KNOWLEDGE OF THE UTILIZATION OF TEAK IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY PRODUCT DESIGN

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the utilization process of teak in the context of community product designs and 2) to transfer knowledges on the utilization of teak in the context of community product designs. The researchers used Participatory Action Research Methodology (PAR) and data were collected by using semi-structured interview on the utilization of teak. We collected data by field visiting, observation, and interview with the sample groups. We studied from various documentaries to summarize and analyze the qualitative data in a description. The researchers visited the community in the area of Muang Kao Sub-district, Muang District, Sukhothai Province where is a community that lives around the World Heritage site in the Sukhothai Historical Park. There are many communities that produces products from wood in many communities and varieties of products.

The results of studying were found that government agency wanted to promote the community for having a sustainable career which relying on their own aptitudes. Therefore, we studied and found the samples which can be divided into five groups of the teak products; 1. Teak furniture group, 2. Tree roots furniture group, 3. Wooden Buddha group, 4. Home decoration group, and 5. Souvenir group. However, we can design the products transferring knowledges three product groups of them: teak furniture group, home decoration group, and the souvenir group. Due to the root furniture group and wooden buddha group, they were unable to characterize the materials. Moreover, it also depended on the imagination and craftsman skills. The products that we designed were shoes rack furniture, folding table, and four types of lamps. We set up a forum to transfer the knowledges and concluded that the community must use the teak to the greatest benefit. Because of the most value adding to the local identity, it should be integrated between communities to use other types of products and make them together for adding value.