The Conceptualization of Space: The Case of Long Long Rak Cave, Pang Mapha, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Abstract

Caves are often used as metaphors for spaces of transformation—spaces that symbolize shifts in perspectives and understanding, moving from old frameworks to new ones. This transition frequently involves moving beyond material attachments toward a deeper comprehension of knowledge and intelligence (Tearle, 2023). In architectural discipline, caves are often portrayed as abstract spaces, mysterious and complex, evoking curiosity and excitement (Bashir, 2013 and Sukkarieh, 2013). However, in this article, the "caves" in question are not metaphorical but physical spaces specifically used to house coffins, as part of the "coffin culture" of tribes that have inhabited Pang Mapha District since prehistoric times. These “Coffin Caves” are well-defined areas with precise locations. Rather than focusing on expanding archaeological knowledge of Coffin Caves, this article delves into the conceptualization and spatial design of caves to reveal new perspectives on the relationship between the cave environment and the placement of wooden coffins. This exploration is particularly enriched when viewed through an architectural and spatial lens, supported by archaeological data. The article discusses the mechanisms and techniques employed to analyze and interpret these relationships, ranging from simple methods to the application of advanced technology. By integrating data sets related to the caves and the wooden coffins' locations, the design team explored ways to adapt the cave spaces into a medium for learning and preserving the “wooden coffin culture” and the heritage of “Coffin Caves.”