Nationalism and the Modernisation of Thai Architectural Education at Chulalongkorn University in the 1920s and 1930s
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper examines the modernization of Thai architecture through the establishment of Thailand’s first architecture school, its curriculum, its architecture, and the pivotal role of the first generation of Thai architecture professors, who had been educated in England and France. It demonstrates how the establishment of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, stemmed from the Siamese government’s growing nationalism that aimed to end foreign domination in both Siam’s construction industry and international diplomacy. The process, however, involved the adoption of a western curriculum — which was considered modern — and adapting it to be more Thai for nationalist purposes. This also required support by employing a foreign professor in architecture: Lucien Coppé, a Belgian architect who was responsible for both upgrading the school’s curriculum and the design of its first permanent building in 1938. Furthermore, some aspects of the western curriculum were not intended to be adapted but were hybridized due to the constraints of the modernizing nation. The establishment and construction of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, are examples of how art, science, and education were intertwined in both national and global politics in the 1930s.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
References
Baeb sathapattayakam khana sathapattayakammasat (1940). [Architectural drawings of the Faculty of Architecture]. (Ch 2, Box 21, Folder 13). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Coppé, L. (ca.1933). Photographs of drawings [Photograph]. Dossier Lucien Coppé. Archives et bibliothèque d’architecture [Lucien Coppé file. Archives and architecture library], Fonds S.C.A.B., Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels.
Coppé, L. (ca.1940). Chulalongkorn university administrative building [Photograph]. Coppé Family Archives, Brussels.
Kan poed tuek tang tang nai wan chat. (1941). [Documents about the opening of new buildings in Chulalongkorn University on the national day]. (Ch 18.5, Box 1, Folder 5). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana kammakan borihan chulalongkorn mahawitthayalai pho so 2475. (1932). [Meeting minutes of Chulalongkorn University’s managing committee 1932]. (Ch 21.1, Box 2, Folder 37), Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana sathapattayakammasat. (1934). [Documents about the Faculty of Architecture]. (Ch 10, Box 2, Folder 18). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana sathapattayakammasat. (n.d.). [Documents about the Faculty of Architecture]. (Ch 10, Box 1, Folder 1). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana sathapattayakammasat. (n.d.). [Documents about the Faculty of Architecture]. (Ch 10, Box 1, Folder 4). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana sathapattayakammasat. (n.d.). [Documents about the Faculty of Architecture]. (Ch 10, Box 2, Folder 28). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Khana thantaphaetsat chulalongkorn mahawitthayalai. (1941). Khao Khosanakan, (6), 1484. [The Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University.]
Lucien Coppé. (1938-1941). [Documents Regarding Employment of Lucien Coppé]. Achan chao tang prathet (Ch 19.2 Box 1, File 14). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Nai Lucien Cappe nai chang sathapattayakam achan nai krasuang thammakan. (n.d.). [Mr. Lucien Coppé, Architectural Master Builder and Lecturer at the Ministry of Education]. (K T 35.10/47), National Archives of Thailand, Bangkok.
[Photograph of the main façade of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University]. (ca. 1941). Akhan sathan thi (PL36_06). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
[Photograph of the 1941 Class of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University]. (ca. 1941). Mom Chao Vodhyakara Varavarn Archives, Bangkok.
Polain, M. (1926). [Letter to Paul Hymans]. Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Archives, Brussels.
Rong rian poh chang. (n.d.). [Documents about the Arts and Crafts School]. Office of the Prime Minister (S R 0201.14.1/11). National Archives of Thailand, Bangkok.
Thi din sap sin kan ko sang. (n.d.). [Doculments about land, asset, and construction] (Ch 18). Chulalongkorn University Archives, Bangkok.
Secondary literature
Aasen, C. T. (1998). Architecture of Siam: A cultural history interpretation. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press.
Anderson, B. R. (1991). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. London: Verso Books.
Banomyong, P., Phongpaichit, P., & Baker, C. (2000). Selected writings on life, politics, and economy. Chiang Mai: Silkworm.
Beernaert, B., & Constandt, L. (1988). Stenen herleven: 111 jaar ‘Kunstige Herstellingen’ in Brugge 1877-1988 [Reviving stones: 111 years of 'artistic repairs' in Bruges 1877-1988]. Bruges: Van de Wiele.
Boussard, P. A. (2004). A century of Thai-Belgian friendship. Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing.
