Roles of Public Spaces in the Development of Thammasat University Rangsit Campus 2034

Abstract

This article focuses the study of the role and usage of public spaces in Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, which is one of the important issues in the 100-year campus master plan (2034). The master plan requires the Rangsit Campus to serve as a “Sustainable learning society for the people”. There are 5 main strategies for the campus development, one of which is to promote a learning community and public services, which is an important identity of Thammasat Rangsit Campus. This study is a qualitative research, comprised 3 steps: 1) collecting, analyzing the primary physical data of the study area and the users 2) collecting secondary data from relevant literature reviews 3) proposing a conceptual framework for the role of public spaces and guidelines for the development of public space design. The study indicated that the existing conditions of public spaces in the university contributed to the lack of identity and community centers in the campus. This public space problem is caused by the previous campus development that sprawled along the road network, resulting the campus to be auto-oriented. Public spaces are scattered and lack of clear and appropriate activity centers. Spaces for social activities are limited and physically causes discomfort. The framework for solving the problem is by proposing the infill development within the center zone of the master plan in order to create a close distance between the buildings and the activity areas. The promotion of the pedestrian and bicycle systems is also proposed, along with the creation of outdoor activity spaces through continuous, green areas all over the campus in order to connect all groups of people together. The conceptual framework for the development of public areas according to the goals of the master plan can be divided into three sections: development of special public spaces along the campus axes in order to emphasis Thammasat identity; development of quality public spaces at nodes of each building cluster or public service areas and along the main circulation to create the third place with placemaking concept; development of public spaces around academic buildings as an outdoor classroom.