Characteristic Factors Influencing the Thai-Style Public Space Utilization: Case Study of Sanam Na Mueang Public Park in Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town, Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to identify the characteristic factors influencing the Thai-style public space utilization with the combination of variables of good public space characteristics following the occidental and Thai theories from the perspective of actual users in order to create new components or factors influencing the Thai-style public space utilization. Sanam Na Mueang Public Park, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town, was specified as the study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to classify 30 variables influencing the success of public space utilization; data was collected from questionnaire responses provided by 320 people. The results indicate that the new characteristic factors influencing Thai-style public space utilization consist of contextual connection and space identity, landscape elements, and aesthetics of public space utilization. These results reflect that both contextual connection and space identity, and landscape elements are consistent with occidental theories that prioritize physical characteristics and promote the access and facilitation, while the aesthetics of public space utilization, in contrast to occidental theories, prioritize the aesthetics of utilization and visibility to the surrounding people and activities.