Asst. Prof. Kritaporn Lappimol, Satayu Sangkorn, Nanthawat Onwan and Paramutt Phetamphai
Abstract :
Rangsit University is a private educational institution situated within Muang Ake Village, a large and high-quality residential community. The substantial influx of students and personnel for study and work has established Rangsit University and its surrounding area as a local hub, particularly the intersection in front of the university, which is a densely populated area and a focal point for activities and heavy traffic. However, certain areas are currently underdeveloped to their fullest potential. Therefore, these development guidelines have been proposed for the area surrounding the Rangsit University intersection based on the Livable City Concept. This approach emphasizes designing user-friendly spaces and environments to accommodate the activities of both students and working professionals, as well as creating a new public space for the residents of Muang Ake. This will promote a high quality of life and foster a desirable and sustainable community.
The essential objectives for the study and design development of the area are: (1) to study and understand the various contextual aspects of the area; (2) to analyze the existing problems and potential of the area using the principles of Urban Planning and Urban Design; and (3) to propose guidelines for the design development of the area and its environment based on the Livable City Concept.
This design study focuses on applying principles of urban planning and urban design to improve and enhance the physical environment for better usability. The study presents design ideas aligned with the Livable City Concept as the primary framework for development, organizing the site into four key zones: a Co-working Space, a Food Court, a Fitness Center, and a Green Area. Following the proposed improvements, the site will be transformed into a new public space with an environment that supports learning and living. It will function as both a node and a place for the district and community, serving as a space that fosters learning and everyday living while safely and sustainably connecting the university with the surrounding residential community.
Objectives :
- To study and understand the concept and various components of the town
- To analyze the existing problems and potential of the area using the principles of Urban Planning and Urban Design
- To propose design and development guidelines based on the Livable City Concept that align with the surrounding context
Conceptual Framework :
The implementation of the Livable City Concept as the development guideline for the Rangsit University Intersection area can be summarized into the conceptual framework for study and design as follows:
The development of the Rangsit University Intersection area using the Livable City Concept is an approach that focuses on designing spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents across environmental, economic, social, and accessibility dimensions. The goal is to transform the Rangsit University Intersection area into a creative, vibrant, safe, and sustainable common space. The design and planning principles are as follows:
1. Connectivity: connecting pedestrian and bicycle pathways to all directions, designing safe crosswalks and waiting areas, and ensuring convenient access to public transportation systems
2. Land Use Integration: blending educational, commercial, residential, and public space uses (mixed use) to accommodate the activities of students and the community, creating an interesting activity node to attract users
3. Green and Environmental Design: increasing green spaces and roadside tree systems, developing a “Green Buffer” to mitigate heat and pollution, and designing drainage systems and water absorption areas (Sponge Areas)
4. Landscape and Architecture: arranging architectural elements to harmonize with the urban context and designing spaces that are adaptable for various types of activities
Process / Methodology :
The study and development of the Rangsit University Intersection area using the Livable City Concept involves the following study and design process:
(1) The data study and survey were divided as follows:
1.1 Physical area survey: the size and boundaries of the area, various infrastructure components, surrounding activities and context, routes and accessibility, and problems and constraints
1.2 Community context analysis: surveying the population and user behavior, gathering feedback, and analyzing the needs of area users, such as the need for recreation and shared activities
1.3 Potential and limitation analysis
(2) Conceptual framework development
2.1 Defining the vision for area development with the Livable City Concept: connecting spaces through activities and creating a sustainable area for diverse uses
2.2 Defining development objectives: developing spaces that accommodate community activities, increasing green areas and improving the landscape, and considering safety and comfort to attract people for shared usage
2.3 Defining design guidelines: designing spaces to support diverse activities, including rest zones, green zones, outdoor activity zones, commercial zones, and other zones that support the area’s potential
(3) Design and development
3.1 Area development planning: planning to cover the entire area, including various activity zones and circulation routes that connect both internal and external activities
3.2 Detailed design: walkways, activity areas, green spaces, and various facilities
3.3 3D visualization presentation to clearly communicate the concept and the development guidelines
Techniques and Materials :
In designing public spaces for social interaction, it is crucial that everyone can access and engage in shared activities. Therefore, the design process will incorporate the Universal Design Principles to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can utilize the space and benefit from it collectively. The Universal Design Principles aim at designing environments for all user groups, including typical individuals, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This approach ensures that everyone can access and use the space without barriers, thereby creating equality in accessing both the area and its services. These principles therefore lead to sustainable and high-quality societal development as well as reflecting the Livable City Concept.
Additionally, the design techniques and strategies that should be applied in alignment with the Livable City concept must take into account the following aspects:
(1) Walkability – ensuring adequate sidewalk width and the use of safe paving materials.
(2) Connectivity – providing convenient and safe connections supported by a clear signage system.
(3) Mixed-use development – integrating diverse and functional activities within the area.
(4) Green spaces and environmental quality – incorporating both hardscape and permeable surfaces to provide shade and mitigate flooding.
(5) Safety – ensuring safety through design measures that reduce hidden or blind spots, enhance spatial openness for clear visibility, and provide comprehensive lighting coverage, with solar-powered lighting systems to improve energy efficiency.
(6) Place identity – creating distinctive features that serve as nodes and landmarks for the district and community.
Result / Conclusion :
The development of the Rangsit University Intersection area using the Livable City Concept is a study focused on creating a livable urban environment that responds to the needs of all user groups by efficiently designing the space to connect the university, the community, and transportation networks. Since this area is currently underutilized, the area development guidelines to be a public space for everyone, accommodating both recreational and leisure activities. The development area is divided into several zones, including a co-working space, a food court, a fitness center, and green areas. Each zone is conveniently and safely connected by pedestrian walkways. This space will be developed into the community’s new central hub, functioning as a node and place for learning, meeting, and activities that simultaneously promote both quality of life and environmental sustainability.
The planning and design process emphasized creating a balance between activity areas, green spaces, and circulation routes. Safe, convenient, and shaded pedestrian paths were designed to encourage walking and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Furthermore, the outdoor activity area was designed to function as both the active and the passive space, fostering vibrancy and community engagement. The development goal is to create a living and learning space that harmoniously connects the university with the community, serving as a destination where people can safely and sustainably spend time on activities and movement. Crucially, the outcome of this area’s development will not only generate physical value but also establish a genuine balance among the environment, economy, and society to facilitate learning, relaxation, and connection between the university and the surrounding community.
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