Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
DOI 10.1186/s40410-017-0067-z
Open Access
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Urban Axis and City shape evaluation
through spatial coniguration in ‘Lan Na’
Northern Thailand Historic city
Nattasit Srinurak*
and Nobuo Mishima
Abstract
This paper revealed urban axis and city shape identity that influenced by its concepts and present activities issues in
‘Lan Na’ historic cities in northern Thailand. This study using space syntax technic called axial line analysis combined
with GIS analysis, to examines how history geo-politic issues have influenced to its urban axis and network. Results
show urban axis has highly coexisted with its city shape determined through high integrated axial lines. This city
shape was, however, defined by its establishment concepts as ‘Sankh’, ‘Traiphum’ and freeform. Different shapes of
urban axis have been determined by these concepts. As well as the largest public space in some ‘Lan Na’ historic cities,
it directly attaches to high integrate lines that represent as urban axis core. However, depending on gradually develop
influences, the function of public space in urban axis core has various types. Mostly, these spaces, have related to Buddhism religious usage or colonialism spaces. Settlement pattern using kernel analysis revealed that residents in every
city settled in a tranquil area determined by space syntax. Additionally, settlement clusters adjacent to urban axis or
high activities traffic. In summary, from reviewed historic cities in ‘Lan Na’, it found that this urban axis could be identified using multi-method. To enhance urban axis in historic cities, both object and subject aspect had to be revealed to
apply as delicate historic conservation measures.
Keywords: Urban morphology, Space syntax, Urban conservation, Urban settlement, Historic city
Background
Historic cities in term of historic civilisation consist of
location, morphology, and physical aspect that diferent, correspond to its environment. hey are, mostly,
built with indigenous of local belief and wisdom which
relect human legacy on how its settle altogether with a
traditional, economic, political and spatial aspect (Rapoport 1990). Even culture usually afects behavior pattern
of communities more than the environment as same as
a general belief but the environment is shaped by these
major factors because it includes as part of the habitat limit and the restraint of human livelihood (Strange
1997). he existence of historic cities in modern era merit
us and bring us self-esteem of residents. herefore, Belief,
politic, and tradition, laid groundwork, involves not only
*Correspondence: Nsrinurak@hotmail.com; 14694003@cc.saga-u.ac.jp
Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saga University,
Honjo-machi, Saga 840-8502, Japan
in physical planning but as social cohesion for residents
in those cities. his may lead us to understand more
about how and what element chooses to be to preserve
and make an appropriate choice by amplifying important of this element. As reasons mention above, this
study seeks to understand how urban settlement belief
relected through its urban axis that response and retain
to its residents in present-day.
In recent day, due to rapid urbanisation level especially
in developing country, this may lead to proper policies in
the spatial improvement of historic cities. Urban axis is
one of city element that must be intentionally set-up with
highly geographic consideration these axes usually served
as a war-time main channel, inherit cultural activities,
encourage main architecture or wayinding for residents.
In South East Asia, historic cities usually inluenced by
“Traiphum” or three worlds (Heaven, Earth, and Underworld) (Winichakul 1994; Soraya 1999) the concept for
prioritising important level of architectural location on
© The Author(s) 2017. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
its axis. To study, the urban morphology of accumulate
structure of cities, in this paper try to investigate how
‘Lan Na’ cities—inherit the kingdom in northern hailand—and city of Sukhothai (main inluence of Lan Na’s
capital city shape concept during its time) response to
its urban axis in recently. his study interpreted how the
urban axis of historic cities comprise to an overall spatial coniguration using space syntax combined with GIS
analysis method, meanwhile, revealed public spaces and
residents settle inluenced by or for those axes. his may
prove public space in historic to be useful as culturalspace-place by revealed its urban axis and city shape,
simultaneously. he questions considered in this study
are issues as follow: (1) How core axis of historic cities
determined by its shape, integrate to an overall recentday urban network? (2) How public spaces related to this
axis or other highly integrate lines? (3) How residents
settled in these spatial networks and Is it consistent with
integrated lines in the various situation of cities?
Review of historic cities concept in ‘Lan Na’
In the northern part of hailand, cities have evolved
through time. From the 1200 s, cities in this part inluenced by Lan Na culture which consists and composes
of various tradition and belief. Lan Na’s protohistory was
pre-occupied by ‘Mon’, ‘Tai’ and ‘Lua’ ethnic groups, Cultures which was Buddhist-animalism settled in that period
(he Oice of Royal Society 2003; McDonald 1871; Stratfor 2006). Lan Na has consisted of several cities in northern part of hailand, part of Shan state in Myanmar and a
partial area of southern China. From various minorities,
Lan Na was formed and established a kingdom where
Chiang Mai was appointed as the capital city, its shape
inluence by Sukhothai (Fig. 1). hese led Chiang Mai to a
settlement in the form of an aggregate group of belief and
emerge of indigenous tradition—show in the intention of
city shape—in which historic cities established (Ongsakul
2010; Guntang 1990). In term of urban planning, physical
and non-physical collided, usually consist of spatial structure, economic fabric, and social hierarchy or equity, however in historic cities, another element has to be included
in design element which is the spiritual dimension. In Lan
Na city, concepts of city shape also repeatedly applied to
response with an essential function such as defensive, festive, religion and daily activities, however as a city, it also
evolves and/or relects its space through time and inluence. his evolving and developing lay more complexity
in multi-dimension that needed to be clariied which analysed by this study.
To understand spatial structure of Lan Na historic
cities, it unavoidable to clarify its inluences in term of
geo-politic and social fabric, in this paper, its shape and
city form which transform or sustain shall be explored.
Page 2 of 18
In several indigenous cultures adopts its character and
auspicious meaning into city shape. In hailand, at late
of agricultural age, urban culture has been formed since
600, CE these cities scatter in northern, eastern part
(Chareonwong 2008). Most of the cities, governed in sort
of cultural center more than the Territorial Kingdom or
state. In begin of urban age, these cities have shaped as
a basic igure such as circular form, however since cities
also the center of socio-economic it received many belief
and indigenous element from India culture especially
Hinduism and Buddhism which widely spread and integrated to a local belief of animalism (Winichakul 1994).
hese religious cultures convergence, are still present to
recent day, in a form of the historic city’s boundary by its
moat, wall, and anthropological evidence.
