Research & Article

The objective of this research is to study change of urban morphology and the styles of architectural heritage in order to provide some advice on proper conservation methods. This research employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The result of the study reveals that Songkhla historic town has continuously been a trading seaport since the time of Songkhla at Hua Khao Dang, to Songkhla Lam Son and to Sonkhla Bo Yang. Songkhla is rich in its cultural diversity from Thai, Chinese, and Muslim groups with a variety of styles in its architectural heritage which is evidently in the present time. The geographical setting and the distribution of the community which is connected via a road network impacted the city plan and caused clusters of continuous buildings known as “row houses”. Presently architectural heritage is facing a few problems. The development in the historic town area is done without understanding of the local context nor conservation guideline. Consequently, the development has caused some negative impact on architectural heritage. This study, therefore, seeks to understand the community settlement in Songkhla Historic town and provide some guidelines for conservation and development control suitable with the context in order to conserve and maintain the value of the local architectural heritage.