Futurology of Thai Buddhist Architecture

Abstract

“Futurology of Thai Buddhist Architecture” shows the findings from the history of architecture research methodology and the futurology methods to get a perspective of Thai Buddhist architecture’s “plausible future” in scenarios.

Knowledge of the History of Architecture refers to understanding architectural creativities and designs. They include beliefs and ideologies behind the architectural forms, cultural influences and environments, cultural landscapes, indigenous knowledge craftsmanship, contemporary architectural work from several architects, innovation of new materials, and architectonic technologies. This analysis integrates methodologies, the history of architecture research methodology, and futurology. Futurology is the theory or the study of future phenomena whose purpose is to present a variety of future scenarios.

The results showed plausible scenarios for continuing inherited traditional Thai architectural design, the traditional thoughts and beliefs in Buddhist cosmology, and the existence of Trai Bhumi beliefs in the future. Moreover, creating a calm state in the temple for the comfort of visitors is still crucial. Even on the other aspect of the future, there is still a new perspective of scenarios in the design of contemporary architecture in many forms. Those without a fixed pattern to meet tourism trends also have various design concepts under contemporary architectural guidelines based on the intentions of the designers and those involved in temple management.

Concerning the art and architectural values, the knowledge of preservation, conservation, and safeguarding of these Thai Buddhist architectures, as well as a good understanding of the architectural designs in futurological scenarios, as mentioned, should be delivered to artisans, monks, students, architects, and those involved in temple management. Supporting the Thai architecture academic program is also needed.