Development of a Circular Economy and Creative Spaces for the Ratchaburi Dragon Jar Entrepreneurs Community

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) develop a circular economy system, and (2) create a creative space for the Ratchaburi Dragon Jar entrepreneurs. Research Methodology : The study employed a mixed-methods research design that integrated three types of research: Survey research – conducted using questionnaires with a population of 22 participants; Qualitative research – conducted through in-depth interviews with 12 participants; and Action research – involving 60 participants.The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods to calculate the mean and standard deviation, and the results were categorized and synthesized to align with the research objectives.

Research Findings : The overall findings indicated that the development of the circular economy system was at a moderate level. The application of the circular economy concept was integrated with traditional local knowledge in the production of Ratchaburi Dragon Jars, following the 3R principle: Reduce: Efficient use of clay resources. Defective jars that were damaged during production but not yet fired could be reprocessed and reused as raw clay for subsequent production. Reuse: Fired jars that were imperfect could be sold as lower-grade products or repaired and redesigned into new items such as bonsai pots, tables, chairs, pet beds, and decorative flower pots. Recycle: Materials that could not be reused in production were recycled in alternative forms, such as being crushed into fine powder for mixing with planting soil or used as land fill.

Regarding the development of creative learning spaces, the study found that an understanding of the cultural context of Ratchaburi Dragon Jars is essential for preserving traditional wisdom while fostering contemporary artistic learning. This helps stimulate the creativity of younger generations. The development framework emphasized four dimensions of creative space: Physical space, Cognitive space,Social space, and Media space. This research aimed to: (1) develop a circular economy system, and (2) create a creative space for the Ratchaburi Dragon Jar entrepreneurs. Research Methodology : The study employed a mixed-methods research design that integrated three types of research: Survey research – conducted using questionnaires with a population of 22 participants; Qualitative research – conducted through in-depth interviews with 12 participants; and Action research – involving 60 participants.The collected data were analyzed using statistical methods to calculate the mean and standard deviation, and the results were categorized and synthesized to align with the research objectives.

Research Findings : The overall findings indicated that the development of the circular economy system was at a moderate level. The application of the circular economy concept was integrated with traditional local knowledge in the production of Ratchaburi Dragon Jars, following the 3R principle: Reduce: Efficient use of clay resources. Defective jars that were damaged during production but not yet fired could be reprocessed and reused as raw clay for subsequent production. Reuse: Fired jars that were imperfect could be sold as lower-grade products or repaired and redesigned into new items such as bonsai pots, tables, chairs, pet beds, and decorative flower pots. Recycle: Materials that could not be reused in production were recycled in alternative forms, such as being crushed into fine powder for mixing with planting soil or used as land fill.

Regarding the development of creative learning spaces, the study found that an understanding of the cultural context of Ratchaburi Dragon Jars is essential for preserving traditional wisdom while fostering contemporary artistic learning. This helps stimulate the creativity of younger generations. The development framework emphasized four dimensions of creative space: Physical space, Cognitive space,Social space, and Media space.