A Guideline for Transit Oriented Development: A Case Study of the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)

Abstract

This research presents a guideline for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) for the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong). This paper collects data from various related documents, research and in-depth interviews from stakeholders of the Bangkok Railway Station. This paper selects nine cases of railway station area development from six countries. Several key results emerge. First, the results show that the area zoning of the selected cases was zoned into five areas; 1) public space, 16.49 % on average 2) working space, 29.96 % on average, 3) retail area, 18.91 % on average, 4) residential area 33.81% on average and 5) green space, 17.50 % on average. Next, based on the in-depth interviews of 27 stakeholder representatives, 15 participants from public communication activities, and 54participants from two public forums, the functionalities of the zoned area could be framed into these eight categories; Community Mall, Creative Space, Mixed-use, Museum, Multimodal Transportation, Creative District, Park/ Creative Park, and Hotel/ Resident. Third, the area development should be connected with the adjacent areas concerning the eight dimensions of the TOD framework. Dimension 1: Walking - a corridor that connects inside and outside the station areas should be built. Dimension 2: Cycling - bicycle parking areas and cycle paths should be provided. Dimension 3: Connection - joints among the nearby areas to be a hub for tourists and promote historical tourism at the same time should be created. Dimension 4: Transit - a “Spider-Webs” transit for easier accessibility should be designed. Dimension 5: Mix - learning areas for all ages and create mixed-use areas as a sustainable community should be provided. Dimension 6: Densify - community pride among the locals and Bangkokians and develops creative area to promote the cultural business should be built. Dimension 7, Compact - the green space in Bangkok should be encouraged. Dimension 8, Shift - area image to enhance a better perception towards the station, creates job security and contributes vocational training centres, including affordable housing should be modified. Last, the study emphasises that the five essential values in the area are 1) historical value, 2) architectural value, 3) public transport value, 4) public space value, and 5) sentimental value.