Lan Na, as cities shape concept, translates and combines ideology and indigenous of city concept inluenced
by the shape of ‘conch shell’ represent through its prosperity and animalism meaning. his shape represents as
an auspicious object as shown in many Hindu chronicles. Gods in Hindu usually possess with conch shell to
use as signaling in the time of war, from this reason, this
object was exemplifying as an auspicious shape that links
mutual realm and spiritual realm together. he shape of a
conch shell was widely used by Indo-Paciic belief. Conch
shell in original word in Sanskrit called ‘Sankh’, in several cultures it also represented as shell money. As religion instrument, it uses as a ceremonial trumpet during
worship at temple or home (Gupte 1994). One of Hindu
god, Vishnu, god of protection and preservation hold
this instrument to represent as life giver which explain
by its shape and ininite water that originate from its (see
Fig. 2a). Another Concept widely used to shape the cities,
distribute throughout Asia, is imitated from cosmography called ‘Traiphum’, especially in Hindu-Buddhist religion. Origin of this concept may crystallize in India then
widely spread through commercial trade. hese consist
of each realm divide by each sea, centralize by the highest mountain which Himalaya mountain or ‘Sumane’
represent as its central, inner rim are 7 continent circles
divide by sea, outer rim are 4 mountains in each corner represent 4 continents of world realm and beyond
this mountain is the ininite sea. However, these extend
4 continents added by Buddhism to imitate philosophic
element to divide inite and ininite universe and importantly imply natural direction. As 4 continents represent
living realm, those 7 circles represent as semi-heaven or
auspicious forest and sea, highest peak of Himalaya represent as the heavenly realm. his concept as shown in
Fig. 2b, frequently uses in various dimension and scale in
Hindu-Buddhist as ‘Traiphum’ (3 realms of the universe)
from the main decorative of the temple to a shape of city
form (Jumsai 2008; Winichakul 1994). hese concepts of
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 3 of 18
Fig. 1 Map of Lan Na’s territory and cities
city shape still appear in major cities in the northern of
hailand in form of its boundary (Moat and wall).
Additionally, important subjects that might reshape
Lan Na cities by its indirect inluence was Colonialism
from western. In 1850–1910 was called modernization
period, Centralization to Bangkok (hailand capital) has
been promoting and set up. he new government had
widely introduced especially in upcountry including Lan
Na territory. his movement aimed to sustain sovereignty
of country by diminishing political power of local which
independently govern by themselves in that time, moreover, the main objective of this movement was to prevent
reduce Colonialism efect in a region (Ongsakul 2010;
Tansukanun and Duangthima 2013). he western economic system also introduced and developed into Lan Na
region, Wood industry and the inter-trade commercial
was settled mostly in the area because of rich resource
of teak woods. In this period, Lan Na was highly afected
by its rapid development, governor who was royal monarch from Lan Na kingdom were gradually vanquished by
direct and indirect political aspect through re-assign or
transform new governor and administrator system from
central government (Jarernmuang and Apavajaruta 1986)
and indirect spatial-spiritual aspect such as establish of
government or commercial usage into auspicious or palace area which replace traditional buildings to colonial
style buildings (Guntang 1990). hese traces still found
in the recent day mostly in Lampang province due to it
was a node of transportation in commercial and wood
industries. Most of the colonialism inluenced by its land
use, especially in the urban axis. In summary, as shown
in Fig. 3, according to issues mentioned above, Lan Na
historic cities has shared concept and transformed from
time to time.
Methods
Urban morphology studies usually study on how city
develop and transform to represent its embedded history.
his study focuses on its network, however, apart from
the movement of the urban network is included, other
urban historic contents such as present-day settlement,
geo-politic inluence, and its condition are also used to
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 4 of 18
Fig. 2 a Sankh concept of Phrae’s historic city. b Traiphum concept
exemplify how the urban network was used to prioritizes
space usage. In this study, urban morphology divided into
its spatial aspects as mentions above and combine with
a function of human activities, which represent by space
syntax that determines how the network was related to
totally cities concept and its inluences. In this study, historic cities of Lan Na kingdom were evaluated by space
syntax analysis overlay with GIS’s kernel analysis. Historical contents also regarding relationship with spaces that
evaluated by objective tools. he result will be discussed
on important of spaces prioritized by tools according to
their subjective contents (see Fig. 4).
In urban morphology studies, leading and shaped up by
many European schools’ approach—the analysis of urban
form inluenced the northern European historic cities.
In urban morphology analysis these studies suggested
generally categorized in four elements; Site, street, plot
and buildings block (Conzen 1963, 1960). In Conzenian
urban morphology school focus on the architectural concept of these ‘tissue’ or urban fabric which determined by
its own historical evolution (Whitehand 2007; Oliveira
2016). Methodology expanded in more detail by Caniggia studies, separated between city and buildings, and
subdivide into 4 subcategories consist of Element (material), element of structures (loor, wall), system of structure (rooms and stairs) and system organism (whole shape
of building/city) (Caniggia and Gian 2001). From the
development of urban morphology studies, both Conzen
and Caniggia school deined the city as a whole that able
to divide its categorized, in 1993 Karl Kropf established
a consistent of morphology analysis combine with time
and energy of a city. his emphasized of study created the
relation from the part to whole, from material to urban
tissue, which leads to a hierarchy of built environment
(Kropf 1993). Recently in 2008, Paul Osmond invented
further step of morphology studies, using space syntax
as a medium integrated the Kropf’s hierarchy categorization (Built form) and open spaces (Osmond 2008). From
Conzenian-Caniggia school to the study by Osmond, the
urban morphology trend to understand the complexity of
city develops more profoundly clear to reveal urban fabric.
New method proposed by Osmond using space syntax led
to a comprehensive approach to categorized and inding
a relation between an urban street and open space. his
study adopts this methodology to understand urban morphology as the relation from parts to the whole. Moreover,
to understand the urban morphology, order of priority in
elements shall be revealed, in urban system of the street
using urban axis, in building settlement using its density.
he combination of these elements will, inally, overlaid
and discussed according to its subjectivity of history.
Firstly, to explore the urban system of streets, an axial
map in space syntax was combined with GIS to comply as
a research tool to identify urban spatial networks in the
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 5 of 18
Fig. 3 Chronology of the Lan Na cities
Fig. 4 Conceptual framework
existing condition of Lan Na’s cities. Axial map analysis
methodology is analytical techniques used for quantifying the relation between spatial coniguration and social
cohesion (Hillier and Hanson 2003).
