Ubosot: The Synthesis of Indigenous Knowledge in the Construction and Renovation of Ubosot in Bangkok and Vicinity

Abstract

The Origin of Ubosot and the indigenous knowledge in the construction and restoration in local communities in Bangkok and metropolitan areas has existed since Buddhism. Initial construction sites were selected by the availability of outdoor spaces within Buddhism centers and changed during the Sukhothai era (1800-1950), where Ubosots were constructed in large Buddhist temples cementing the belief that creating Ubosots was a human duty and must be inherited by future generations to guarantee the continuation of Buddhism. The flood of worshippers and merit seekers has elevated the Ubosot into a permanent architecture at Buddhist temples where they are usually beautifully decorated with local indigenous culture, beliefs in merit and karma. The popularity of building Ubosots also contribute to the cultural inheritance of the indigenous knowledge of local craftsmen, construction workers, painters and carpenters. Currently there is a lack of the inheritance of indigenous knowledge where the transmission of knowledge from older generations of craftsmen is limited and inconsistent. The main factors which have contributed to the lack of inheritance of indigenous knowledge in the construction and restoration of Ubosot are the lack of funds, low quality materials, foreign construction workers and environmental issues. Suggested guideline for the successful synthesis of local indigenous knowledge includes 5 steps. 1) Planning, 2) Construction, 3) Evaluation, 4) Rectification, 5) Synthesis of Indigenous knowledge.