11. Oct. 2021 THE CHANGING USE OF MATERIALS IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE VERNACULAR THAI HOUSE POOMCHAI PUNPAIROJ A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Bath Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering April 2013 COPYRIGHT Attention is drawn to the fact that copyright of this thesis rests with the author. A copy of this thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognize that its copyright rests with the author and that they must not copy it or use material from it except as permitted by law or with the consent of the author.
    [Show full text]
  • 15821 Sirisoda 2021 E1.Docx
    International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. www.ijicc.net Volume 15, Issue 8, 2021 The Vernacular Architecture Drawing a Line of Tai-Yuan House, Thailand Thongtep Sirisoda1, Rawinan Loymek2, 1Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand, 2King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: [email protected] The study of vernacular architectural styles will represent the living conditions of people in the past who lived their way of life within the context of their habitat environment. With the passage of time, urban culture expands into rural society and architectural styles are changed. The vernacular architecture of Thailand's central region is distinctive. A wide range of knowledge also obscures the physical characteristics of vernacular architecture. Collecting the actual data in the area uses basic techniques such as working with hands and pencils. But it can produce high-quality results, such as drawing detailed and realistic building lines in all aspects, for example, dimensions, light, shadows, proportions, and are easily understood by the public. As a result, it is the source of this research that the study of Tai-Yuan vernacular architectural is through the process of drawing a line for spatial identity in Sao Hai District, Saraburi Province, Thailand. The qualitative research methodology is used in the study. The results of the research were as follows: The study of vernacular architecture's styles through a drawing line process, it consisted of two pictures that showed the identity architectural style of Tai-Yuan vernacular architecture, Sao Hai District, Saraburi Province, Thailand. Key words: house, vernacular architectural Tai-Yuan, Saraburi 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand: the Symbolic Center of the Theravada Buddhist World
    Melody Rod-Ari Thailand: The Symbolic Center of the Theravada Buddhist World MELODY ROD-ARI University of California at Los Angeles AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Melody Rod-Ari is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Art History at the University of California at Los Angeles specializing in Thai Buddhist art. Rod-Ari’s dissertation examines the art and architecture of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. Introduction Mapping the History, Significance and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is Movements of the Emerald Buddha considered the most sacred temple in Thailand. The The importance of the Emerald Buddha image as a temple’s sanctity is derived from its enshrinement of religious and political palladia is derived, in part, from the Emerald Buddha, the nation’s religious and descriptions of it in chronicles.1 These chronicles political palladium, for which the temple is named. include the Ratanabimbavamsa, Jinakalamali, and Chronicles explain that the Emerald Buddha was Amarakatabuddharupanidana.2 It is important to fashioned from the Chakkavatti’s (Universal World note that these chronicles all have their origins in Ruler) wish granting jewel, so that the image came to modern-day Thailand and Laos. While these chronicles embody potent symbols of Buddhism and kingship and later commentaries would like the reader to believe through its form and medium. Its enshrinement in that the Emerald Buddha has importance throughout Bangkok symbolically marks the Temple of the the Theravada Buddhist world, it is only in Thailand Emerald Buddha as a Buddhist center, and its keeper, and Laos that the icon has had any real religious and the King of Thailand, as the ultimate religious and political impact.
    [Show full text]
  • Recalibrating the New Thai Vernacular Architecture การปรับเปลี่ยนความเข้าใจในสถาปัตยกรรมพื้นถิ่นใหม่
    Recalibrating the New Thai Vernacular Architecture การปรับเปลี่ยนความเข้าใจในสถาปัตยกรรมพื้นถิ่นใหม่ Poomchai Punpairoj ภูมิชาย พันธุ์ไพโรจน์ Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12121, Thailand E-mail: [email protected] คณะสถาปัตยกรรมศาสตร์และการผังเมือง มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ จังหวัดปทุมธานี 12121 Abstract The emergence of the new types of vernacular houses shows the evidence of change leaping from the popular image of the traditional Thai houses. The change is impacted from many factors including contemporary cultural needs. New vernaculars, which are found in the central Thailand, are the transform- ing Thai houses and the reproduction Thai houses. These two occurrences began since the 1960s (for the first type) and the 1990s (for the second type). The vernacular houses were surveyed in Pak Kran village and Bang Pahun area in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province during the 2000s. These new ver- nacular houses have developed from the traditional Thai house among other modern housing developments. However, there is lacking of awareness and understanding of the change. Most of the policies from Thai government, study courses and research topics have focused only on the image in the past. Accordingly, contemporary vernaculars tend to be disregarded. For recalibrating the new vernaculars in this paper, there are three main subjects: 1. the viewpoints on vernacular architectures both from local and international scholars; 2. the definitions and previous studies relating to vernaculars; and 3. the establishment
    [Show full text]