Abstract:
This research aims to gather information on a variety of pagoda, church, and monastic Thai Buddhist architectural styles. The works of eight architects, seven national artists and one educationalist are included in this study. The emphasis of the study is on each artists design direction, which is also compared and contrasted with that of other Thai architectures in the reign of King Rama IX. The works selected for the study are those built in this reign and located in the Kingdom of Thailand. The nine dimensions of design directions explored in this study are design concept; temple history in relation to architecture; selection of architecture location; architecture layout and function; architectural style; color and materials used for decoration; structural system and construction technique; light and space of architecture. When analyzed according to the above classifications, the church architectural style is identified in the majority of the buildings studied because of its principal role in temples. For example, it basement is nowadays used multi-functionally. The pagoda architectural style ranks second. In addition to being used for installing relics of Buddha, it may serve other functions like that of a museum. Lastly comes the monastic architectural style, of which uses have now been replaced by those of church and Sala Kanparien. Therefore, it serves only for installing the Buddha image. The design directions of present-day Thai buildings are varied, resulting from a change in socio-economic conditions. Such a variation is also a consequence of the architects education, which has helped them to develop conceptual freedom in their design. However, their design directions still follow those of their masters, which mean both person masters and past architecture masters. The nine design-direction dimensions can be classified as those following traditional design directions and those emerging in modern times. The elements that still follow the traditional design directions include the general architectural style and the element of architecture, decoration materials, light and ventilation systems, and symbolic systems. In comparison, modern trends are expressed in the structural system that are now useds. These include concrete reinforcement, the use of a steel structure, the color and materials, used for decoration, and the interior architectural style.