Journal of Landscape Architecture and Planning

A Literature Review of Northern Thai Local Vegetable Studies by Thai Scholars (1985–2025) Toward Developing Community Landscape Architecture Design Approaches Based on Local Wisdom

2025-09-19T09:56:04+07:00

Northern Thai native vegetables are vital biological resources with multidimensional significance in food, health, culture, and landscape. They embody local wisdom transmitted across generations through consumption, culinary practices, and medicinal uses. Academic studies from 1985 to 2025 have explored these vegetables in diverse aspects, ranging from ethnobotanical surveys and nutritional studies to their role in creative economy and gastronomy tourism. However, research that integrates native vegetables into landscape architectural perspectives remains limited. This review article thus aims to (1) examine the body of literature on Northern Thai native vegetables conducted by Thai scholars over the past four decades (1985–2025), and (2) synthesize design approaches for community landscape architecture grounded in local wisdom. The study employed a literature review methodology, collecting selected scholarly works from recognized databases, including the Thai Digital Collection (TDC), Thai Journals Online (ThaiJO), the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) portal, as well as peer-reviewed journals. The reviewed works were categorized into four key dimensions: (1) health and nutrition, (2) local wisdom and cultural heritage, (3) creative economy and gastronomy tourism, and (4) biodiversity and plant conservation.

The findings reveal a continuous progression from fundamental ethnobotanical documentation to applied studies in health promotion and creative economy, while also highlighting the opportunity to integrate native vegetables into community landscape design. Practical approaches include Community Health Gardens, Miang & Spice Gardens, and Cultural Food Courts, which can connect dietary, medicinal, and cultural values to public space design. This article concludes that integrating Northern Thai native vegetables into community landscape architecture based on local wisdom provides not only a strategy for plant genetic conservation and cultural identity preservation but also a pathway to promote community health, cultural resilience, and sustainable creative economy development.

Guidelines for Integrating Local Wisdom into Landscape Architectural Design for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Muang Khong Community, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province

2025-07-01T13:09:25+07:00

This study focuses on integrating local wisdom into the landscape architectural design process to promote sustainable development in Muang Khong, a rural ethnic community located in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. The community is characterized by its unique way of life, cultural traditions, and deep interdependence with the natural environment and ecosystems. In particular, Muang Khong demonstrates indigenous wisdom in water management through the Muang Fai irrigation system, seasonal-based agricultural practices, and forest resource utilization deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs. The objectives of this research are: (1) to explore the local wisdom relevant to landscape architecture in Muang Khong Community, and (2) to develop an integrated framework for incorporating such wisdom into the landscape architectural design process, with attention to cultural, social, and environmental dimensions. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology, collecting data between September and December 2024 through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field surveys. A total of 36 participants were selected using purposive and quota sampling, including 6 community leaders and 30 local residents. Research instruments included semi-structured interview guides and spatial data survey forms. The findings reveal that local wisdom in Muang Khong is manifested through kinship-based settlement patterns, where family houses are arranged around a central courtyard (khuang) that functions as a communal space for both daily life and annual rituals such as the Suep Chata ceremony and forest spirit worship. Residential architecture is adapted to the hilly topography by elevating structures to mitigate heavy rain and water runoff during the monsoon season. Construction materials are primarily derived from natural and local sources, such as bamboo and softwood, with designs that allow easy disassembly and repair. Natural resource management is carried out systematically through the traditional Muang Fai irrigation network, where equitable water allocation is managed via a community-led system known as Kae Fai, aligned with seasonal agricultural cycles. Additionally, the conservation of community forests—valued as sources of food, herbal medicine, and spiritual sanctity—is reinforced by rituals that honor forest and mountain spirits, reflecting a holistic integration of ecology, culture, and spirituality. This local wisdom forms the foundation for a sustainable approach to landscape architectural design, which can be categorized into three key dimensions: (1) cultural identity and heritage, (2) environmental sustainability and efficient resource use, and (3) social inclusion and community participation. The proposed framework contributes to the conservation and revitalization of local wisdom, mitigates environmental impacts, supports sustainable resource governance, and preserves local identity in alignment with development practices appropriate to eco-cultural ethnic communities such as Muang Khong.

