This research aims at studying the abandoned monasteries dilemma in 11 sub-districts outside the old Chiang Mai's city’s walls. Chiang Mai is reported to have some 948 abandoned monasteries (wat), including 99 inside old walled city center where there are only 35 living wat and 10 abandoned chedi(stupa) remains today. In the area outside of old walled-city, there are only 10 chedi remained and a monastery is recently revitalized to be a living monastery again. These survived evidences from the past now are situated at the initial locations but within changed contexts such as being school, official buildings, slum, and onto streets. The research is also intended to study alternative solutions for physical development for each site, especially among the current users and various contexts. Seeking beyond creative thinking based on abandonment factors of a religious place, circle of abandonment phenomenon, and demand &supply for a monastery existing are focused. Emerging of specific characters and factors of the abandoned monasteries are also considered to future sustainability for the next generation and urban environment. Most of alternative design concepts are both current existing solutions and also possibility for the future revitalization.
It was found that various abandoned monasteries could be categorized by common contexts then selected some of them were selected for design development. These selected sites are exemplified for possibility guidelines where based on physical development. Site selections from the cases usually lead to conflict with the poor conditions behind adjacent buildings, error management on original deeds, and less of the National Historic boundaries for sustainable maintenance. Most of unsustainable factors are lack of linkage to everyday users, localcommunities, and urban perception. As a result, expandable design area and adaptability to be recreation area for each local community should be accepted. Sense of the sacred place must be included and buffer zoning is needed to protect the historical remnants which are the most highlighted aspect of the sites. Recall of more original surrounding areas for development is needed for public perception as well as urban open spaces. Continuity of better-condition implements upon sense of sacred places are possibly becoming more creative on cultural tourist attractions as they are parts of sustainable development plan to the future Chiang Mai’s World Heritage enlisting.