Guidelines for Shop Layouts in Community Market to Enhance Natural Daylighting Case Study: Ing Nam Market, Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani

Abstract

This research aims to study and analyze the relationship between natural light intensity levels and visibility potential within the Ing Nam Market community area. The goal is to propose guidelines for shop layout design that promotes visual comfort and user satisfaction in the Ing Nam Market community, serving as a guideline for sustainable community market development. Lighting is a crucial factor influencing tourism, alongside economic factors and policies focused on promoting community and shop identity. This article studies the enhancement of natural light efficiency through shop layout modifications in the Ing Nam Market, Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. Quantitative research involved surveying the market area to measure initial light intensity levels, along with collecting data through questionnaires to assess perceptions, satisfaction, and requirements from a sample of 210 individuals, including shop owners and tourists. The findings indicated that the average light intensity in the market area was below the standard set by the Thai Lighting Association, highlighting a need for increased lighting. Based on these findings, qualitative research focused on analyzing and designing improvements to the shop layout and overall market context by enhancing natural lighting using DIALux 4.13 software. The results were then evaluated, and user satisfaction data was collected. The study found that the shop placement and space management approach within the community market area, without obstructions to natural light, combined with shop placement every 2.00 meters, significantly increased the amount of natural light entering the market area. This allowed for more efficient use of walkways and shop areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the daytime. This contributes to energy conservation and long-term environmental sustainability within the Ing Nam Market community.