Sustainability through the place-making process: Lamphun old town inhabitants’ sense of place

Abstract

‘Inclusiveness’ or partnership with shared visions and goals from all stakeholders is one of the most significant factors in the sustainable development process. This paper examines the local inhabitant sense of place, as opposed to the professionals’, regarded as a crucial factor for the place-making process. It investigates the sense of place of a small old town in northern Thailand, Lamphun, through the eyes of its inhabitant and the professionals aiming to show that a sustainable place-making process should comprehend the inhabitants’ perception, not only the professionals’. Adopting the components of a ‘sense of place’: activities, physical attributes and meanings, the research unfolds the district legibility and boundaries through the eyes of both groups. In addition, the inhabitants' experiences of place were investigated through questionnaires and participatory meetings. It was found that physical appearance is a primer for professionals, while for inhabitants it is a social practice. Conversely, meaning is consequential for the locals but not for visitors. Activity differs, for the locals as users in their daily routine, while only some activities are relevant to visitors as observers. This stresses that the differences between the two groups’ perceptions are very significant, especially the subtle ‘meaning’ of the place. All in all, in addition to being inclusive, living historic city development should consider not only physical characteristics but also activities and other intentions in order to become truly sustainable for all.