Classifying essential morphological characteristics in campus town: a case study of Thammasat University (Rangsit campus)

Abstract

Campus town is the center of learning society because it promotes sustainable urban development concepts, particularly as a source of knowledge, jobs, trades and services. Furthermore, the campus town is a shared living space for a diverse group of people. The contexts and elements of the campus town and its surrounding communities contribute to a one-of-a-kind urban environment that results in a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood. This paper is aimed to categorise and identify the urban morphological characteristics of campus town which were used Thammasat University (Rangsit campus) and its surrounding area within a 3-kilometer radius as research areas. The research methodology is based on a survey of physical characteristics as well as an examination of important morphological elements such land use, building use, and transit network utilising spatial analysis tools using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Space Syntax. According to the findings, the morphological characteristics of Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus) town were classified into four distinct districts, (1) the centre of education and research zone, which has the capacity to serve as a hub for knowledge, training, and service provider of public utilities and facilities, (2) the industrial zone, which is a cluster of buildings used for industry with a focus on building usage, (3) the community zone, which is made up of residential villages influenced by expanding from Bangkok to the perimeter sector and (4) the agricultural zone, which is an open field for agriculture, quiet, peaceful and natural. The findings of this study can be used as a guideline for policy-making to promote Thammasat University’s long-term development (Rangsit campus) leading to efficient space management and planning that is consistent with people’s lifestyles and the city.