Chiang Mai - Comprensive Urban Research Study

Duong Apavatjrut Charoenmuang, PhD., coordinator of the Urban Studies Section of the Social Resarch Institute, Chiang Mai University, has recently published an English translation of her 2005 study, Sustainable Cities in Chiang Mai: A Case of a City in a Valley.

The book is an integrated social and economic study of development focused on problems that have recently been created but grounded in the culture of Chiang Mai (history, beliefs, religion) and the concept of sustainable development.

Dr. Duongchan, born, raised and resident in Chiang Mai, is very well qualified. a BA in Architecture at Chulalongkorn was followed by degrees in city planning from University of Pennsylvania and Urban Engineering (Urban Conservation) fom the University of Tokyo. Prior to joing the staff of Chiang Mai University, she was a city planner in Chicago (Illinois, USA) and Bangkok.

She is also the co-founder and secretary-general of the Urban Development Institute Foundation (UDIF) of Chiang Mai. This is an activist group dedicated to sustainable growth in Chiang Mai. Information on UDIF can be found at http://www.udif.or.th/indexE.htm. The foundation also has an interesting presentation hall (near the Governor's Residence) which may be visited.

The book is not a casual read, but it is definitely worth reading. And UDIF is certainly worth visiting.

Further information, email:

Urban Studies Section: srxxo005 (at) chiangmai.ac.th

Publisher: Chiang Mai Sangsilp Printing, Ltd., Part.: sangsilp (at) gmail.com