The participatory design process for revitalization of vacant land within the municipal area of Nakhon Ratchasima City

Vacant land in communities play a significant role in their development, benefiting the public. A participatory design process can help create innovative solutions for revitalizing these vacant areas. In the case study of the municipal area of Nakhon Ratchasima City, this research project was conducted by surveying vacant areas to identify potential locations for revitalization. Data were collected from 400 questionnaires to determine how these spaces are used. The participatory design process involved community members as users and designers, to collaboratively brainstorm and implement solutions. The study found that in the municipal area of Nakhon Ratchasima City, there were vacant spaces owned by the state, such as Treasury Department (Ministry of Finance), Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority, State Railway of Thailand, Military land, Monastery land, totaling of 160.72 rai. These spaces can be divided into two categories: 1) unchanged community spaces, like those of Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance, Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority, and 2) transformed community spaces, like those of State Railway of Thailand, which had been repurposed for government offices, military housing, and open space. The vacant space, especially the underpass area managed by the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority, was identified as a potential location for revitalization to meet the community's needs as a public space. Therefore, it was chosen as the pilot area for this participatory design. Through community engagement activities, including discussions, design trials, and presentations, it was determined that involving the community in the design process was crucial. Factors identified for revitalizing vacant spaces included creating spaces suitable for all ages, organizing continuous activities, and utilizing state-owned vacant land for public benefit by focusing on environmental restoration and promoting social activities to enhance quality of life.