JEDI : Journal of Environmental Design Innovation

Architecture from the Participatory Design Process: a case of Bangkok Yai urban community park, Bangkok

Sarawanee Channarong, Srisak Phattanawasin — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research proposes a design approach for architecture and landscape planning by transforming an underutilized large concrete slab above a subway tunnel into a public park and community center for the Bangkok Yai district. The study addresses the issue of inefficient land use resulting from the construction of both elevated and underground railway routes under the Blue Line of the Bangkok Mass Transit System. The area in question is located at the transition point between the elevated track and the underground tunnel, between Tha Phra and Isaraphap stations, managed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). Due to the MRT construction, land in the Bangkok Yai community was expropriated, resulting in a large concrete plaza that severed the original traffic routes of the community. This resulted in a lack of interaction among surrounding neighborhoods and a clear spatial division. Through a participatory design process under the Co-creation framework, the research identifies the community's needs for land use, zoning, and public park features, as well as exploring the community's identity. The findings highlight key design principles, (1) participatory design, (2) design for the elderly, and (3) design using lightweight structures. These principles led to the design of the public urban park with the central concept of "Missing-link Park" which aims to reconnect the original pathways of the community, enhance activity spaces, and foster interaction among the residents of the Bangkok Yai district.

Pictographic or metaphoric: introspection of urban landmark buildings in the Northeastern Thailand within the context of multi-elucidation symbolic

Warunee Wang, Huiying Wang — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The representation of pictographic and metaphorical symbols is a prevalent strategy in the design of landmark buildings, which serve as vital components of the urban image space. In recent years, the use of Pictographic symbols to articulate distinct local cultural identities has gained prominence, particularly in landmark buildings in the Northeast Thailand (Isan). This trend has prompted ongoing discourse on the role of symbols in architectural design, specifically, how they can effectively convey the unique cultural essence of the Isan region while ensuring functionality, aesthetic integrity, and practical applicability. This study examines selected landmark buildings in the Northeast Thailand as case studies, comparing their symbolic design approaches with those found in landmark buildings in China. The analysis is structured around four key dimensions: functionality, aesthetics, expandability, and the interpretative discourse of architectural symbols. Findings reveal that each symbolic approach, whether pictographic or metaphoric, entails distinct strengths and limitations. The interpretation and implementation of these symbolic forms are significantly shaped by prevailing discourses on architectural symbols, particularly as they relate to expressing local cultural identity. The study concludes that designers should prioritize adaptability to future changes, including provisions for structural expansion and enduring aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the successful landmark buildings should harmonize with urban and natural environments while employing a symbolic framework to present local cultural features that resonate with public aesthetic values. Such considerations are essential for enhancing the cultural, symbolic, and visual significance of landmark buildings in a city.

The design approaches for architectural masonry material utilizing mycelium

Poom Subpaiboonkit, Karn Khamkaew — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The study on mycelium-based construction materials focuses on creating sustainable and eco-friendly designs by leveraging mycelium’s unique properties such as light weight, flexibility, and natural growth. However, its low compressive strength is a limitation. To address this, two main designs are proposed: (1) mortise and tenon joints, and (2) square blocks with grooves and tongues for vertical and horizontal assembly without cement. Smaller mycelium blocks are lightweight, less dense, and can withstand greater bending stress, making them suitable for flexible structural designs that can incorporate materials like bamboo. These blocks also allow for more creative design freedom, such as curved walls. Larger blocks, while heavier and better at bearing compressive forces, are less torsion-resistant, making them more appropriate for sturdy construction with aesthetic surface decorations. Additionally, mold design plays a crucial role in the material’s physical properties; simpler molds help improve bending resistance while choosing cost-effective alternatives like replacing clear acrylic can reduce manufacturing costs. Moreover, the study offers promising insights for developing sustainable construction materials from mycelium for future applications.

An analysis of children's play areas in Chiang Mai Municipality: a dimension of child-friendly parks and integrating play with natural elements

Pilaiporn Nunma — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research explores the physical design of public play areas for children and the challenges and opportunities for creating child-friendly spaces that support learning for children aged 3–12 years. It also examines the integration of play activities with natural elements. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed alongside criteria from a literature review on sharing space. The study found that within Chiang Mai Municipality, 8 of 16 public parks and sports grounds have designated play zones. These parks feature large shade trees and diverse natural elements, such as ponds, mounds, sandpits, shrubs, and flowering plants. Most play equipment is made from brightly colored plastic and metal, ensuring safety and easy maintenance. However, expanding the variety of equipment is recommended to better support learning and holistic development. Nong Buak Haad and Ban Den parks were identified as the most well-equipped, offering quality environments conducive to children’s play while effectively integrating natural elements.

Landscape ecology, dynamics and ecosystem services of riparian forest corridor: the case study of Yasothorn, Thailand

kiatkamon Nilapornkun — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Riparian forest (RF) distributes along riverbanks, considered part of the river-floodplain system, provides longitudinal, lateral and vertical connectivity, as well as numerous ecological functions and ecosystem services (ES). In Yasothorn, many communities sustain their livelihoods through agriculture, freshwater fishing, and benefits derived from ES. This study aims to identify the structure and dynamics of RF, ES benefits to agrarian communities, and monitor changes using two main methods: (1) classifying landscape structures, detecting FPD extents, and riparian coverage through remote sensing, and (2) conducting field observation. The results indicate that RF predominantly located within an extensive floodplain ranging from 3.00-8.00 kilometers. The expansion and contraction of RF coverage are directly correlated with the occurrence of FPD. Ecosystem services from RF are essential for food security, the continuation of livelihoods, and household economy. The Loss of RF is primarily caused by land cover change for farmlands, reservoirs, and urban development, as well as FPD alteration due to dams and roads. These changes have significantly impacted the availability of natural foods sources and benefits derived from natural capital.