Carter, C. (1915). Report of the superintendent of Siamese Government students for the period of April 1913 to March 1914. Edinburgh: The Darien Press.
Carter, C. & Stevenson, J. (1930). Report of the superintendent of Siamese Government students for the period of April 1928 to March 1929. Edinburgh: The Darien Press.
Cody, J. W., Steinhardt, N. S., & Atkin, T. (2011). Chinese architecture and the Beaux-Arts. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Concours national des maîtres-carriers de Belgique [National competition for master quarrymen in Belgium] 1938. (1938). L’Émulation. Architecture et Urbanisme, 58(11), 182-185.
Coomans, Th. (2011). Viérin, Joseph (Jos), architect en politicus [Architect and politician]. In W. Clarysse & H. Rombauts (Eds.), Nationaal Biografisch Woordenboek (pp. 1132-1147). Brussels: Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België.
Coomans, Th. (2014). China Papers: The architecture archives of the building company Crédit Foncier d’Extrême-Orient (1907-59). ABE Journal. European Architecture Beyond Europe. Advance online publication. doi: 10.4000/abe.742.
Coppé, L. (1954, January-February). Bâtiment universitaire en Thaïland [University building in Thailand]. La technique des travaux.
Ferrara, F. (2012). The legend of King Prajadhipok: Tall tales and stubborn facts on the seventh reign in Siam. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 43(1), 4-31.
Fusinpaiboon, C. (2016a). Alternate moderns: The half-timbered architecture of HSH Prince Vodhyakara Varavarn in Thailand, 1930s-1950s. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University.
Fusinpaiboon, C. (2016b). Prawat kan okbaeb kosang lae som saem ho prachum chulalongkorn mahawitthayalai [The construction and renovation of Chulalongkorn University’s assembly hall] In Ho prachum chulalongkorn mahawitthayalai (pp. 14-39). Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University.
Fusinpaiboon, C. (2018). Strategic modernism: The architecture of HSH Prince Vodhyakara Varavarn and modern Thailand in transition, 1950s–1960s. In H. W. Stephen (Ed.), New histories of Southeast Asian art, 1945–1990 (pp. 49-79). Sydney: Power Publications.
Horayangkura, V., Intharawichit, K., Chanthawilatwong, S., & Inphantang, W. (1993) Phattanakan naew khwamkid lae rupbaeb khong ngan sathapattayakam: Adit patchuban lae anakot [The development of architectural ideas and styles: Past, present, and future]. Bangkok: Association of Siamese Architects.
Kridakorn, M. C. I. (1935). Rueng kiaokab sathapattayakam [About architecture]. Bangkok: Rongphim Phrachan.
Kusno, A. (2012). Rethinking the Nation. In C. G. Crysler, S. Cairns & H. Heynen (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of architectural theory (pp. 213-230). Los Angeles: SAGE.
Ladawan, M. R. Sadab. (1961). Phra Sarot Rattananimman. In Prawat khru (pp. 133-43). Bangkok: Rongphim Kurusapha.
Lagae, J. (2003). Architecture et urbanisme au Congo [Architecture and urbanism in Congo]. In A. Van Loo (Ed.), Dictionnaire de l’architecture en Belgique de 1830 à nos jours (pp. 476-481). Antwerp: Fonds Mercator.
Le concours de l’I.N.R. [The competition of the I.N.R.]. (1934). L’émulation. Revue mensuelle de la société centrale d’architecture de Belgique, 54(8), 117-126.
Limsira, P. (2010). Thailand treaty between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Belgium on the transfer of sentenced persons and on co-operation in the enforcement of penal sentences. Journal of East Asia and International Law. 5(1), 488-490.
Lysa, H. (2004). 'Stranger within the gates': Knowing semi-colonial Siam as extraterritorials. Modern Asian Studies, 38(2), 327-354.
Meganck, L., Van Santvoort, L., & De Maeyer, J. (2013). Regionalism and modernity. Architecture in western Europe 1914-1940. Leuven: Kadoc and Leuven University Press.
Moyn, S., & Sartori, A. (2015). Approaches to global intellectual history. In S. Moyn & A. Sartori (Eds.), Global Intellectual History (pp. 9-20). New York: Columbia University Press.
Mulder, N. (1996). Inside Southeast Asia: Religion, everyday life, cultural change. Amsterdam: The Pepin Press.
