Abstract:
The objectives of this research were 1) to study the identity of Songkhla
old town in terms of designing batik patterns 2) to study the process of creating
patterns on batik using natural indigo, and 3) to design souvenirs as modern products
using sustainable design concept. The study was conducted from both qualitative and
quantitative. The sample groups, which were determined as necessary sources of
information for the objectives, were the people living in the community of the old
town area, Mueang district, Songkhla province, as well as five scholars who specialized
in the architecture of the old town. The sample groups were studied for investigating
the identity of Songkhla old town in designing batik patterns. Five specialists in fiber
and design, from both public and private sectors, were studied for inspecting the
process of creating patterns on batik using natural indigo. Additionally, 150 tourists in
the old town area, Mueang district, Songkhla province, participated to be evaluated
their satisfaction in designing souvenirs as modern products using sustainable design
concepts. The research tools were in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and satisfaction
assessments. Research methodology was studying the identity of Songkhla old town
in terms of designing batik patterns by in-depth interviewing the specialists. Then the
interview was analyzed for designing patterns and creating batik patterns by dyeing
with natural indigo. This process was conducted for designing one collection of
souvenir products and evaluating satisfaction of tourists. The data was analyzed using
statistics: percentages, means, and standard deviation.
The results of the study regarding the identity of Songkhla old town in terms
of designing batik patterns showed that the old town was an important town with
a valuable cultural heritage in terms of history, art, and culture. Moreover, it was a
source of diverse cultures of three religious groups: Thai Buddhists, Thai Chinese, and
Thai Muslims. This diversity reflected the unique ways of life of the community and
the outstanding architectural patterns. There were art forms, based on natural patterns,
combined with architectural patterns. The researcher utilized the combination of the
meanings in the patterns, design theory and similarities, the elements of colors,
shadow outlines, decorative details, and materials to create new and beautiful patterns
indirectly showing the identity of Songkhla old town for designing three patterns. The
researcher discovered that pattern 1 was the most satisfying pattern. The results
of the study about the process of creating patterns on batik with natural indigo showed
that the patterns came from the design concept of Hab Ho Hin Red Mill, Bannbon
Mosque, and Songkhla city gate. Pattern 1 was unique in terms of building structure:
the mixture of the buildings in the old town making up the structure. Afterwards, the
curved characteristics, which gave a feeling of movement from the vent patterns, were
applied to assemble into patterns that reflected beauty and spatial identity. Finally,
the assembled patterns were used to create batik patterns and dye the batik with
natural indigo. From the test results, the color fastness to light of the dyed batik was
at level >4. The color fastness to washing was at level 4. The color fastness to the
friction in a dry state was at level 2-3, and in a wet state was at level 1-2. The resistance
against abrasion was >10,000 times. In addition, the further development of clothing
souvenir products gained the highest score (𝑥̅=4.34). The second was headdresses and
shoes (𝑥̅ =4.30). The third was bags (𝑥̅=4.28). The fourth was hats (𝑥̅=4.27). Overall,
the products gained a high level of satisfaction with an average of (𝑥̅= 4.30).