Thai Architectural Design Concept : Case Studies of Designs for Buddha Shrines by Assoc. Prof. Pinyo Suwankiri, Royal Academician and National Artist

Abstract

The paper describes research findings from a study of the creation of design concepts in Thai architectural design, using Assoc. Prof. Pinyo Suwankiri’s designs for Buddha shrines as case studies. With the assumption that there are design concepts which are central to the architectural design, the research analyzes data gathered from documentary work, interviews with the architect, as well as field survey of nine case studies. It was found that the location of the shrines reflects their importance, while the shrines’ sizes and use correspond to the size of the project. Furthermore, the comparative analysis reveals that there are four major design concepts that Assoc. Prof. Pinyo Suwankiri uses in the Buddha shrine designs: 1) correspondence to the design of the Buddha image; 2) relationship with the setting of the shrine; 3) correlation with visual perception as well as user behavior; and 4) the specific commemorative occasion of the construction of the Buddha shrine. The four major design concepts indicate the importance of four design considerations: 1) the essence of the design project; 2) the correspondence between the setting and the building’s unique characteristics; 3) the importance of visual perception in experiencing architecture; and 4) the specificity of design for special commemorative occasions. This study thus provides an example of how design concepts can be established and used in Thai architectural design. They can also be applied to the instruction, as well as the practice of Thai architectural design, in the future.