The community participatory in Vihara design to conserve the Borlekta iron ore pit in the Hua Fai temple, Wiang Ta sub-district, Long district, Phrae province

Abstract

Borlekta iron ore pit area at the Hua Fai temple is a significant source of metal ores for the community in Wiang Ta subdistrict, Long district, Phrae province, with the BorlektaShrine, which serves as a spiritual anchor. These elements represent the local blacksmith community in the northern mountainous valley. Currently, there is an overlap in the perception and resource management within the temple area due to external funding sources that have triggered changes in the physical temple environment, including the vihara construction. This has raised concerns about its impact on the community iron ore pit and space management within the temple. The research has two objectives: (1) to explore the physical conditions of the temple area and survey community opinions on conservation guidelines for the community iron ore pit, and (2) to propose the vihara design guidelines and the conservation of the temple area with the participation of the Hua Fai community. The study employs qualitative research approach to explore the physical space, community opinions, and organize stakeholder subgroup meetings within the community. The study result comprises three key findings: (1) The perception and importance given to the physical condition of the community’s space did not correspond to the actual use, (2) Hua Fai community has participation characteristics based on psychological connections and has a network diagram in the form of centralized decision making, (3) Proposal for the vihara architectural characteristic and conserving the Borlekta community iron ore pit.