To identify the urban axis of cities that correspond with
its shape pattern and urban system in a recent day. Syntactic properties of historic cities were calculated how
much integrate of each street by space syntax technique.
his measurement analysed how many connections occurs
when travelling inside study area (Hillier 2004, 2007). he
most integrated street mean that it has topological accessibility than the others (Hillier 2002). his method displayed
as a gradual color graph with latter input to GIS map. he
Highest integration value, in this study, determined the
urban axis of the city. A graph also clariied complication
in accessibility of urban networks relate to easy to access
and choice in using of streets by the determination in a
value of integration value consist of global and local integration, through the limit of angular turning as R = n and
R = 3 (Lee and Kyung 2013), respectively. Integration value
in axial line was acquired by DepthmapX 0.50 application
developed by space syntax network. Global integration is
measured a degree of integrated with each line compare
with overall network system (R = n) and Local integration
is also shared similar calculate method as Global integration but it calculates compare to, in this study, 3 step of
turning from itself (Dalton 2010). his method of calculation could display as a step of the equation is as follow:
TD(x) =
Dθ (x, i)
(1)
i∈S,i� =x
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
TD(x)
(n − 1)
MD(i) =
RA(i) =
2(MD − 1)
(n − 2)
RRA(i) =
Dn =
RA(i)
Dn
2 n log2 n+2
− 1 +1
3
Page 6 of 18
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(n − 1)(n − 2)
Global/Local integration = 1/RRA(i)
(6)
According to space syntax method, notes the total
depth of line x and represent the depth between line x
and i according to an angle of turning by 0 angles mean
0 turns to 180 angles mean 2 turns. In 2nd, 3rd and 4th
step, where is the mean depth of an axial line, is a number of axial lines put in the calculation, is Relative Asymmetry, is Real Relative Asymmetry weight by D value in
(5). Finally, Global or Local integration (6) is obtained
by calculation, simultaneously. However, to use the syntax analysis, it has to prevent ‘edge efect’ of a test environment (Ratti 2004), bufer from analysed area expand
to 800 m or more using a walking radius of residents as
a relevant model boundary (Hillier and Penn 2004; Gil
2015).
Secondary, settlement data obtained through GIS
dataset, as point type, kernel analysis was used to identify aggregation or segregation of settlement in cities. In
many morphology studies usually used building plot and/
or building arrangement. However, to prioritized and
created clear image of settlement situation, the gravity
model of kernel density analysis was chosen to evaluate
the settlement in this study. his kernel analysis weighted
by its height through its number of building loor(s). A
level of aggregation displays by gradual from blue to
red color, the higher density of settlement shows as red
which clariies how a closer point of settlement cluster
together throughout the city. he results will overlay with
integrate axial map of urban system of street and be discussed in corresponding with its settlement.
Finally, to evaluate the relation between Objective
and Subjective of urban morphology overlaid mapping
between syntactic properties of the urban system of a
street, the location of public space and kernel density of
settlement was created. Syntactic properties of an urban
network within the particular shape will deine the urban
fabric as a whole while the urban elements consist of a
settlement of residential buildings and public spaces were
evaluated and identiied, simultaneously, to reveal the
elements of morphology as a part. A settlement was calculated by kernel density method; historic contents were
reviewed to clarify the relation of subjectivity and urban
morphology evident in in overlaid igure. his relation
between historic review content and urban morphology
analysis, combined with the current situation of the city,
will be discussed to provide the urban conservation perspective in the analysed city.
Result of the study
his study used typology of city concept. Each city will
discuss in its properties. Present-day urban morphology
in clear-boundary cities are analysed consist of (1) Lamphun, (2) Lampang, (3) Phrae, (4) Chiang Saen, (5) Chiang Mai, (6) Sukhothai.
Lamphun
Lamphun used conch shell or ‘Sankh’ concept applied to
city shape. Like historic cities and other communities in
this region, Buddhism has spread throughout the region,
Lamphun also implies idea and shared the belief of Buddhism. Lamphun was capital city in the kingdom called
‘Haripunchai’ were established in around AD 667 (Ongsakul 2010). Haripunchai had high inluence by ‘Dharavadi’ which directly receive cultural inluence from India
including Buddhism and belief (Damrihkul 2004; Lamphun Provincal oice 2000). Haripunchai or Lamphun
had inluence in a northern region of hailand in that
period and represent as one of the historic city that signiicantly used Sankh concept show in city moat.
Syntactic property of Lamphun’s urban network in present-day shows an individual line of the highest integration (Global Integration: 1.24, Local Integration: 2.96) in
the most central of a city along with north–south direction (Inthayongyot street, see Fig. 5). Global integration
value of city ranges from 0.44 to 1.24, Local integration
range from 0.33 to 2.96. Both integrations have shown
gradually distribute of value from the city center to city
moat or perimeter as highest to lowest, respectively. his
feature of an axial line when overlay with public spaces
shows signiicance relation with its location. Accord to
the inding, its attach with the most important religion
space in a city called ‘Wat Prathat Haripunchai’ (Lpn1).
Moreover, highly integrate line also attach with government quarter (Lpn2) that locates in a northern part of the
city consist of city hall, Oicer residential, and Museum
(Lpn3). Most of the government quarters establish in an
early modernization of Lan Na which determines by the
central government in Bangkok due to counter-colonialism agenda by that time.
he result from Integration and settlement aggregation
overlay shows the south-east area of the city, seem to has
highly aggregation of settlement more than another area.
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 7 of 18
Fig. 5 Analysis of Lamphun’s spatial configuration
However, as shown on the overlay map cluster of aggregation may divide into two clusters consist of northern
and south–east areas. Northern clusters (Lpn B) attach
to axial lines where a value of Global integration ranges
from 1.11 to 1.24. his northern part located government
oicer’s residential area. South–east clusters (Lpn A)
attach to axial lines where a value of Global integration
ranges from 0.82 to 1.01. his part has diferent character
compare to northern clusters; it comprises of the commercial and residential area that may afect to created
more livelihood than northern clusters. Most of the settlement aggregation areas locate in an intermediate value
of integration of axial lines and nearly attach to northend and south-end of highest integrate of axial line.
Current situation of urban conservation in Lamphun,
Lamphun historic area has been included in the irst
group of historic city category by city conservation committee of hailand (he Secretariat of the Cabinet of
hailand 2011), according to city Land-use comprehensive plan Lamphun’s historic area determined to be cultural identity use only (Department of Public work and
Town and Country Planning 2003a). For conservation
plan, despite the most important elements such as city
moat, city wall, and architectures, Street and urban corridor are one of the elements of conservation (Lamphun
municipality 2016) however urban network and its public
space high integrate street may have potential to be chosen as historic street such as Inthayongyot street. Other
streets in the historic city apart from residential clusters
could be included as phasing process of historic street
conservation planning.
