title:
Architecture of Dignity: Identity for an Informal Settlement
creator:
Tarida (Jenny) Choeimalai
subject:
Squatter settlements, Thailand, Bangkok; City planning, Thailand, Bangkok; Marketplaces, Thailand, Bangkok, Designs and plans; Bamboo construction
description:
People who live in Bangkok’s informal settlements suffer from poverty, with few opportunities for employment and income. Introducing new revenue streams into the settlements is difficult; outsiders do not visit, due to the lack of sanitation, over-population, and a reputation for danger. The quality of life for residents can be improved by forming a new ‘image’ through architecture. The integration of a vibrant market street would attract local and foreign tourism, providing income for residents and establishing a sense of dignity. Given the typically tight, multipurpose spaces of these communities, the market requires a fexible architectural system that both speaks to dignity and maintains the character of the site, while accommodating a variety of activities over thecourse of the day. As a case study, an architectural system for a market, craft workshop, and performance/ gathering space is deployed in the main street of Klongtoey,Bangkok. The character of this neighborhood is one of colorful material collage. Evolving this concept, the proposed design uses bamboo as a framework, covered with traditional textiles of bright juxtaposed patterns. The system includes canopies attached to existing buildings, mobile market carts that can transform into counters and furniture for restaurants, and a small complex of public buildings to be used for craft making and display, as well as performances and public gatherings. The workshop area brings additional economic benefit to the community, by drawing in tourists to participate in traditional Thai crafts.
publisher:
The Douglas D. Schumann Library and Learning Commons, Wentworth Institute of Technology
contributor:
date:
2021
type:
Thesis
format:
.pdf
identifier:
source:
language:
eng
relation:
coverage:
rights:
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/