A Study of the Opinions of the People on the Design of the Overpasses and Road Crossing Tunnel: Case Study of Longhad Bang Saen Road, Saen Suk Subdistrict, Chonburi Province

2024-12-27T19:34:57+07:00

This study aimed to survey the opinions of pedestrians on the appropriateness of the location of the overpass and underpass designs based on universal design principles at Longhad Bang Saen Road, Saensuk Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. Three suitable locations for the construction of overpasses and road crossing tunnel were selected: the intersection of Longhad Bang Saen Road and Mitsampan Road (Rang Rae Intersection), the intersection of Bang Saen Beach Road and Bang Saen Road 2 (Charin Intersection), and the Bang Saen circle where Longhad Bang Saen Road intersects Bang Saen Road 1 (Bang Saen circle). The overpass and underpass designs were designed based on universal design principles. To provide video clips showing details of the overpass and road crossing tunnel designs, which were broadcasted on YouTube and survey attitude of pedestrians via Google Forms. The results of the study found that overpasses were more suitable than road crossing tunnel at Rang Rae and Charin Intersections, while underpasses were more suitable than overpasses at Bang Saen circle. The study also found that: The suitability of the overpass at Rang Rae Intersection has the highest average score as convenience of use (3.56), and the suitability of the tunnel at Rang Rae Intersection has the highest average score as not obstructing footpath (3.29). The suitability of the overpass at Charin Intersection has the highest average score as facility that accord universal design (elevator, escalator for the disabled, elderly) (3.45). As for the suitability of the tunnel at Charin Intersection, the highest average score as not obstructing footpath (3.35), while the suitability of the tunnel at Bang Saen circle has the highest average score as convenience of use (3.31). Suggestions for safety: CCTV cameras should be installed to monitor for 24 hours, and emergency assistance devices should be provided. The tunnel should be open only during daytime, from 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. on weekdays, but may be open 24 hours a day during long weekend.

A Future Approach of Muang Fai Irrigation Systems in Urban Area of Chiang Mai Province: A Systematic Review

2025-09-05T08:43:55+07:00

The Muang Fai irrigation system is a form of indigenous water management wisdom in Northern Thailand that has existed for centuries, deeply intertwined with the region’s culture, way of life, and community-based ecosystems. This article aims to explore future directions for the Muang Fai system through three key objectives: (1) to review the body of knowledge related to various aspects of the Muang Fai system, (2) to examine the transformation of the system within urban Chiang Mai, and (3) to propose approaches, models, and research methodologies that align with its future development. A systematic review of literature on the Muang Fai system was conducted across multiple dimensions. The study identifies five primary themes in existing research on Muang Fai: (1) geography, (2) history, society, and culture (3) economics and livelihoods, (4), legal frameworks, and (5) ecology and the environment. The Muang Fai system demonstrates several strengths, particularly its low-cost, highly efficient water management at the local community level and its role in reinforcing community resilience. However, significant transformations within urban Chiang Mai have arisen due to changes in social contexts, urban expansion, lifestyle shifts, and government policies—factors that critically affect the sustainability of the Muang Fai system. This article highlights existing knowledge gaps that warrant further study and proposes development strategies that align with contemporary social contexts. These include the integration of technology, geoinformatics systems, and community-based knowledge enhancement, ensuring that the Muang Fai system can evolve in harmony with modern and future societal dynamics.

Characteristics of Pocket Park and Neighborhood Park Usage: A Case Study of Bangkok

2025-10-08T15:20:29+07:00

Public parks are important components of urban settings, providing public access to essential spaces for physical activity, recreation, and social interaction. These spaces are essential for promoting a state of holistic well-being, which includes physical, mental, and social health. However, the buildup of large-scale public parks has become increasingly challenging due to the rapid urbanization and population density of Bangkok. Therefore, creating smaller parks is a more practical way to increase the amount of green space in the city. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, pocket parks and neighborhood parks are two of Bangkok's smallest public park classifications. The purpose of this study is to collect and compare the activities and usage patterns of three pocket parks and three neighborhood parks, with the aim of providing considerations for the design and development of small public park spaces to promote community health and physical activity. The methodology involved surveying and observing park usage via the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). The study found that most users of pocket parks and neighborhood parks are mostly used in the evening. Neighborhood parks are mostly used for walking, while pocket parks are mostly used for sitting and resting. Regarding physical activity levels, both park levels showed the following distribution from high to low: light physical activity, sedentary activity, and moderate to vigorous activity. Additionally, security issues are a significant factor influencing the number of users during the evening hours. The results of this study provide useful information for consideration in developing guidelines for designing small public parks that promote appropriate well-being and satisfy users' requirements.