Lampang
Similar to Lamphun’s historic city, Lampang’s historic
city also adopt ‘Sankh’ concept of city shape applies to
it city shape, however, Lampang has superimposed 3
historic cities which developed through time located
on proximity area in the city center. he oldest one has
identical shape of ‘Sankh’ in faintly city moat as shown
in Fig. 6. Even trace evident of city moat is indistinctively
appear but historic archive record and city gates existence determine it the gradual border of city moat. Share
the same establish idea and period of ‘Haripunchai’ that
capital by Lamphun, Lampang is an important node,
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
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Fig. 6 Analysis of Lampang’s spatial configuration
located on the largest plain in northern of hailand—it
represents important satellite city during Haripunchai
kingdom (Damrihkul 2004). It still acts as a junction of
many cities from the past to present-day. In addition to
important junction city, in the colonial period, Lampang was determined to be a center of wood industry
which established by English companies at that time
(Supadiloklakha 1998). hese industrial activities highly
inluenced usage of land-use which may transform some
spaces into industry-related usage.
Urban network of Lampang from space syntax analysis shown that high value of global integration consists of
3 connected lines, two of them parallel to north–south
axis, another one is aligned in east–west axis and link
irst two lines together (Global Integration: 0.95–1.19,
Local Integration: 2.16–2.51, East, West and North line
of Lpg1). In summary, global integration ranges from
0.33 to 1.197, Local integration ranges from 0.33 to 3.46,
these group of high integration also create ring-like shape
inside the boundary and outer rim of this group is shown
low integration ring of axial line (see Fig. 6). However,
Local integration value signiicantly difers from Global
integration, besides same axis cores as global value, the
high local value of axial line also distributes to the boundary of urban network. In addition, high global integration
attached with a vastly vacant area used to occupied by the
wood industry as an oice of forestry northern branch.
his space transferred from a diferent owner, inluenced
from the colonial period it acted as English wood company oice which later reverted to the central government in the counter-colonialism period. hese axis lines
also attach with religious space where Buddhism temple
‘Wat Prakeawdontao Suchadaram’ located. It also largest temple in this historic area. In summary, two largest
public spaces attach with the high value of global integration axial lines, it can represent multi-connected line or
area of city core where activities inlicted by its periodical
history.
Kernel analysis of settlement shown many clusters of
settlement distribute throughout historic area, however,
it could be divided into 2 major clusters which are northern part distribute along with single main road and southern cluster in agglomerate communities. In addition,
some of the small clusters have occupied in the eastern
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
and western area of cities. his result shows signiicantly,
how, habitants settle in present-day in a historic area. he
study also shows a result of the overlay with space syntax properties, Major clusters attach to low integration
lines where northern cluster global integration ranges
from 1.03 to 1.197 and southern cluster ranges from 0.88
to 1.159 however it may explain through local integration lines overlay. Local integration overlay result shows a
distribution of high-value traic comprises with clusters
of the settlement, it shows whereabouts habitants settled
decision to choose on tranquil of low integrate lines in
Local integration value. A Shared feature of similarity to
Lamphun’s historic city overlay result, still, shown these
clusters adjacent to axis core at north-end and south-end.
A diferent feature of cluster character is building usage.
In a northern cluster, ribbon development along the road
determine it as residential-commercial mixed-use area.
In a southern cluster, due to it secludes and tranquil character, it determines to be a residential area where temple
act as the center of a community.
In recent-day Lampang historic city has been included
in 1st priority historic group determined by city conservation committee of hailand (he Secretariat of
the Cabinet of hailand 2011) which share similarity to
Lamphun historic city. According to mentioned resolution, Lampang initiated activities concerning about historic area conservation in various perspective (Lampang
Municipality 2015), in the comprehensive plan this area
determined to use as culture and city identity encouragement only (Lampang Municipality 2007), in strategic
plan signiicantly encourage streetscape in the historic
area. To implement those plan, this study suggests highly
integration street as a center or initial place for tourism
information due to the possibility of public space reinvention such as the northern branch oice of forestry in
middle of the historic area.
Phrae
Phrae’s historic city locate in Yom river basin, this city
attaches and parallel established to Yom river. Phrae historic city directly inluences by Haripunchai ‘Sankh’ concept, its shape distinctively shows city moat correspond
to ‘Sankh’ shape. his city approximately established in
878 by inluence from Haripunchai then Khmer empire
which periodically ruler of this city (Damrihkul 2004;
Ongsakul 2010). In 1847, the preliminary period before
hai-kingdom oicially established, forestry industries
led by British private company occupied many areas in
northern hailand including Phrae to be branch oice
(Barton and Bennett 2010). From this major, similar to
Lampang, Phrae had highly involved and inluence from
forestry industry during that time. Evidence of inluence
Page 9 of 18
shows in wooden houses, architectures for royal family scattered throughout the area (Valipodom and Songsiri 2007). Events and activities in Phrae highly involved
in developing and transforming the spatial aspect of the
city, to counter colonialism, many development symbols
established such as provincial school, Governor Manor
(Formerly Lan Na royal family Manor), forestry school,
etc. hese intuitions represent as symbolic determined
by the central government as territorial government by
hailand (Suvannakads 2013; Ministry of Interior 1985).
Phrae is one of important satellite city, from the past
to present, it was collision space of political and social
issues that fortunately maintain spatial evidence to investigate until recent-day.
Syntactic properties of Phrae historic city show the
highest integration lines locate in center-south of the city
where global integration values range from 1.22 to 1.31,
however, local integration almost similar to global scope
but it moves to the northern part of the city which range
from 2.70 to 2.982. hese lines connected into inner-ring
urban axis inside historic city’s boundary determined by
its moat (see Fig. 7). In summary, it shared a similarity in
the spatial coniguration of Lampang, global integration
ranges from 0.44 to 1.32 while local integration ranges
from 0.33 to 2.98. Overlay result with public spaces shows
correspond to urban axis identiied by space syntax analysis. hese spaces consist of Museum (Former Governor
Manor), Narirat school (Former leisure area of Governor
Manor), and the municipal quarter. Comprise with their
historic contents, public spaces in the historic city, have
the most important roles in Phrae’ history. For example, Museum of Phrae city where in former time serves
as reside place for rulers, built in modernization period
of hailand due to counter-colonialism (Phrae Provincial Administrative Organization 2009). It represents as
European-hai architectural style, emphasized the civilization ideology of hailand. On the contrary, an urban
axis of Phrae unrelated to religion spaces where others
Lan Na cities in this study directly connect to their urban
axis. In addition, Forestry school which inluenced by
British industrial was undertaking in northern hailand,
located in the most southern part of the city. It located on
the southern tip of highest global integration line.
