Designing with Water: Learning from Sukhothai Local Wisdom
This project is a joint research collaboration between Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design (Naresuan University: Thailand) and School of Design and Architecture (University of Lincoln: United Kingdom) under the Thai-UK World-class University Consortium. The project aims to develop innovative and sustainable approaches to water-centric design, fostering sustainable development and regeneration. Two hybrid seminars were organised on Designing with Water towards Sustainable Development and Regeneration. The 1st hybrid seminar was organised onsite and online at Legendha Sukhothai Historic Park Resort along with a technical site visit was conducted at Sukhothai Historic Park (26-27 April, 2024). The 2nd hybrid seminar was hosted by School of Design and Architecture at University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom on the 21 November, 2024. Awareness on climate change of participants from cultural heritage, design practice, and relevant disciplines has been increased. By focusing on water as a central element, it aims to create holistic solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities to sustain their heritage assets for achieving flood resilient future (by addressing SDG: 11: Sustainable Cities and SDG13: Climate action). Successful practices in climate change mitigation and cultural heritage preservation from the UK are expected outputs to address our global challenges; particularly to support climate action for Sukhothai to preserve UNESCO Heritage Sites and to foster its UCCN mission to address climate changes as prioritised in MONDIACULT Declaration 2022. Good practices and lesson learned from both cities has contributed to a lifelong learning society for Sukhothai to achieve its sustainable development.
