Translation of Lanna Architecture in Modern Terms

Abstract

Northern Thailand1 has been known for the last few centuries as the realm of Lanna, which translates to “ a million rice fields”. It was quite an independent political entity until recently. The physical isolation of its valleys hemmed in by forested ranges, kept it apart: a collection of small, self-governing principalities that developed their own culture, art and architecture. Lanna’s political independence ended in the late nineteenth century when it was incorporated into Siam, but its cultural personality to this day remains distinct. Chiang Mai2 is one of the most important provinces in the northern region. It is the center of Lanna civilization and rich culture that has always been represented through the form of architecture, clothing and life style. Unfortunately, the misuse of Lanna architecture emerged and resulted in a controversial debated that started a conflict for the use of Lanna style architecture. The question of what is appropriate or inappropriate for commercial use has been raised and become a serious current issues among many groups of people and societies in Chiang Mai. The purpose of this research is to investigate the possibility of the adaptation of tradition Lanna architecture into the form of modern architecture. By the means of investigation, the researcher conducted a research both in the history of Lanna architecture, its root and its hidden meanings. Besides the history part, this study also focuses on the current issues of the inappropriate use and design of Lanna architecture in commercial practice. In the end, according to the analysis of Lanna history and case studies, this research provide an example of the hotel design, which reflects the appropriate way to translate traditional Lanna architecture into the contemporary architecture. By doing this project, the researcher wishes that this research will more or less set a good example of the appropriate design of Lanna architecture in the modern day. 1 (Freeman, 2001, p.7) 2 Chiang Mai (in Thai: เชียงใหม่), also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It is located at approximately 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. (From wikipedia.com)