Settlement kernel analysis shows major clusters of a
settlement located in north and south part of the historic city. Almost similar to Lampang and Lamphun, Settlement concentration distinctively divides into north
and south area. Overlay result shows consistent with
low integration, largest cluster located in southern part,
it connects to axial lines range from 0.70 to 1.31 and
0.70 to 2.76 in global and local integration, respectively.
Northern cluster connected to axial lines range from 0.63
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
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Fig. 7 Analysis of Phrae’s spatial configuration
to 1.28 and 0.33 to 2.98 in global and local integration,
respectively. Both of clusters connected to tips the highest lines of global integration. In addition, southern cluster located adjacent to forestry school, this result might
be afected by forestry school establishment led to the
cluster of settlement in the southern area.
Like many living cities, nowadays Phrae still has active
activities related to conservation of historic city. Even
though city conservation concluded Phrae’s historic area
as 2nd priority (he Secretariat of the Cabinet of hailand 2011)—less signiicance of historic element—but it
Land use comprehensive plan has been determined to
conserve this area as Cultural identity land use like many
Lan Na cities (Department of Public work and Town
and Country Planning 2003b). In historic city elements,
it contains signiicantly urban and architectural feature
which some of them still in active use in recent-day however in urban street conservation plan is still unclear, this
study suggests some of the streets in historic area are
possible to emphasize its syntax properties and connection to public space such as Khum Doem street (Street
between Ph1 and Ph2, see Fig. 7).
Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen’s historic city locate in Chiang Rai province, it settles in the borderline between hailand, Laos
and Myanmar. Chiang Saen was the irst origin of Lan Na
historic city that located in hailand territory. It consists
of city wall which clearly appears in present-day, in three
sides of a city through north, west and south by east side
attach to Khong river which created a natural barrier.
In the historic aspect, Chiang Saen has developed and
deteriorated through political inluences. Chiang Saen
establishes approximately in 1288 AD by Hirankgenyang
ethnic group (Lan Na ruler’s family origin) (Raunthong
2013; Siamrecorder 2005). As large plain that has a potential to be cultivated area, after Lan Na ruler—Phraya
Mengrai—occupied Lamphun (Capital of Haripunchai),
He commanded his descendant nephew (Prajao Saen
Phu) to rule Chiang Saen (Ongsakul 2010). In that time,
Chiang Saen was highly developed, city walls and city
gates created. Chiang Saen also conquered by Ayuthaya
(Another historic period of hailand) in 1487 AD then
occupied by Myanmar which left a city to be unoccupied
and deteriorated. Finally, Chiang Saen revived in 1797, in
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
revival period Chiang Saen return to being Lan Na’ colonial city then later time reclaim to be part of hailand by
hai central government as one of Lan Na kingdom. Chiang Saen received inluence by Lan Na, Sukhothai, and
Myanmar through its time of occupation however due to
seclude location, Chiang Saen deteriorates evidence still
appear through its many unoccupied temples or archaeological ruins distribute inside city walls.
Space Syntax analysis shows that grid system of the
urban network efects to axis core by a group of main
grid represent the highest value of Global integration
lines ranges from 1.69 to 1.93. For the highest group of
Local integration lines, it shows a precisely similar group
of lines as global integration value which ranges from
3.27 to 3.39. his high integration value grid system consists of 5 connected lines in both north–south and east–
west direction and creates segregate low integration lines
distribute inside each grid (see Fig. 8). Low integration
also appears in the boundary of the city, however, the
most east and west sides lines afected by high integration lines are in intermediate value both global and local
scopes. In summary, Global integration lines range from
0.35 to 1.93 and Local integration lines range from 0.33
to 3.39. Overlay result shows public spaces aggregate
along with high integration lines, according to the
regional oice of Fine Art department, the most important temple in Chiang Saen is Chedi Luang1 temple. It
established by Phraya Mengrai’s nephew (Prajao Saen
Phu). Wat Chedi Luang was determined to be the center
of religious at the city scale activities (Raunthong 2013).
Due to unoccupied in Myanmar conquering, many temples are inactive and become ruins scatter throughout the
city. However, Chedi Luang Temple may revive during
Lan Na revival period to restore both spatial and spiritual
of Chiang Saen city. From the result of space syntax analysis, it also conirms urban axis and its major public element such as Chedi Luang temple which also represent
the subjective core of the city.
Settlement Kernel analysis result shows clusters of settlement distribute throughout the city. It shows unclearly
aggregation as major clusters but some several clusters
are segregate in the most center area of the city. Overlay result with space syntax analysis shows settlement
clusters distribute inside grid-system of high integration
values in both Global and Local scope. he result shows
distinctively settlement aggregation is a cluster in eastern
area and gradually distribute to western area. his high
group of clusters attaches to lines of integration range
from 1.02 to 1.90 and 1.08 to 3.39 in Global and Local
1
Luang; in Lan Na’s vocab means enormous. Usually used to describe subject or object that has the most important. For example, in this study, Chedi
Luang means big and/or important pagoda (Chedi means pagoda both Lan
Na and hai language).
Page 11 of 18
integration, respectively. From kernel analysis shows how
settlement in Chiang Saen cluster in intermediate congestion of traic due to re-habitation in Lan Na revival
and Modernization of hailand periods. Settlements of
a city may discontinuity from its previous history due to
the revival of temples are mostly fully recover, seen from
temple ruins and/or unoccupied temples scatter throughout a city (Raunthong 2013). However, clusters of kernel analysis reviews aggregations appear in the eastern
area where commercial and residential mixed together
because Chiang Saen has river ports located on the east
side to transport goods since establishing period. hese
ports distinctively afect kernel analysis of settlement to
be aggregate next to commercial area emerged from river
ports.
Similar to Sukhothai Chiang Saen is half living and dead
historic city due to unoccupied period and discontinue of
cultural fabric has a severely broken heritage of local resident. Recently both government and local community try
to recover and fulil those gaps using planning regulation
and various activities (Department of Public work and
Town and Country Planning 2003c). As mention in settlement analysis, new development session of the city has
been developed incoherence with its historical elements
(Swangsri 2016). Most of the architectural elements have
been completely or partially deteriorated and become
archaeology grounds. However, this archaeological
ground contains a tremendous value in studying history
period in its time, this study reveals some urban network
fabric which may develop into a center for tourism, further morphology study or archaeology priority planning.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai was the capital of Lan Na kingdom. It found
in 1296, historic area of Chiang Mai has plentiful of historic contents from being the center of converging, merging and conlict in geo-politic aspects. After defeated
Haripunchai (Lamphun), Phraya Mengrai established
‘Vieng Khum Kham’ then ‘Vieng Chiang Mai’, respectively
(Ongsakul 2010). Firstly, Vieng Khum Kham inluence
by Lamphun capital of Haripunchai kingdom, somehow,
it relocated to Chiang Mai due to natural and geography
suitability. Unlike other cities in Phraya Mengrai dynasty,
Chiang Mai appointed to be Lan Na capital from the start
(he 9th Infantry division 2006; Forbes and Henley 2012).
