THE WATER PARLIAMENT

Abstract

The thesis aims to reimagine how the cultural evolution of the symbolism of religion, monarch, and water can transform Bangkok from a sin city into a water parliament where every Bangkokians participates in a redevelopment of the city. Water will be the space-making material literally or indirectly engaging in the discourse of facilitating these changes of the future living as well as the social, political, and environmental well-being in the face of climate change. The new water urbanism employs the symbolism of the traditional religious architecture and religious belief towards the different deities in Thailand. It will be postulated by the 4 Thai deities individually in different phases of redevelopment with temples preserved as the symbol of resilience through the adaptive use of water. Biophilic and Arcology design will also be incorporated in the new water urbanism that encompasses homeostasis systems which will enable Bangkok to be self-sustainable as well as creating a new platform for religious and solidarity celebration of the country. This new cultural profile shall portray a new form of faith, hope, fidelity, and charity, strengthening the political culture of the monarch and the unity of the country. It will also enable the participatory self-empowerment of its citizens during the redevelopment of the city with more housing and job security created in the future. Hence, the Water Parliament will be a people city that establishes the new water urbanism, focusing on (a) protecting the people against environmental challenges as well as (b) allowing the evolution of social and political institutions in Thailand.