Boundaries and guidelines for treatment as factors in the success of historic districts: comparative case studies in Galveston, Houston, and Bangkok

Abstract

This research is a study of historic districts and how guidelines and boundaries help the establishment and the success of the historic districts. Success and ingredients for the success of historic districts were also analyzed and identified. Two case studies from the United States and one from Thailand were used to develop the understanding of the use of boundaries and design guidelines for historic districts. These three case studies are the Strand/Mechanic Historic area of Galveston, Texas, the Main Street/Market Square of Houston, Texas, and Tatien/Pagklong-Talad of Bangkok, Thailand. Several methods including Delphi investigation, personal observation, interviews and day trips to all of the study areas were used for data collection. Literature review provided information and theoretical evidence. The data and information from the literature review provided an opportunity to test the hypotheses of this study. The study offers an understanding of historic districts, their design guidelines and boundaries, and develops knowledge in the use of guidelines and boundaries that could be use effectively in the establishment and success of historic districts, especially in Thailand. The major finding of this study is that zoning alone is not the factor to establish boundaries for a historic district. However, clear boundaries, supported by clearly established land-use policies, are critical to the success and establishment of a historic district. Supportive design guidelines are also important factors that encourage the success of historic districts. The success of any historic district cannot be measured only by the amount of money or economic gain. According to the Delphi group, the satisfaction of the residents towards the area is more important. The main issues that affect the use of boundaries and guidelines in historic district directed from this study were as follows: · Understanding both the area and the needs of the residents · Preparing and providing historic district awareness among the residents · Carefully defining boundaries of the districts · Establishing a set of guidelines according to the type and level of users · Refining and updating both boundaries and guidelines when needed.