To create the capital city, a new concept of the city need
to be included, by that time, founders of Chiang Mai and
Sukhothai was consulted to establish and lay concept of
city shape that indicates as a symbolic and spiritual center
of Lan Na kingdom (Guntang 1990; Tansukanun and
Duangthima 2013). Location of Chiang Mai situates on fertile lowland in the mountain-river basin. Chiang Mai location also substantial retreat from the river due to protection
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 12 of 18
Fig. 8 Analysis of Chiang Saen’s spatial configuration
from looding and expansion bufer. Chiang Mai historic
area has the signiicantly geometric square shape where
eastern direction adjacent to the main river, western direction adjacent to the mountain that creates a natural wall to
protect the city from invaders. Notice by its shape, it highly
inluences by Sukhothai geometric shape which also shows
respects to east–west direction. Moreover, in Buddhism
concept of ‘Traiphum’, Chiang Mai zoning determination
divide into hierarchy usage to separate land use depend on
residents’ social status. From this signiicant separation, it
shows adopted the idea of ‘Traiphum’ suitable to emphasize
capital city and simultaneously provide the semi-god status
of ruler dynastic through sacred boundary (Jumsai 2008).
However, during counter-colonial and pre-modernization
of hailand by centralization policy, some important spaces
in historic area replaced by central government oices or
quarters such as city hall, post oice, city court and even
jailhouse (Jarernmuang and Apavajaruta 1986). his movement, still, shows its evident in the recent day, therefore,
religious spaces such as temples was immune from replacement due to its religious status and mostly situated in the
same location since established period.
Space syntax properties of Chiang Mai shows urban
axis, from highest value of global integration, consist of
the center main street from east moat to central temple.
his axis determined to be the main street of Chiang Mai
since an early state of city establish. It comprises of the
main street which directed to temple that adjacent to
center in geometry. Chiang Mai main axis, clariied by
space syntax axial analysis (Global integration; 1.78, Local
integration; 3.635), located in east and west direction and
almost divides historic area to northern and southern
part. However high-value integrations both global and
local scope, axial lines of high integration value permeate to the southern part more than the northern part.
hese axial lines have high values of Global integration
range from 1.45 to 1.78, create T-shape of an urban axis.
he high value of Local integration axial lines has slightly
diferent from the global scope, besides T-shape of the
urban axis, high local value group include eastern side
of city moat which range from 3.18 to 3.635 (see Fig. 9).
Overlay result with public spaces, explain T-shape of the
urban axis of Chiang Mai. he most important and largest public spaces in Chiang Mai connect directly to the
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 13 of 18
Fig. 9 Analysis of Chiang Mai’s spatial configuration
highest group of axial lines. hese major public spaces
consist of ‘Wat Chedi Luang’ and ‘Wat Pha Singha’, both
are religious temples that even in recent-day still active
and support traditional activities in city scale. Imitate
from Chiang Saen, ‘Wat Chedi Luang’ determine by name
and location to be highest respect and spiritual center in
the city (Chotesookrata 1969). In addition, it represents
as the center of ‘Traiphum’ as Sumane mountain. his
belief afects its location to be in the most center of the
historic area and has the highest pagoda in Chiang Mai.
From space syntax analysis shows a consistent result of
integration value with the location of these major public
spaces.
Kernel analysis overlay with space syntax analysis
shows segregation of settlement cluster inside sub-network of Chiang Mai. Distribution of settlement clusters
shows indiferent in term of size. In overview, most of
the clusters located in southern and eastern part of city
compare to opposite part. Overlay result shows consistent between the location of clusters and space syntax
axial lines both global and local integrations. Similar
to global scope, south, and east lines show signiicant
conformity with kernel analysis adjacent to T-shape of
highest global integration lines. However, a north–east
cluster may found a better explanation through overlay
with local integration axial lines. In addition, clusters of
settlement in Chiang Mai clearly locate in seclude tranquil area. Result signiicantly shows these clusters also
consist with low integration value, especially in global
scope. hese clusters attach to global axial lines with a
value range from 1.05 to 1.25. In summary, its consistent
with land-use of the city where the eastern part is a commercial area, determined since establishment period due
to the proper location and simply connection by river
transportation.
In recent day, Chiang Mai is one of the most travel destination in hailand due to its living heritage of capital
Lan Na because of these reasons Chiang Mai has been
included as a tentative list of world heritage in 2016
(UNESCO 2016). Chiang Mai’s historic city has been
always included as the 1st priority of historic city list,
recently, a potential in the tentative list led to highly
active of both conservation plan and action of people
participation in historic area to response with UNESCO’s
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
criteria and sustainable historic preservation. Urban
streets evaluated by this study display signiicant integration properties and highly related to auspicious public
spaces in the center of historic area (Cm1 and Cm2, see
Fig. 9). According to syntactic properties, it able to determining the urban conservation plan in overall aspects.
Moreover, it displays settlement dwellings in the urban
fabric of historic city which in a highly develop historic
city such as Chiang Mai has settled in low level or subsystem of urban network. his may lead to planning policies comprise with their settlement-morphology relation
such as an evacuation, social gathering, or residential
planning, etc.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai was the capital of its own kingdom in an early
hailand’s history period. It is excluded in the Lan Na
Kingdom; however, its city form and shape has highly
inluenced the other cities. It was found in 1217. he Sukhothai urban plan has adopted a concept of ‘Traiphum’. It
may have considered as an early city in this region to used
geometry of rectangular shape as city form. Inluence by
Khmer, urban elements and public spaces in as found as
city ruin in recent day, shows the hierarchy of location
in urban design comprised with ‘Traiphum’ concept. In
Khmer planning, besides physical aspect of urban design,
spiritual aspect also highly considers being included in
urban elements (Jumsai 2008). hese design concept
has considered water feature as one of city elements that
have to mean as an ininite sea of the universe, highest
buildings represent continents and realms inside cosmicocean. Architectures in Sukhothai was signiicant representing an overall cosmic-ocean concept, it surrounds by
irrigation moat which represents cosmic seas between
each realm. However, in Sukhothai Sumane mountain is
unclear due to this concept may mixed with Lan Na inluence that shows in element of ‘Wat Mahathat’ at adjacent
to geometry center of the city (he 8th Regional Oice
of Fine Arts Department, Sukhothai, 2001; Jumsai 2008),
also insisted that this center of the city where Sumane
mountain representative of concept is unclear. In recent
day, Sukhothai has only ruin because the city has been
damaged during a war in the past and unoccupied period.
