Incorporating Form-Based Codes into the Design-Based Approach to Historic Building Conservation in Phuket, Thailand

Kanokwan Masuwan,Pusit Lertwattanaruk

doi:10.3390/su12093859

Abstract

In Thailand, the concept and measurement of urban planning rely on conventional zoning, which includes land use, building usage, and open space ratio. Conventional zoning focuses on both the growth of buildings in terms of physical dimensions and their usability in lowland areas. The guidelines and measures used in urban planning do not reflect the spatial relationship of the community, as they have a less detailed design and place no emphasis on the identity of the district. Urban planning might not protect the sense of any given place, as it often uses a one-size-fits-all plan that is then applied to whole communities. Form-Based Codes (FBCs) are urban planning tools that are used to maximize land use, benefit the public, focus on creating a specific physical form, and design the development and public spaces in a way that matches the community’s vision. FBCs are the result of the cooperation between stakeholders, architects, urban planners, government agencies, and members of the local community who are willing to create a plan for their public space and to preserve the physical characteristics of the city. In this paper, we aimed to understand the relationship between various historical contexts and the FBCs using the case study of Phuket’s old town, which has a fusion of Sino–Portuguese architecture. Building form standards suitable for Phuket’s old town were created by comparing them to a baseline case that uses existing codes and regulations and using the FBCs’ components. FBCs have the potential to enhance the character and vibrancy of the historic area by improving façade design and preserving the sense of place and community pride. The results support the hypothesis that FBCs are able to supplement conventional zoning in historic districts. Recommendations for a local historic preservation commission and communities that are considering the adoption of FBCs for historic resources and districts are provided.

Highlights

Form-Based Codes (FBCs) are urban planning tools that are used to maximize land use, benefit the public, and achieve a specific urban form
FBCs are a result of the cooperation of all stakeholders, architects, city planners, government agencies, and people willing to create a plan for the public space and the physical characteristics of the city
There has been no implementation of FBCs in ASEAN countries due to the complexity of the existing laws, including property rights and centralized government systems, which promote social inequality

Summary

Introduction

Form-Based Codes (FBCs) are urban planning tools that are used to maximize land use, benefit the public, and achieve a specific urban form. The purpose of these tools is to preserve the identity of the area and serve as a measure to contain urban sprawl, through the effective design of public spaces, and to define physical features, shapes, and components of the city [1]. FBCs integrate development factors and enforce laws in conjunction with other relevant urban plans [2]. FBCs have been widely applied as urban design tools, with a focus on the effective planning of neighborhoods, towns, and cities in the USA and in Brazil, Australia, China, Ecuador, China, and Hong Kong. Developing Thailand’s urban plan, becoming a pioneer in advanced urban planning policy for problem-solving, and determining a future direction for the ASEAN countries are additional targets

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Conclusion