Research & Article

“Changing of Identity: A Case Study of Shophouse on the Rattanakosin Island after Use Transformation Process” aims at explaining changes of place-identity through understanding of identity formation processes that embrace physical environment, way of living, activity and meaning-given to shophouse during fluctuating situation occurring in place. To understand expression of place attitude and activity toward change of physical environment, grounded theory is employed as a qualitative method to proceed research activities, through physical environment survey, behavioral observation and in-depth interview. Subsequently, issues contributing to change of use among shophouses are synthesized and discussed through the process of use transformation on which activity and action should occur in each stage. From the analysis it can be concluded that change of place-identity of individual and group of people in the area of Rattanakosin Island is divided into 3 main approaches: 1) continuity of existing identity 2) changing of identity and 3) construction of identity, which is differently through expression of self-congruity, self-adaptation and self-identification.