Abstract:
The objectives of this research are 1) to study on the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of Phrae city from the past to present, 2) to study the factors that affect the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of city and 3) to suggest policies in order to maintain the elements of Phrae city among the transformation of time. The methodology to the transformation of urban structure and physical elements of Phrae city are; to analyze its topography and settlement, building pattern, urban figure and ground pattern, landuse and transportation network. The research finds that before the establishment of the Kingdom of Lanna (around 13rd B.E.), Phare city was established in the basin on the east of Yom River. The water resources that serve the whole city are Mae Kham, Mae Sai and Mae Kon streams. The structure and physical elements of this city show the settlement pattern during Dvaravati period such as its ditch and dike. After the establishment of the Kingdom of Lanna, Phare city was influenced by cultural and physical elements of the Lanna pattern. They consist of Pra-Tat on the hill and Pra-Tat in the center city (which are both relics of the Buddha), Sa-Due Muang (City Pillar Shrine), Khuong Muang (public space) and Khoom Chao Luang (lord of the citys residence) Which can be found at present. The first settlement was a cluster pattern located on the west of the dike. During the period of Rama I to V of Rattanakosin, The forestry industry and infrastructure development such as roads and railways were started, etc. Therefore, more people migrated to work and settle down in Phrae. During the period of Rama VI to IX, Phrae had been transformed to be municipality and it had been influenced by the National Economic and Social Development Plan. Consequently, the city infrastructures were improved. Furthermore, there are more build-up areas which are high density at commercial center (Chareon Muang road and Yontrakitkoson road). The transportation pattern inside the city wall is a grid pattern. The transportation outside of the city wall is East-West radius pattern and also North-South ring pattern. The land use is mostly dispersed residential area that cause the overall city extended horizontally. The inner part of Phare city wall became degraded because of emigration, abandoned and degraded housing problems. According to the recommendation of development policy, they are: to promote historical tourism together with the conservation of valuable buildings of the city so as to bring back economic benefits. Moreover, the improvement of infrastructure and the density control in the east and the south in order to solve flooding problem in Phare city.