The Situation of Location and City Elements of Old City in Chiang mai - Lamphun Basin.

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the situation of the location, accessibility and composition of twenty-five Old City areas.  The research methods used were surveys and analysis of documentary stories, survey and observation of the area.  In developing a location database and old city composition, computing and analyzing data together on the geospatial system with surface analysis model and overlaying the city location factor, accessibility, and old city elements such as the city walls, ridge/earthen dyke, moats, religious sites, important places and elements of the city were done. The results of the study showed that the Old City had development in important periods such as the Hariphunchai period (13^th -19^th Buddhist century), Lanna period (19^th -23^rd Buddhist century), and Lanna revival period (23^rd Buddhist century onwards).  The research found that the situations in the Old City were three types of urban clusters as follows: 1) Old City group in good situation is where the city elements are properly preserved.  It is a historical city with life in the context of city and community such as Hariphunchai, Chiang Mai city, Wiang Kum Kam and Wiang Tha Kan.  2) Old City group in moderate situation is where urban composition is at risk from urban land use changes for residential and agricultural purposes.  Old city/town elements remain embedded in urban and suburban contexts such as Wiang Suan Dok, Wiang Chet Lin, Wiang Bua, Wiang Tho and Wiang Mano, etc.  3) Old City group in situation that needs to be considered is where there are few city elements. It is in the context of suburban areas, valleys and plains edges of the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Basin are linked to natural areas. The cultural heritage of the settlement of the Inthakhin kiln is shown as source of ancient wares production and historical stories such as the cities of Gan, Guet, On, and Klang, etc.  In addition, it was found that the urban elements of perennial plants important in Buddhism (the Bodhi tree) connected to Lanna culture can be found in every area of ​​the city. It is preserved through local traditions and beliefs.  To be a part of planning, conservation, development, and suitable management of the cultural heritage of historical cities, the three characteristics of the Old City/Town are important factors to consider in terms of location context, change from urbanization perception and interpretation of the Old City.