Revitalizing historic shophouses community to new extension of Charoen Chai community museum, Yaowarat Chinatown Bangkok

Abstract

The growth of large cities has led to the development of public transportation systems, inevitably leading to overlaps between new infrastructure and the existing urban fabric. Especially, the extension of blue line subway into Yaowarat, which required partial expropriation of historical shophouses in the Charoen Chai community, a longstanding Chinese-Thai neighborhood, which caused instability for residents. In response, the community collaborated to establish the “Baan Kao Lao Rueang Museum” to preserve and promote local culture and history. Although the community has weathered the crisis, uncertainty remains. The museum’s limited exhibition space and the deterioration of nearby shophouses present further challenges. This research aims to revitalize the Charoen Chai community by redesigning its environment and proposing architectural plans for a new community museum on a connected vacant lot. The design criteria include: (1) creating new architecture in a historical context, (2) determining appropriate architectural forms, and (3) designing experiential exhibition spaces in a limited area. The concept links the present to the past, telling the story of the community’s memories and identity, such as paper-folding for ancestral worship and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The design of the community museum reflects the connection between the present and the past by showcasing stories of memories and community identity, such as the practice of paper folding for ancestor worship and the Moon Festival. It preserves the distinct characteristics of both old and new buildings, carefully selecting materials, forms, and colors that contrast with the historical context, along with the design of exhibitions. This provides a framework for developing the new community museum and conserving the shophouses in Charoen Chai, reflecting the rich history of the Chinese Thai community while adapting to modern changes and future challenges.