It might be diicult to revive the city. Somehow, city gain
gradually more habitat, occasionally. In 1991, UNESCO
announced that Sukhothai by most of ruins and temples
are heritage site where an archaeological study is ongoing
which some area is inactive and unoccupied regulate by
Department of Fine art. However, the urban network of
Sukhothai historic area, still, connect and attach its element with its network that may clarify in this study.
Space syntax properties of Sukhothai shows the highest
group global integration axial lines, display urban axis
Page 14 of 18
locates in the center-south area, range from 1.98 to 1.14.
Almost similar to Chiang Mai, urban axis identiied by
global integration, created T-shape axis lines in north–
south and east–west direction, simultaneously (see
Fig. 10). Moreover, these lines created deform-grid of
urban networks which suburban segregate inside. Despite
urban axis in the center-south clusters of global lines, the
highest group of Local integration axial lines appear
more adjacent to the center of the city than the highest
global integration lines, range from 2.33 to 2.84. In summary, compared to other historic areas in this study, Sukhothai has quite low integration value both global and
local scope which range from 0.44 to 1.14 and 0.33 to
2.84, respectively. From space syntax properties result,
show correlates with public spaces in Sukhothai. Most
important of temples both in spatial and spiritual aspect,
have connected to the highest value of axial lines.
According to ‘Traiphum’ concept, Sukhothai directly
inluenced from Khmer cosmic imitation concept, it
established since Khmer had inluence in the region
(Stratfor 2006; Bangkok Bank Com Ltd. 2008). Evidence
in spatial feature still found in water feature where temples in Sukhothai surround by its reservoir which similar
to Baray2 in Khmer religious architecture elements. After
conquered by Tai, these elements adopt into Buddhism
religious spaces, many temples had aggregated and
replaced or established. ‘Wat Mahathat’ the most important temple in Sukhothai period that shows adopted with
‘Traiphum’ concept results in its pagoda arrangement
and architectural feature, also located and connected to
this urban axis. Moreover, aggregation of temples in Sukhothai signiicantly consistent with high-value lines of
integration both global and local scope as shown in
Fig. 10. Moreover, in Local integration aspect, recent day
active temple ‘Wat Tra Phang hong’ is connected to a
high-value axial line.
From kernel analysis of settlement, the result shows
clearly aggregation of settlement in western part of the
city. Due to a restriction of land-use in the historic area,
Sukhothai has speciic regulation in planning and prohibit to settle in the archaeological area in most part of
the city. Despite main urban network, these settlements
distinctively created sub-network of a labyrinth and freeform network that had integrations range from 0.59 to
0.96 and 0.72 to 2.36 in global and local, respectively.
Moreover, these clusters adjacent to a high value of local
integration lines especially cluster in north–east of the
city. According to recently public spaces activities, these
2
Baray is one of identity auspicious architectural spaces in Khmer empire.
It is reservoirs in Khmer temple, Baray usually has a rectangular shape, oriented east–west. hese elements were important as its represent cosmos
oceans in Hindu belief.
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
Page 15 of 18
Fig. 10 Analysis of Sukhothai’s spatial configuration
settlements conform to urban network usage due to the
most of the activities aggregate in the eastern area while
the western area was conserved as world heritage site.
For Sukhothai, this city is not part of Lan Na cities, It
was the capital of Sukhothai Kingdom but it has inluenced to late Lan Na cities settlement due to its conceptual of geometry. Sukhothai provides signiicance
perspective of historic city conservation in hailand. It
is one of three cities in hailand that earned world heritage merit as Historic City (UNESCO 1994). However,
Sukhothai is an inactive historic city, it contains valuable
archaeological sites which regulated using world heritage’s criterions. he strictness of land-use in part of the
city led to diferent urban dwelling pattern. From syntactic properties, apart from separate inactive and active
land-use, the urban fabric still contains strong urban axis
and related to its public spaces (both active and inactive).
In this study, both syntax and settlement analysis of Sukhothai retrieved and shows signiicant diferent between
active and inactive part. From the analysis, it also shows
moving center of activities from Suk2 to Suk3 (see
Fig. 10) which inluence from settlement and regulation.
Discussion
For Haripunchai historic cities consist of Lamphun, Lampang and Phrae where ‘Sankh’ concept was used to create
city shape and its spatial functions and spatial coniguration using space syntax analysis show a similar pattern of
the urban axis. In Lampang and Phrae, Urban axes displayed inner-ring in a central area of its cities which moat
represent as outer-ring of urban network. Even Phrae
urban network has more grid-alike than Lampang, their
axis group of lines are similarity created the main network as inner-loop. In Freeform of Lan Na historic cities,
Chiang Saen had diferent connected lines of the urban
axis, it shows that grid-system of the urban network has
highly related to important public spaces in previous
time, even city shape is created in free-form, the main
urban network is formed and display in their grid system. Consequently, the main axis conforms to this grid
system network. In historic cities that adopt ‘Traiphum’
concept, Chiang Mai inluenced by Sukhothai shared a
similarity in their urban axis. Both of cities have urban
axis line in T-shape of high integrate syntax properties in
center-southern part of cities. his result shows that high
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
integration line represents their urban axes’ shape, able
to identify the distinctive shape of connected lines conformed to each city concept. Due to direction response,
Chiang Mai and Sukhothai’s urban axes perform similar results, both cities high integration value deviate
into southern area. Moreover, from syntax analysis, also
reveals a deform-grid system in both Chiang Mai and
Sukhothai. However, even their main axis is located along
east–west direction shared similar layout but the Sukhothai east–west axis is completely penetrated through
east–west direction while Chiang Mai main east–west
axis is restrained and approached to the ‘Wat Pra Singha’
temple. his penetrated of syntax lines displays dissimilarity in city concept which applied by Chiang Mai to be
diferent from its origin (Sukhothai).
From overlay result with public spaces, every city’s
important spaces signiicantly located attach to their
urban axis identiied by high integration axial lines.
