Khaosan as Canvas: Mural Art as a Solution for Tourist-Resident Relation Problems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69598/decjournalartanddesign.5.68-92Keywords:
mural, design thinking, Bangkok, community engagement, social frictionAbstract
This project examines the social friction and misuse of public space resulting from intense urban tourism in an alleyway in Bangkok's Khaosan district, Thailand. The rapid stream of tourists often creates tension with long-standing local communities. This study employed a Design Thinking approach, utilizing mixed methods including "lifetime stories" and "geo-social mapping" from community tools, to understand and design a public art intervention. The project involved the co-creation and installation of a mural and posters, featuring spice-themed anthropomorphic designs and bilingual Roman and Thai lettering. Post-implementation observations and community interviews revealed significant positive outcomes: enhanced aesthetic appeal, increased positive tourist engagement, such as taking photos in the alley, and satisfied local community
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