


Brian Otieno
Jun 14, 2024
Thailand
Categories:
Rural_development, Urban_planning, Architectural design
Kotchakorn Voraakhom, a landscape architect with a master's degree from Harvard, is transforming Bangkok to combat environmental degradation through her firm, Landprocess, and social enterprise, Porous City Network. Her notable projects include Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, which captures rainwater, Thammasat University’s rooftop farm, Chao Praya Sky Park, and Siam Green Sky Urban Agriculture Learning. These initiatives integrate modern design with natural systems to address urban environmental challenges.
Shortly before a major flood, Kotchakorn’s return to Bangkok in 2011 inspired her to focus on climate resilience and community-based solutions. Landprocess not only fulfills clients' needs but also promotes climate-responsive designs. Despite challenges in changing client mindsets, Kotchakorn emphasizes cost-effective, impactful designs that address social and environmental issues.
She established the Porous City Network in 2017 to engage local communities in co-design processes, raise awareness, and foster collaboration to tackle climate change and social inequity. This initiative has facilitated workshops and field trips, connecting Thai students with communities in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Kotchakorn advocates for education reforms to training future designers in community engagement and sustainable development. She believes sustainable cities must consider all living elements and integrate diverse public spaces. Her work emphasizes the importance of involving women, locals, and vulnerable communities in decision-making to create healthier, more inclusive urban environments.
Here are ten practical ways to combat environmental degradation in your community, inspired by Kotchakorn Voraakhom's work:
1. Engage in Community Gardening: Participate in or start community gardens to promote local food production and green spaces.
2. Support and Advocate for Green Spaces: Encourage the development of parks, rooftop gardens, and other green areas in urban settings to enhance biodiversity and manage water runoff.
3. Participate in Local Environmental Projects: Get involved in local environmental initiatives, such as tree planting, park cleanups, or urban farming projects.
4. Promote Rainwater Harvesting: To reduce water wastage, advocate for and implement systems to collect and utilize rainwater in residential and community areas.
5. Educate and Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about sustainable practices and the importance of integrating natural systems into urban planning.
6. Involve Local Communities in Planning: Encourage community participation in environmental and urban planning projects to ensure that local knowledge and needs are considered.
7. Utilize Abandoned Spaces: Identify and repurpose vacant or abandoned spaces for community use, such as turning them into parks, community centers, or urban farms.
8. Advocate for Policy Changes: Support policies and initiatives that promote sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.
9. Promote Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure that women, vulnerable groups, and local residents are included in discussions and decisions about community development and environmental projects.
10. Practice Sustainable Living: To minimize environmental impact, adopt and promote sustainable living practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using eco-friendly products.
By adopting these practical steps, you can help mitigate environmental degradation in your community and promote a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.
Photo by Nadine Marfut on Unsplash.
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Catalog #:
0624.113.04.061324