Thai Architecture Notes

GEOGRAPHY

• Total Land Boundary: 4,863 KM
• Formerly: Siam, now Thailand
• Nickname: "Land of Smiles"
• Capital: Bangkok

INFLUENCES

• Primarily influenced by Indian and Khmer architecture
• Impacted by neighboring countries and local community beliefs

CLIMATE

• Tropical, temperatures range from 28-35 °C

RELIGION

• Buddhism introduced in the 3rd century B.C.
• Significant in shaping Thai architecture and culture

BUILDING MATERIALS

• Sandstone: Used for doors, lintels
• Bricks: Replaced sandstone as a favored material
• Stucco: Mixture of sand, lime, glue for wall coverings
• Wood: Commonly used in temple construction
• Porcelain & Glass Mosaic: Decorative features
• Lacquer & Gold Leaf: For elegance

DVARAVATI PERIOD (6th-10th Century)

• Characterized by Burmese Buddhist forms
• Use of clay bricks and construction of inverted-bell pagodas
• Features terracotta Buddha images in temple designs

ANGKOR ERA (11th-13th Century)

• Khmer influence in architecture, large royal temples built

SUKHOTHAI PERIOD (13th-16th Century)

• Focus on Buddhist-themed decorations and symbolic building shapes
• Notable Structure: Wat Si Chum with large Buddha

AYUTTHAYA PERIOD (14th-15th Century)

• Founded by King Ramathibodi, known for grandeur
• Society of builders, displays of wealth in architectural design

BANGKOK STYLE (Late 18th-19th Century)

• Grand Palace: Cruciform plan with spires
• Wat Phra Kaew: Temple housing the Emerald Buddha

TRADITIONAL THAI HOUSES

• Built from wood and bamboo, often rearranged
• Houses have steep roofs and elevated structures
• Kamthieng House: Traditional example from Chiang Mai

PARTS OF THAI WAT

• Ubosot (Bot): Ceremony, meditation space
• Viharn: Community teaching hall
• Chedi: Reliquary structures

Chedi TYPES

• 1. Bell-shaped: Characteristic of Phra Pathom Chedi
• 2. Square Chedi: Often used in routine rituals
• 3. Indented Chedi: Features small domes and corners
• 4. Suwanna Chedi: Khmer-style reliquary
• 5. Stepped Chedi: Square base with multiple tiers