Physical Identity of Kad Kong Ta Community, Lampang Province

Abstract

Kad Kong Ta Community is an old waterfront trading community that once flourished in
the past. Nowadays, the community has transformed into a housing area and still retains the
architectural styles of multi-ethnic influences including the character of being the community that
is in the midst of development and change. If there is no systematic planning and management in
place, the area may be threatened. This causes its identity to be devalued and eventually fade
away. Therefore, this led to the study of the physical identity of the Kad Kong Ta community which
aimed to examine both physical and non-physical culture and characteristics in this particular area
concerning its values and physical identity. Data were collected and analyzed through the previous
studies of the Kad Kong Ta Community, field surveys together with the use of architectural valuation
criteria, and in-depth interviews. The findings suggested that the Lan Na Kingdom’s teak wood trade
and logging were concentrated in the Kad Kong Ta Community, which is located on the eastern
bank of the Wang River. The history, geography, and social, economic, and cultural influences that
shaped this neighborhood were reflected in the linear settlements that resulted from those factors.
The vertical settlement pattern was emphasized by the row of residential structures along Talad
Gao Road and The Wang River. Its local architecture is distinctive in that it shows the fusion of
cultures via the planning and use of structures for habitation and commerce. This has passed down
local history that is connected to the way of life through many eras and the historic commercial
area of Lampang Province. Therefore, it may be claimed that the physical component is made more
prominent by the economic, social, and cultural factors. This is evident through its remarkable
physical attributes, which have ties to and connections with members of the community. Through
its settlement pattern, neighborhood landscape, and distinctive architectural features, the general
public can gain an understanding of this community’s peculiarities. This exemplifies the Kad Kong
Ta community’s physical identity without a doubt. The study’s findings can serve as a template for
future research on community identity in the setting of older neighborhoods or other neighborhoods
with a similar old-market feel. The results of this study will inspire readers to appreciate conservation
and develop incentives for it. The information can be used by other concerned agencies to promote
community growth or conservation planning while preserving the community’s identity.