Architecture in Cambodia (Kampuchea) PDF
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John Vincent Lagman
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This document presents a detailed overview of architecture in Cambodia, specifically focusing on the historical development of Khmer architecture. The document covers various aspects, from geographical influences and geological construction materials used to architectural features, motifs, and structures throughout the different periods. It includes descriptions of different styles and periods (Pre Angkorian, Khmer Period, and elements such as Bas-reliefs, Stairs and several motifs such as Apsara, Devata, and Dvarapala.
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# Architecture in Cambodia (Kampuchea) ## History of Architecture 3 ## Ar. John Vincent Lagman ## Geographical - Image of the Cambodian flag. - Image of a map of Cambodia that shows the cities and provinces of the country. - Thailand borders Cambodia to the west. - Laos borders Cambodia to the nort...
# Architecture in Cambodia (Kampuchea) ## History of Architecture 3 ## Ar. John Vincent Lagman ## Geographical - Image of the Cambodian flag. - Image of a map of Cambodia that shows the cities and provinces of the country. - Thailand borders Cambodia to the west. - Laos borders Cambodia to the north and east. - Vietnam borders Cambodia to the south and east. ## Geological - Timber is the principal building material in the delta area. - The hinterland is made up of Laterite, Sandstone and Terracotta brick. - Images show examples of stone buildings built with various materials. ## Climate - The cooling rain and wind of the south-west Monsoon provides the only break in the tropical humid heat. - Images show different regions of Cambodia and their typical weather patterns depending on the month of the year. ## Architectural Character - The earliest recorded capital was Vyadhapura on the lower reaches of the Mekong River. - Images show a bustling market place. ## Architectural Character - **Pre Angkorean** - **Sambor Prei Kuk Style (610-650 AD)** - Where the capital of Chenla Kingdom. - Temples of Sambor Prei Kuk were built in a round shape, with plain colonettes and capitals that include a bulb. - Images show a small temple with multiple levels, and an image of carvings on an unknown structure. - **Prei Khemg Style (635-700 AD)** - Structures reveal masterpieces of sculpture but architecture scare. - Colonettes are larger than the previous style. - Buildings were more heavily decorated but they had general decline of standards. - Images show a tall, rectangular structure built of stone bricks. - **Kompong Preah Style (700-800 AD)** - Temples with more decorative rings on colonettes which remain cylindrical. - Brick construction continued. - Images show a series of stone pillars and columns. ## Khmer Period - Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire (Yasodharapura). - Megacity at least 0.1% if the global population (1010-1220). - Sanskit "City." - Images show a detailed view of Angkor Wat. ## Khmer Period - Image is a map of Angkor showing the different temples. - 1. Angkor Wat - 2. Phnom Bakeng - 3. Baksei Chamkrong - 4. Angkor Thom - 5. Bayon - 6. Baphuon - 7. Royal Plaza & Phimeanakas - 8. Preah Palilay - 9. Elephant Terrace & Terrace of the Leper King - 10. Khleang - 11. Preah Pithu - 12. Preah Khan - 13. Neak Pean - 14. Ta Som - 15. East Mebon - 16. Pre Rup - 17. Thommanon - 18. Chao Say Tevoda - 19. Ta Keo - 20. Ta Prohm - 21. Banteay Kdei - 22. Srah Srang - 23. Prasat Kravan - 24. Banteay Samre - 25. Banteay Srei - 26. West Mebon ## Khmer Period Structures - **Temple Mountain** - Mount Meru - home of the devas in Hindu mythology. - The temple was constructed in the shape of a steep pyramid, with the highest elevated sanctuary put at the center as the home to the temple's primary deity. - Bakong, Baphuon, Pre Rup, Ta Keo, Koh Ker, Phimeanakas, and Phnom Bakeng. - Images show a mountain. - **Central Sanctuary** - Bakan, the central sanctuary that held the main shrine of the temple's primary deity. - Images show detail on a tower. - **Prang** - It is a richly carved tower-like spire. - This structure has receding size as it ascends, which reminds of Indic shikhara of Hindu temple. - Images show detail of a tower. - **Enclosure** - A concentric series of walls surrounded Khmer temples represent the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru. - These walls are divided by enclosures, which are numbered from the centre outwards. - Images show a diagram of the walls and enclosure design. - **Gallery** - Gallery is a passageway lining along the walls defining the Khmer temples' enclosures or temple's axis. - This form evolved during the 10th century when the long hallways were used to surround the temple's central sanctuary. - Images show a diagram of the walls and enclosure design. - **Gopura** - An entrance building or entrance pavilion to access a temple. - Gopura was constructed with enclosures surrounding a temple and placed at each of the four cardinal points. - Images show an ornate gate. - **Library** - Even being the common feature of Khmer temple architecture, the true purpose of library remains unknown. - They are free-standing buildings which were normally placed in pairs on either side of an enclosure's entrance and open to west. - Images show an isolated stone structure. - **Naga Bridge** - There is a nine-headed serpent in the shape of a fan is adorned on each side of the bridge leading to entrance gate of temples in Angkor. - This representation may symbolize the transition from the world of men to the world of the gods, and reinforced by Indra's presence. - Images show a carved snake. ## Khmer Period Elements - **Bas-reliefs** - Figures or entire scenes sculpted into stone walls. - They are narrative bas-reliefs depicting stories from mythology and history. - The style of bas-reliefs depicted in Khmer architecture is known for its narrative and symbolic nature, detailing scenes from mythology, history, and daily life. - **Stairs** - Angkor Temples are notoriously steep with an angel of ascent between 45 and 7-0 degrees. - This steep stairway represents the "stairway to heaven”, “the realm of the gods" from the religious perspective. - Images show a set of stairs. ## Khmer Period Motifs - **Apsara** - Celestial dancing girls. - **Devata** - Minor female deities. - **Dvarapala** - Demonic temple guardians with clubs and lances. - These guardians, often depicted as fierce warriors with elaborate headdresses and holding weapons, are thought to protect the temple and its sacred space from negative forces. - **Gajasimha** - Mythical animal with lion's body and elephant head, temple guardian. - In Khmer art, the Gajasimha is often depicted standing guard at entrances, symbolizing power and protection - **Reachisey** - Mythical animal with lion's head, dragon's body and a short elephant trunk. - **Garuda** - Half man - half bird, lord of birds. - Images show multiple examples of these motifs. - **Linga** - Cylinder symbolic of the Hindu God Shiva and creative power. - It was places in the central sanctuary to represent king himself and express his consubstantially with Shiva. - Images show multiple examples of these motifs. - **Quincunx** - A spatial arrangement of five elements to convey the five peaks of Mount Meru.
