Designing with Water for Yang Sai Village in Sukhothai (Climate-resilient Action)
Climate action is a key challenge for Sukhothai in promoting an inter-sectoral coordination mechanism that is easily accessible to other organizations. Importantly, a call for climate action has been prioritized internationally, particularly as highlighted in the MONDIACULT Declaration of 2022. Multicity partners are undoubtedly seeking to develop more comprehensive and strategic approaches to address climate challenges.
Yang Sai village is a case in point, showcasing Sukhothai’s success in advancing climate action through co-creative learning opportunities involving diverse partners. A housing rehabilitation project was initiated by the Foundation for Older Persons’ Development with financial support from the Prudence Foundation. This project aims to reduce flood risks for elderly residents living in Yang Sai. Eleven vulnerable houses were selected for redesign by the water-based architectural studio 2024, part of the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design at Naresuan University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witiya Pittungnapoo, a co-focal point of the Sukhothai UCCN and GNLC, under the Thai-UK World-Class University Consortium.
As part of the initiative, four stilt houses were constructed through a collaborative effort involving the Foundation for Older Persons’ Development, the Prudence Foundation, regional volunteers, and residents. These houses were designed using flood-resilient adaptation strategies under the supervision of the Naresuan Architectural Team (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witiya Pittungnapoo, Asst. Prof. Sittipong Permpitak, Dr. Kirati Sattanon, Dr. Sirodom Sueakhlai, and Senior architect: Panuphong Janta) integrate flood-resilient design into local practices. The contributions and lessons learned from the Yang Sai project will be shared and applied to other vulnerable communities to address climate change. This initiative fosters Sukhothai’s role as a Creative City and supports its inclusive and sustainable development goals for a more resilient future.
