An Adaptive Reuse of a Governor Residence through a Statement of Significance for Urban Public Space Development

Abstract

Governors’ residences play a crucial role as permanent dwellings for appointed governors appointed by the government. Nevertheless, as a result of the decentralization trend, there is a growing demand for gubernatorial elections to be held in each individual province, the utilization of these governors’ houses may be significantly reduced, which results in their neglect and the subsequent deterioration of their architecturally significant features. To address this issue, there is growing consideration for adaptive reuse, involving the renovation of these historical buildings to support future urban development. Through a collaborative process involving stakeholders, a statement of significance was developed to foster a sense of shared ownership of the area based on principles and guidelines that align with contemporary needs while preserving their historical and cultural importance.“The Governor’s House in Kanchanaburi,” is a case study in the context of Kanchanaburi dating back to the reign of King Rama III undertaken in collaboration with the local community to study and implement an adaptive-reuse plan that recognizes the value of these buildings and proposes directions for improvement. The research started with data collection through on-site surveys to obtain insights and opinions from various perspectives. The results revealed that the collaborative process employed in developing a statement of significance notably enhanced understanding of the adaptive-reuse process, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical architecture's value and significance. Furthermore, this approach creates a mechanism to drive the development of the urban area, enabling its usage in a way that is compatible with current needs while preserving its value and importance. As a result, this study serves as a guiding framework for adaptive-reuse projects in other locations, facilitating the development of urban spaces that align with contemporary requirements while preserving the unique qualities of each site.