Development of Crematorium Architecture in Chiang Mai Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the development and variation of crematorium architecture in Chiang Mai Municipality using integrated research methods starting with collecting the primary data and the secondary data from research documents publicly published form policies of the government sector. Then, the survey along with semi-structured interviews were conducted with local users such as ritual practitioners, community leaders, and representatives from Chiang Mai Municipality. There were three case study areas of Pa Hiao (crematorium) surrounding the city center, i.e., Pa Hiao Hai Ya, Pa Hiao Chang Phueak, and Pa Hiao Chang Klan. After that, the architecture formats were analyzed to make an architectural model and synthesized the development of the crematorium architecture of Pa Hiao.

The results of the research revealed that Lanna people believed that the destruction of the original crematorium is considered a serious disrespect to the spirits of the ancestors resulting natural disaster. So there have been new crematoriums constructed while the old crematoriums were kept in their original conditions resulting in various types of crematoriums. This can be a valuable historical record of the changes of Chiang Mai city through local architecture representing the values and uniqueness of Lanna culture. In addition, there is also an architectural evidence of a crematorium believed to be built in the year 1664 which is more than 350 years old. This contrast to the recorded documentary by the missionary stated that the crematorium and the funeral procession in Chiangmai probably occurred after the year 1887 which was about only 140 years.