Urban Morphological Transformation of Riverfront Communities in the Nakhon Chaisri Basin, Thailand
Pornchai Jittiwasurat
Rajamongala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Thailand
Tapanee Rattanathavorn
Rajamongala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Thailand
Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to analyze the urban morphological transformation of riverfront communities in agricultural areas in the Nakhon Chaisri river basin based on a spatial configuration model following the Theory of Urban Morphology and to compare their transformations from the past to present. The theory of urban morphology was used to create a pattern of transportation networks and open spaces on geographical maps; moreover, a field survey, interviews and a review of related literature were included. According to the analysis, the basin has undergone three noticeable phases of development as follows: 1) plantation-rice field-orchard areas encompassing the riverfront communities (1858–1957), 2) urban communities taking over plantation-rice field-orchard areas (1958–1992) and 3) urban sprawl (1993–present). Construction of roads and more buildings is the main reason for a change in the ecology and the spatial configuration of this area. Furthermore, three riverfront community markets – Bang Len in Bang Len District, Tha Na in Nakhon Chaisri District and Sam Phran market in Sam Phran District – have been transformed into urban communities. Tha Na market is the most urbanized due to its easy access to the land transportation network, followed by Sam Pran market and Bang Len market, respectively.

DOI
section: Articles
section: Articles

SEARCH