Cultural Values and Significance Assessment in the Cultural Landscape Improvement of Khlong Ong Ang, Bangkok

Abstract

This study aims (1) to examine and assess the cultural values and significance of the Khlong Ong Ang cultural landscape after the recent landscape improvement, and (2) to investigate the changing relationship between people’s ways of life and the Khlong Ong Ang area following the intervention. The research is grounded in the concept of cultural landscape as defined by UNESCO and in Lipe (1984) ’s framework of heritage values, which distinguishes symbolic, informative, aesthetic, and economic values. A qualitative case study approach was employed, combining documentary research with field survey and direct observation in Khlong Ong Ang and its surrounding areas, which were redeveloped between 2019 and 2020. The collected data were analysed through content analysis and value interpretation in relation to both the physical landscape and observed patterns of use.

The research findings indicate that the cultural landscape improvement of Khlong Ong Ang led to its reception as a creative public space and tourist destination. This transformation significantly enhanced its Symbolic and Aesthetic Values and boosted its Economic Value through tourism and the popular weekend walking street. Concurrently, the rigorous spatial reorganization resulted in a reduction of the Informative Value associated with the original merchant lifeways and indigenous community landscape. The traditional community activities diminished in prominence, and the relationship of users with the area shifted from being based on livelihood and trade to one focused on recreation and tourism, with visitors replacing the local community as the primary users. While Khlong Ong Ang continues to reflect the evolution of the human-water relationship in line with the cultural landscape concept, the revitalization process highlights a crucial challenge in balancing the preservation of local community identity with the pursuit of urban development, economic growth, and enhanced city image.