Architecture of Thailand: A Guide to Traditional and Contemporary FormsThis book focuses on the multitude of elements and forms that go into Thai architecture. It is a guide to aesthetics that also explores the underlying meanings of forms. All the important features of Thai culture--its agrarian roots, its religion and monarchy, its rich mix of foreign influences--are embodied in buildings. As a result, this book also illuminates Thai tradition and history. Lively text and hundreds of photographs and illustrations explore Thailand's indigenous house architecture, from the humble but charming field hut woven of bamboo to the splendid teak mansion built high on stilts. Religious architecture, the product of centuries of influences from all over Asia and the world, is viewed in terms of the special features and functions of each building in the temple compound. Regional stylistic variations are also presented. There are chapters devoted to the Grand Palace; the elements and ornamentation of palaces and temples; and architecture shaped by immigrants and by foreign tradition. Some topics here are little covered elsewhere: Thailand's Islamic architecture, shophouses, Siamese-style bonsai gardening, courtyard walls and gates, and ornament such as glass mosaic. Finally, the authors look at today's innovative adaptation of traditional Thai forms in modern architecture. , |
Contents
Preface | 7 |
Acknowledgements | 9 |
Chapter One | 13 |
Chapter Two | 23 |
Chapter Three | 47 |
Chapter Four | 79 |
Chapter Five | 121 |
Chapter Six | 135 |
Chapter Eight | 213 |
Chapter Nine | 229 |
Map of Thailand | 248 |
Glossary and Chronology | 250 |
Picture Credits | 252 |
253 | |
254 | |
Back Cover | 257 |
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Common terms and phrases
19th century architects assembly hall Ayutthaya period Baan balustrades bamboo Bangkok Bangkok's Wat bargeboard base boundary markers brick Buddha images Buddhist buildings built cabin carved wood central ceremonial Chakri chedi Chiang Mai’s Chinese Chinese-style cloisters colour columns courtyard crematorium decoration designs door elements Emerald Buddha feature finials gable roof Garuda gate gilded glass mosaic Grand Palace guardian figures Hindu hipped roof hipped-gable influence interior Isaan khao Khmer King Rama King Rama IV kranok lacquer Lampang Lanna lotus Maha Prasat mondop Mongkut monks mosques motifs murals naga Nakhon ordination hall ornament painted pediment plaster prang province Rama III Ramakian redented reign rice barn roof finials royal sacred sala shophouses shrines Siam spire structure stucco style Sukhothai temple and palace terrace Thai Thai architecture Thai house Thailand Thonburi Throne Hall tiers timber tower traditional trai ubosot verandah viharn wall panels Wat Pho Wat Phra Kaew wooden