Space as a Place for Social Interaction: A Case Study of Tai-Lao Communities

Abstract

Regarding the social aspects of sustainable community design, the consideration of public spaceshould aim to support collaboration and social cohesion. As the Tai-Lao ethnic group in central Thailand havebeen able to maintain their cultural identity and strong neighbourhood relationships, a lesson can be learnedfrom traditional communities about the adaptability of public space concerning social activities. This studyinvestigates the interrelationships between physical space and social interaction within Tai-Lao communities inthe central regions of Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos, using qualitative field research. Adaptation to thedominant culture and local development have brought changes to the physical features and utilization ofspace, as well as changes in terms of its roles, values, and meanings which respond to different forms andlevels of social activity. Among a number of factors, social interaction is closely interconnected with the physicalsettings of space, though the psychological meaning often plays a more important role. The interpretation ofadaptability in the physical structure of “Laan Klang Baan”, a public area within Lao Krang villages that stillmaintains its meaning and spirit as a shared place, can be reconciled to maintain values of social contact andto improve communal social cohesion by emphasizing a notion of place that represents psychological meaningand belief.