Despite its location on urban axis, overlay result reveals
historic aspects of public spaces. Religious spaces are predominated in these urban axes; it reveals highly respect
to Buddhism in ‘Lan Na’ kingdom. Arrangement or Hierarchy of important level of temples show consistent to
their urban axis, especially in Chiang Mai historic cities,
location of highly important temples was directly connected to high integration such as ‘Wat Pra Singha’ and
‘Wat Chedi Luang’ in Chiang Mai are directly related to
location of ‘Wat Chana Songkhram’ and ‘Wat Mahathat’
in Sukhothai where T-shape line of high syntax properties located. Nevertheless, in Chiang Saen, even it has
free-form city shape but its religious spaces also attach to
high-value axial lines such as ‘Wat Chedi Luang’ which
might be inluence or shared belief in Lan Na period. In
summary, Sukhothai’s religious spaces occupied largest spaces, mostly in high integrations lines. Chiang Mai
and Chiang Saen show repetition culture in religious
location and names. From a similar perspective, in Haripunchai cities where ‘Sankh’ concept was implemented,
Lamphun and Lampang’s historic cities also shared the
same location of largest temples which are ‘Wat Prathat
Haripunchai’ and ‘Wat Prakeaw Dontao Suchadaram’ in
Lamphun and Lampang, respectively. However, there
also issue derive from this study, its distinctively appear
in Lampang and Phrae, their largest public spaces occupied by non-religious usage. Results revealed that Lampang largest space that attaches to the high syntax lines
is forestry industrial oice, it distinctively shows political
power in colonialism period while teak wood industries
occupied and inluenced in the region consistent with
its history. Phrae’s largest public spaces also occupied by
wooden manor built for rulers of Phrae during lourish of
forest industries, this manor was created in wooden colonial style architecture inluenced by western architecture
Page 16 of 18
by that time. In addition, in every historic city, governmental spaces occupied adjacent to their urban axis high
integration syntax properties, depend on a diferent level
of modernization and cities function in their development to recent day. Public spaces had highly inluenced
by political or religious viewpoint, in this study especially
cities that have conlicted in multiple issues such as colonialization. hese conlicts and/or converge, still, reveal
its own physical evident which consistent to its urban
network until recent-day.
In settlement kernel analysis, every city shared a similar pattern of settlement comprises with space syntax
results, settlement clusters are settled in tranquil and
calm traic where low integration located. Furthermore,
settlement clusters adjacent to high local integration lines
revealed that even residents settled in tranquil traic of
lines but they also generally settled close to high traic
lines to easily travel through the entire urban network.
hese settlement pattern clustered labyrinth axial lines
of urban networks. Results indicated that residents occupied these urban spaces by 2 major factors, Tranquil and
calm neighborhood and adjacent area that responsive
travel to high-integrated lines which indicated a high volume of activities in its urban axis.
For urban morphology of analysed cities, the elements
of the city have been revealed using space syntax of an
urban street, the location of public spaces, and kernel
density of settlement. Analysis of urban form clariied in
more detail using a qualitative method of a street by the
ranking of the urban axis that co-exists with settlement
in gradual density analysis. Shape and form of this study
determined by establishment concept and evolve through
time which conforms and express to its central public space(s). More importantly, the complexity of a city
unable to assess only by quantitative tools or part of the
element but the whole part with historical content must
be assessed to deeply understand the logic of evolution
in its morphology as a part and a whole, simultaneously.
he subject of history is obtained and conceived in each
object element of urban morphology to provide better
understanding and may create appropriated comprehensive conservation planning.
Conclusions
In Lan Na kingdom, Concepts of city shape has been
converged and combined, this study shows urban axis
identities using space syntax with overlay technic on
public spaces and clusters of settlement kernel analysis.
his study a has limit on a number of cities that evaluated in this paper chosen from various type of city shape,
to make concrete result for implementation, present-day
spatial coniguration through its urban network has been
evaluated. his study selected of Lan Na historic cities
Srinurak and Mishima City Territ Archit (2017) 4:10
and Sukhothai historic city where the boundary of the
city is distinctively seen from its moat to evaluated spatial
coniguration with its socio-political aspect.
A study reveals consistency with space syntax methodology as a proven tool to identiied urban axis which
also revealed its history and socio-politic through GIS
overlay. hese urban axes of Lan Na historic cities show
signiicance result consistent with their concepts and historical contents. hese urban axis identiication shows
indigenous idea to create viable communities using
natural-imitation concepts in ‘Sankh’ or ‘Traiphum’.
hese concepts represent through its function as religious spaces as a spiritual center or transformed spaces
to response with political issues. For Lan Na kingdom, it
signiicantly shows high respect to Buddhism from these
spatial arrangements. Including, political aspects, some
cities adapt this center response to its political pleasures
that transition through time.
To encourage the atmosphere of historic cities, these
results can prioritize important of urban network, it
can develop appropriate measures as planning or urban
design guideline concerning about urban axis improvement. According to public spaces related to its history
aspects, Improvement or spatial upgrading in conservative cities have to concern about these highly valuable
historic heritages. More understanding and studying
these elements are, still, in need. Nevertheless, studying how residents settle in its morphology is also should
be clariied, simultaneously. Additional issues of urban
networks may derive from a delicate method, to conserve urban history, present-day spatial aspect has to be
measured to identiied transition and development of the
city which may afect the eicient spatial policy of city
according to its own settlements pattern.
Authors’ contributions
NS conducted the analysis, interpreted the conclusion, and contributed to the
mapping of Lan Na historic cities. NM conceived of the study, participated in
supervising and developing the methodology, in reviewing, and revising the
manuscript. All persons designated as authors qualified for authorship, they
sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for portions of the content.
NS as corresponding author takes responsibility for the integrity of the work
from inception to published article. Both authors read and approved the final
manuscript.
Acknowledgements
Authors would like to express deeply gratitude to the Department of Civil
Engineering and Architecture, Saga University for Doctoral student position
during the research conducted.
Competing interests
We wish to confirm that there is no known competing interests associated
with this publication and there has been no significant for this work that could
have influenced its outcome.
Availability of data and materials
The datasets supporting the conclusion of this article retrieved and produced
from Software as follow;
For GIS software;
Page 17 of 18
Name: QGIS 2.14 Essen
Homepage: http://www.qgis.org/en/site/
Operation: MacOSX.
Programing Language: C++
License: GNU GPL.
For Space syntax software;
Name: DepthmapX 0.50
Homepage: http://www.spacesyntax.net/software/
Operation: MacOSX
Programing Language: C++
License: GNU GPL.
The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are available in the
figshare repository (unique persistent identifier and hyperlink to datasets in
https://figshare.com/projects/Settlement_analysis_of_Lan_Na_cities/22207).
Funding
This paper is supported by the JSPS KAKENHI Grants, Number JP16H04478.
The grant supports in the body of collecting and analysis of data.
Publisher’s Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Received: 15 February 2017 Accepted: 13 June 2017
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