Transformation of the Canal-Side Settlements in Greater Bangkok

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of canal-side settlements [1] in greater Bangkok, which focused on canalside settlements transformed by modernization over a period of time. Three different sets of data, from every twenty years in the years 1952, 1974 and 1998 compiled through the aerial photographic interpretation technique were examined, and a survey research and field survey were undertaken, which were based on the investigation of different houses and different locations of settlements that have affected the inhabitant’s altitude towards environmental concerns. The paper examined two levels in the study for the purpose of (1) the analysis of settlement structure (fabric pattern of settlement) (2) the analysis of change in building types from old types to new types. The findings found that changes in building construction types, which occurred as dwelling, were built in modern style and materials. First, the settlement structure has varied by sites which are related to factors such as space, canals, roads, land sub-divisions, and site patterns in different locations in greater Bangkok. Second, changes in building construction type occurred and dwellings were built in modern styles and materials. Moreover, those changes of building types are correlated with the change in settlement structures in the same way. The transformation process of house forms indicated the change from a traditional to a modern type, which took over forty years in Bangkhu Wiang (urban-fringe), Klong 9-10 and Sai Gong Din (suburb area). Meanwhile the process took twenty years in Mahasawat (urban) since it was the nearest to the CBD.