Geographia Technica, Vol 14, Special Issue 2019, pp. 76-86
TOWARDS AN ENGAGING, INCLUSIVE AND MEANINGFUL PLANNING DEVELOPMENT OF AN URBAN PARK IN PHITSANULOK, THAILAND
Suthat YIEMWATTANA, Sasima CHAROENKIT (Phitsanulok, Thailand)
ABSTRACT: Phitsanulok has been renowned for its leadership in urban green space development. Phitsanulok Central Park (PCP) is the latest urban park project initiated in 2012 to enliven the unused green spaces and to create connection to the waterfront. PCP was developed to become the new city landmark that is: 1) engaging with diverse user groups o by offering a variety of activities for people from all ages, 2) inclusive for everyone especially those with disabilities for having safe and convenient access to PCP, and 3) meaningful to enhance place identity by linking to the urban heritage and being a learning environment. The incorporation of design strategies in PCP is investigated to demonstrate how three design principles are embedded in the main features of this urban park. The analysis of PCP’s elements was performed according to nine design strategies. It is found that PCP consists of engaging, inclusive, and meaningful spaces as the new urban park offers places for children to play, adults to enjoy and seniors to relax. It also gives opportunities for all users including the disabled people to conveniently access, have social interaction, connect to the city’s history, share memorable moments together, and learn about environmental sustainability.
Keywords: Engaging, Inclusive Design, Meaningful, Public Park, Urban Green Spaces.
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