Soi-Lad Based Morphological Elements and Their Influence on Urban Transformation

Abstract

This research aims to study and understand the Soi-Lad morphological elements and their phenomenon as well as influence on urban transformation. The methodologies applied in this research are the analysis of urban elements and patterns of Soi-Lad in the middle zone of the Bangkok, the analysis of Soi-Lad route structures and their systematically morphological elements, and the analysis of urban transformation regarding Soi-Lad typologies found in this research. The research collected data of road networks within the middle-zone of Bangkok in order to analyze Soi-Lad’s morphological elements and typologies. Analytical techniques of spatial model with Space Syntax were adapted to define relationships between those data to understand the Soi-Lad network with shortest distance to access from other roads in the road-network system. The analyses of land use, buildings, open spaces, density, and accessibility were conducted and the influences on urban transformation were identified of Soi-Lad morphology.

The research found that, in the middle zone of the Bangkok, Soi-Lad route networks can be categorized into 5 typologies which are structures of line, branch, radial, grid, and mixed pattern, defined by spatial patterns comprising of connections at the end of the lines and intersections between the lines. According to these typologies, 4 case study areas were selected: Soi Sukhumvit 76, Soi Sukhumvit 64, Soi Sukhumvit 101, and Soi Sukhumvit 107.

It should be noted that Soi-Lads with the mixed network-patterns, the combined route-networks with a simple connection at the ends of the lines, have most impacts on urban transformation. The influence of Soi-Lad on urban transformation could be found on the main Soi-Lad network and the area comprising of the center of intersections or points that connect to other Soi-Lad networks. This research has clarified of Soi Lads’ elements and their influence, which is the basis to deliver appropriate urban design and development in the future Bangkok.