Participatory Visual Quality Evaluation of Significant Elements of Chiang Mai Old City.

Abstract

This research was aimed at: 1) analyzing and evaluating the values of Chiang Mai old city’s landscape elements in terms of the historical and urban landscape importance, 2) prioritising the old city’s elements and the degree of visual qualities by the researcher and the community people through a participatory approach, and 3) proposing a guideline for the designation of the major viewing corridor conservation zones for Chiangmai urban landscape management planning. The research was conducted by means of a qualitative research method using the visual perception concept to determine the protected vistas of Chiangmai old city and using the concept of visual quality assessment as the research framework. The research procedures involved theoretical studies, survey and observation in order to determine the major views of the city. The 52 views were evaluated for their values, and preliminary and participatory interviewing was performed with 71 community people sampled by the purposive method to cover all urban areas. The interviewed people were given a chance to exchange ideas and express their needs including the values of the major viewing corridor conservation zones, which will lead to participation that is an important component of sustainable development. The statistical processed data shows that Doi Suthep is an urban element with the greatest landscape, aesthetic, and historical values for the people in the communities. When combined with the temples, important buildings, archaeological sites and tree groups; the view becomes even more important. The quality of major views is not at a critical level, but the problem with the greatest impact involves the high-rise buildings, which continuously increase and should be urgently controlled. Major viewing conservation areas are designated in 3 zones according to the nature of the views as follows: 1) viewing-corridor conservation zone, 2) short-distance view conservation zone, and 3) distant-view conservation zone. All of the major viewing corridor conservation zones can be divided into 4 categories according to the specific characteristics of each area, which are: 1) continuous view of Doi Suthep, 2) major city elements view, 3) view from the area along the Ping River, and 4) panorama views.