Participatory design of landscape at ‘transit areas’ in tourism community: A case of Mahasawat Canal’s Community, Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The aim of this research is the landscape design at the transit area in a participatory tourism community in Mahasawat Canal Community in Nakhon Pathom Province. The Mahasawat Canal Community, a central region community based on agriculture, has formed a group of farmers to transform the community into an agricultural tourism destination. The community offers boat tours under the name "Boat Tour... Viewing the Gardens Along the Mahasawat Canal." This has now become a well-known agricultural tourism destination. The starting point of the boat tour and sightseeing route is at Suwannaram Temple, a public area popular with both Thai and international tourists, as well as local residents, due to its location where land, water, and rail routes converge, also known as a "transit area." This article therefore has the following objectives: 1) to study the physical characteristics and activity characteristics of transit areas within the Maha Sawat Canal community; 2) to analyze the potential, physical problems, and relationships between the physical characteristics and activity characteristics of transit areas within the Maha Sawat Canal community; and 3) to propose guidelines for landscape design within transit areas under a participatory process within the Maha Sawat Canal community. The research methodology uses secondary data, field surveys, non-participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and presentation of design concepts and spatial plans through participatory processes, using focus groups and public hearings with community members and relevant stakeholders. The research was conducted between January and December 2019.The research results revealed that this community's temple serves as the central transit area. Therefore, the design concept emphasizes the uniqueness of the community's important temple buildings, creating a striking and elegant landmark. The open space and waterfront areas were redesigned to align with the temple's key building layout, effectively supporting tourism, traditional and cultural activities, and the waterfront lifestyle of local residents. The area is divided into eight public areas, including: a canalside area, a museum area, a temple area, a parking area, a school area, a train station area, a temporary parking area, and a canalside rest area. The details are: 1) The riverside plaza is designated to accommodate a variety of activities and connects directly to the tourist center, promoting it as a "Port-to-Path Gateway" for land and water transportation. 2) The museum plaza is designated as a key community activity area, supporting learning, meeting, and tourism. It serves as a "Canal Connect Commons Node" and a transition point between walking and canalside activities. 3) The temple plaza serves as a symbolic center. The design emphasizes a north-south axis connecting the pier and the temple entrance, opening up new perspectives and restoring the original historical axis. This plaza plays a role in "connecting the north-south circulation spine." 4) The main parking lot serves as a "transit-support space" for those traveling by private vehicle. The parking area is organized and landscaped, creating a welcoming atmosphere before entering the area. 5) The school plaza is a multi-purpose space connecting the school and the temple, serving as a "shared space" with the surrounding community. Enhance the positive image of the entrance area. 6) The train station yard is designated as a "Primary Access Node" for passengers arriving from outside the area by train, playing a key role in the area's "Mass Transit System." 7) The temporary parking lot is designed to accommodate use during important traditional events, which see higher than normal vehicle traffic. This area is designated as "Flexible Festive Parking." 8) The riverside relaxation area, located at the foot of the bridge, is limited in space. Therefore, the design provides a waiting area and a scenic viewpoint of the temple. It also includes a safe and convenient pier for boats to board and disembark. This area serves as a "Landscape Transition Space," connecting the community and the temple. The research concludes that preserving the community’s identity requires the preparation of design manuals, measures, regulations, local ordinances or regulations to create a unique identity for the community, and prioritize the improvement of landscape environment to make it safe and convenient for local and visitors under control measures and incentive measures of physical landscape development of the community.