The Development of an Instrument for Assessing Public Spaces in Accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : A Case Study of the Riverside Area at Photharam Market

Abstract

This research aims to study and develop tools for surveying and assessing sustainable public spaces based on the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The case study selected is the riverside area of Photharam Market in Ratchaburi Province, a location significant in terms of environmental, historical, social, and cultural aspects of the community. The advancement of SDGs has become a national agenda that requires collaboration from all sectors to achieve sustainable development in all dimensions.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including field surveys, spatial analysis, focus group discussions, and interviews with experienced users of the space. The research focuses on developing two types of survey tools: one for focus group discussions and another for assessing user satisfaction. The topics and questions in the questionnaires are based on theories, concepts, and previous research related to public spaces, the SDG framework, and the contextual characteristics of the Photharam riverside area. The tools address the five pillars of sustainability: social, economic, environmental, peace and institutions, and partnerships for development—encompassing all 17 SDG goals.

The outcome of this research is the development of effective tools that can be used to collect data and assess public spaces in the future. These tools aim to support policy-making and propose design guidelines for sustainable public spaces, both in the context of Photharam’s riverside area and in other communities.