Guidelines to Renovation Commercial Buildings for Urban Conservation: A Case Study of Nonthaburi pier districts, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

The Commercial buildings, or row houses, have existed in Thailand alongside Thai urban communities for a long time. The architectural styles and construction have continuously developed and evolved over time, and they continue to be built widely today.

Despite their ongoing use, these commercial buildings or row houses have deteriorated with age. This research aims to: 1) Study the physical architectural characteristics of commercial buildings in the Nonthaburi pier districts; 2) Analyze the architectural components of commercial buildings in the Nonthaburi pier districts; and 3) Propose improvement model for commercial buildings in Nonthaburi pier districts with a focus on community conservation. This research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research and qualitative research through surveys and observations with questionnaires. The results were as follows: (1) The condition of commercial buildings in the Nonthaburi pier districts consists of structures built with reinforced concrete. These buildings are located along Pracharat Road, starting from the Nonthaburi Municipal Fresh Market to the Nonthaburi Pier. The commercial buildings or row houses are owned by the municipality, constructed in 1965, totaling 11 blocks with 123 units. (2) The architectural components of commercial buildings in the Nonthaburi pier districts use concrete wall fins to separate each unit. (3) Guidelines to Commercial Building’s Renovation for an Urban Conservation were formulated by incorporating architectural elements that reflect the community's identity, which can be seen in Nonthaburi City Hall (old building). The guidelines can be applied for the commercial building’s renovation for Nonthaburi Pier community conservation.