Two Roads Converging for an Inclusive Urban Growth
Development is an inevitable force that impacts everything, transcending all sectors and realms. Scientific advancements and evolving needs spark innovation, leading to the creation of new ideas and the replacement of the old. When development touches a city, it goes beyond demolishing mere structures – it involves reshaping history and preserving memories that hold significant cultural value.
In Bangkok, historic districts like Thonburi, Charoenkrung, Petchkasem, and Nakhon Kasem are gaining recognition as historical landmarks. Centuries-old buildings once viewed as relics are now appreciated for their cultural significance. Exhibitions, visits, and businesses aligned with a nostalgic, ‘nostalgia chic’ trend are on the rise. The government, too, is actively responding to this sustainable development wave, aiming to inject vibrancy, enhance value, and create lasting landmarks for future generations.
However, sustainable development for historic urban areas requires a multidimensional approach beyond mere renovations or temporary exhibitions. It involves considering the city’s organic expansion, addressing neglected areas, transforming hidden corners and neglected spaces into vibrant and safe recreational spots, and accommodating diversity.
Yet, as we embrace new values in these old spaces, it’s crucial not to overlook the roots that provide the foundation for the area’s identity. Balancing preservation and development requires weighing the benefits of maintaining traditional ways of life, fostering community involvement, and elevating the overall quality of life for residents.
As these historic areas gain value, the expansion of the city and the influx of new businesses may reshape the landscape. This transformation prompts the community to decide whether to hold onto tradition or welcome the ‘new’ to redefine the area’s future. Balancing preservation and development comes with a cost, raising essential questions for taxpayers and stakeholders about the true value of conserving these old spaces.
Now is a critical turning point where the development of historic urban areas necessitates collaboration between the government and the local community. It’s a time to decide which direction the city will take, under shared governance, as people work together at every step. The challenge lies in maintaining these old spaces as living legends, preserving their tales without leaving anyone behind, rather than merely ‘buying time’ before irreversible development erases every trace.
This is the story of our city, and it involves all of us. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, it emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful decisions that will shape the future for generations to come.