Neuckermans, H. & Verpoest, L. (2003). Enseignement de l’architecture en Belgique [Architecture education in Belgium]. In A. Van Loo (Ed.), Dictionnaire de l’architecture en Belgique de 1830 à nos jours (pp. 530-533). Antwerp: Fonds Mercator.
Passchier, C. (2016). Building in Indonesia 1600-1960. Volendam: LM Publishers.
Peleggi, M. (2007). Thailand: The worldly kingdom. London: Reaktion Books.
Phothiprasat, N. (1943). Ngan sathapattayakam khong rao cha kaona pai thang nai [What directions will our architectural works progress toward? In The commemorative book of the Royal Institute Day]. In Samud thi raruek wan ratchabandittayasathan, p. 394. Bangkok: The Royal Institute.
Phothiprasat, N. (1944). Sathapattayakam nai prathet thai [Architecture in Thailand]. Bangkok: Ministry of Municipal Works.
Pluk ban phid kid chon ban thalai. (1942). [Bad construction of a house brings disasters]. Bangkok: Rong Phim Sri Krung.
Povatong, P. (2011). Building siwilai: Transformation of architecture and architectural practice in Siam during the reign of Rama V, 1868-1910 (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Ratchakitchanubaeksa. (1935). 52, 82.
Phra Sarot Rattananimman. (1976). Kan sang akhan thi siriraj phayaban [The construction of buildings at Siriraj Hospital], p.497. In Anuson 84 pi siriraj. Bangkok: Khana phetthayasat siriraj phayaban.
Prakitnonthakan, C. (2004). Kanmueng lae sangkhom nai sinlapa sathapattayakam: sayamsamai thaiprayuk chatniyom [Politics and society in architectural art: Siam, Thailand, and nationalism]. Bangkok: Matichon.
Prakitnonthakan, C. (2016). Architect, knowledges, and architecture schools. Na Jua, 13, 77-113.
Reid, A. (2015). A history of Southeast Asia: Critical crossroads. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Reilly, C. H. (1906). The Liverpool Architectural Sketch Book: Being the Annual of the School of Architecture. Liverpool: University of Liverpool.
Saint, A. (2007). Architect and engineer: A study in sibling rivalry. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Sayre, F. B. (1928). The passing of extraterritoriality in Siam. The American Journal of International Law, 22(1), 70-88.
Seidenfaden, E. (1927). Guide to Bangkok: with notes on Siam. Bangkok: The Royal State Railway Department of Siam.
Smets, M. (1977). L’avènement de la cité-jardin en Belgique: Histoire de l’habitat social en Belgique 1830-1930 [The advent of the garden city in Belgium: The history of social housing in Belgium 1830-1930]. Liège: Mardaga.
Tan, C. B. (2006). Chinese transnational networks. London: Routledge.
Terwiel, B. J. (1980). Field marshal Plaek Phibun Songkhram. St Lucia: University of Queensland Press.
Tiptus, P. (1996). Sathapanik Siam: Phuentan botbat phonngan lae naewkit (pho so 2475-2537) [Siamese architects: Foundation, roles, works, and ideas (1932-1994)]. Bangkok: Samakhom satapanik siam.
Van Santvoort, L., De Maeyer, J. & Verschaffel, T. (2008). Sources of Regionalism in the nineteenth century. Architecture, art and literature. Leuven: Kadoc and Leuven University Press.
Vandenbreeden, J. & Vanlaethem, F. (1996). Art Déco et Modernisme en Belgique: Architecture de l’entre-deux-guerres [Art Deco and modernism in Belgium: Architecture of the interwar period]. Brussels: Racine.
Walraet, M. (1957). Rolin-Jaequemyns, Gustave. In Biographie nationale. 29 (pp. 803-809). Brussels: Académie royale de Belgique.
Walter E. J. T. (1992). Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns (Chao Phraya Aphai Raja) and the Belgian advisers in Siam (1892-1902): An overview of little-known documents concerning the Chakri reformation era. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University.
Wang, Y. (2018). Beaux-Arts composition and its evolution in China’s architectural education a case study of architectural education at Nanjing Institute of Technology. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 17(2), 199-204.
Watanabe, T. (2006). Japanese imperial architecture. In E. P. Conant (Ed.), Challenging past and present: The metamorphosis of nineteenth-century Japanese art (pp. 240-253). Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.