Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to study the floating house community in Sa-Kae-Krung River, Uthaithani province in all physical and social aspects, including related projects. This includes :1) to study the settlement patterns, architecture, and landscape ; and 2) to study the way of life and community space usage of the floating house community to find out the communitys role and responsibilities for activities that occur. Research result will be employed to propose conservation and development guidelines for this community in the study area. The study reveals that the floating house community in Sa-Kae-Krung River is unique.The community is composed of traditional floating houses anchored along the Sa-Kae-Krung River.The community landscape is still very natural with bamboo and other trees in the background.While, much of the traditional way of life and culture still exists, the introduction of new roads has caused the community to change. New buildings have begun to turn their fronts to the road. As the result, the characteristics of the community have been altered, and traditional way of life and water related cultures are gradually vanishing.More people have also migrated out of the area.The conservation guidelines are based on the combination of two concepts.First, the community development concept, community development is regarded as an ordered and proper procedure for the planning of community change,Second, the conservation concept is concerned with preservation and protection of an architectural site, including its environmental, social conditions and local culture which are the characteristics of the community. The data are collected from the related authorities and questionnaires. The management guidelines for conservation and development of the floating house community in Sa-Kae-Krung River, Uthaithani province are proposed as follows : 1) Conserving and upgrading the physical appearance of the floating houses and waterfront landscape by keeping original patterns, sizes, and materials in architecture. 2) Revitalizing social and economic activities by regenerating water related activities and promoting tourism.