The The Conservation and Development Guidelines for Chiang Saen Ancient City, Chiangrai Province

Abstract

Chiang Saen ancient city is historic city, which is important because there is based foundation of large kingdom in the north such as the Lanna Kingdom, and fortress town that has unique physicality form located on the bend of the Mekong River, where the Golden Triangle meets the borders of three countries, that make urban structure consistent with its topography, and the way of life that shows the relationship between the community and ancient sites in terms of cultural religion. But, the previous master plan for preserving and developing the old city didn’t success because of emphasizing on external physical preservation and designing to clear separation between communities and ancient sites, resulting in both cultural heritage values ​​in the ancient city of Chiang Saen and the relationship between the community and the ancient sites is decreasing.

The objective of this research is to study the historical and the current part of the Chiang Saen ancient city to present the guidelines of Chiang Saen ancient city as following Historic Urban Landscape. The study had included (1) principles and concepts of historical urban landscapes, (2) physical forms of the ancient city of Chiang Saen, and (3) community-based concepts, the way of life in community, and community activities. The research method focused on paper source, surveying sites, and interviewing with representatives both of the 6 communities and the committee of fine arts office 7 Chiang Mai.

The results show that Chiang Saen ancient city has the quality to apply Historic Urban Landscape because there is prominent physicality, which includes location, architecture, ancient sites, and landscape. And, the notable way of life that present religious relationship but there is problem form aptness of residents which most are elder and children, which are less interested and interact to city. Therefore, it is necessary creation guideline of conservation and development town with motivation to enter cultural and conservative activity, and supporting existing activities of community notably. It can propose guidelines consisting of 2 aspects: 1) physical aspect 2) education aspect. which all of aspect in guidelines must involve the community in expressing opinions to generate income and collaborate with relevant agencies for further sustainable conservation and development projects in the area.