Myanmar (Burma) Architecture o Colonial (19th–20th
Century): Neo-Gothic and
Influences:
Baroque styles in Yangon.
• Geographical: Settlements near
o Modern (20th Century–
rivers; use of teak, bamboo, and
Present): Concrete,
bricks; stilt construction for flood
modernist forms with
protection.
cultural motifs.
• Geological: Abundant clay for
Architectural Styles:
bricks; teak for durability;
earthquake-resistant designs. • Features: Tiered roofs, teak wood,
brick masonry, raised platforms.
• Climatic: Steep roofs for rain
runoff; elevated structures for • Styles: Pyu, Pagan, Mon, Royal
ventilation. Palace, Vernacular, Colonial,
Modern.
• Religious: Theravada Buddhism
shaped stupas, pagodas, and Sample Structures:
temples; symbolic tiered roofs.
• Pagodas: Shwedagon, Shwezigon,
• Historical: Key periods: Lawkananda, Bupaya.
o Pyu (200 BCE–1050 CE): • Temples: Ananda, Gawdawpalin.
Early stupas, brick
• Monasteries: Mandalay Palace.
construction.
Cambodia (Khmer) Architecture
o Pagan (9th–13th Century):
Golden age; 10,000 Influences:
temples built.
• Geographical: Mekong River
o Inwa (14th–19th Century): shaped settlements.
Zigzag fortifications, teak
• Geological: Sandstone and
monasteries.
laterite for temples; timber for
o Taungoo (16th–18th houses.
Century): Gilded stupas,
• Climatic: Elevated stilt houses;
cosmological palace
tiered roofs for rain protection.
layouts.
• Religious: Hinduism and
o Konbaung (18th–19th
Buddhism; Devaraja cult linked
Century): Mandalay
kingship to divinity.
Palace, urban planning.
• Historical: Key periods:
o Funan (1st–6th Century): Thailand (Siam) Architecture
Early brick temples,
Influences:
hydraulic systems.
• Geographical: Stilt houses for
o Chenla (6th–8th Century):
flood protection; timber and brick
Transition to stone
materials.
temples.
• Geological: Limestone, clay, and
o Angkor (9th–15th Century):
timber shaped construction.
Golden age; Angkor Wat,
Bayon, Ta Prohm. • Climatic: Elevated houses, steep
roofs, natural ventilation.
o Post-Angkorian (15th–19th
Century): Smaller temples, • Religious: Theravada Buddhism;
stilt houses. multi-tiered roofs, chedis, prangs.
o French Protectorate • Historical: Key periods:
(1863–1953): Beaux-Arts
o Dvaravati (7th–11th
style with Khmer motifs.
Century): Mon-influenced
o Modern (1954–Present): stupas, brick and stucco.
New Khmer Architecture
o Khmer-Lopburi (11th–13th
blending modernism with
Century): Temple
tradition.
mountains, bas-reliefs.
Architectural Styles:
o Sukhothai (13th–14th
• Core Characteristics: Temple Century): Lotus-bud
mountains, bas-reliefs, symbolic chedis, tiered bases.
motifs.
o Ayutthaya (14th–18th
• Materials: Sandstone, laterite, Century): Monumental
brick, stucco. prangs, cosmological
layouts.
• Styles: Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian,
Post-Angkorian, Modern. o Thonburi (1767–1782):
Transitional style; defensive
Sample Structures:
structures.
• Angkorian Temples: Angkor Wat,
o Rattanakosin (1782–
Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm.
Present): Revival of
• Post-Angkorian: Phnom Penh Ayutthaya grandeur;
Royal Palace, Wat Phnom. modern urbanization.
o 19th Century: HISTORY OF ISLAM
Westernization;
• Origin: Founded by Prophet
neoclassical and colonial
Muhammad in Mecca, Arabian
styles.
Peninsula, 610 CE.
o 20th Century: Applied Thai
• Key Events:
architecture blending
modernism with tradition. o 622 CE: Hijrah (migration)
to Medina, marking the
Architectural Styles:
start of the Islamic
• Common Characteristics: Multi- calendar.
tiered roofs, vivid colors, ornate
o 633 CE: Muhammad
decorations.
passed away; Abu Bakr
• Styles: Dvaravati, Khmer, became the first caliph.
Sukhothai, Ayutthaya,
• Sacred Text: Quran, containing
Rattanakosin, Modern.
divine revelations and Islamic
Sample Structures: teachings.
• Temples: Wat Phra Kaew, Wat • Global Reach: Islam is the
Arun, Wat Saket, Wat Phra Singh. second-largest religion, prominent
in regions like the Middle East,
• Historical: Prasat Hin Phimai.
North Africa, and South Asia.
• Residential: Stilt houses, Thai
PHASES OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Salās.
1. Early Islamic Period (7th–8th
• Modern: Robot Building.
Century):
o Influenced by Byzantine,
Roman, and Sassanian
styles.
o Features: Simple geometric
forms, arches, decorative
calligraphy.
2. Umayyad & Abbasid Dynasties
(8th–10th Century):
o Umayyads: Roman,
Byzantine, Persian
influences; Great Mosque 6. Ottoman Empire (14th–17th
of Córdoba. Century):
o Abbasids: Urban planning, o Blend of Seljuk, Byzantine,
decorative stucco, Persian, and Islamic styles.
geometric/floral patterns.
o Features: Massive domes,
3. Islamic Spain (10th–12th harmonious urban design,
Century): intricate tiles.
o Fusion of Islamic, Roman, o Examples: Hagia Sophia,
Visigothic, and Gothic Blue Mosque.
styles.
7. Safavid & Mughal Empires (16th–
o Features: Horseshoe 18th Century):
arches, intricate stucco,
o Safavids: Persian-Islamic
azulejos (tilework).
architecture; Sheikh
o Example: Alhambra Palace, Lutfullah Mosque.
Granada.
o Mughals: Indo-Islamic
4. Seljuk & Mamluk Periods (11th– style; Taj Mahal, forts,
13th Century): tombs.
o Seljuks: Persian and 8. Qajar & Ottoman Revival (18th–
Central Asian styles; 19th Century):
pointed arches, muqarnas.
o Qajar: Persian-Islamic with
o Mamluks: Military and European influences;
religious architecture; Golestan Palace.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
o Ottoman Revival: Baroque,
5. Mongol & Timurid Periods (13th– Rococo, Neoclassical
16th Century): styles.
o Persian, Islamic, and 9. Contemporary Islamic
Central Asian influences. Architecture (20th–21st Century):
o Features: Ornate tilework, o Modern materials and
domes, minarets. technologies with Islamic
traditions.
o Example: Gur-e-Amir tomb,
Samarkand.
o Examples: Burj Khalifa, o Courtyards (Sahn): Open
Sheikh Zayed Grand spaces for gatherings.
Mosque.
o Axial Symmetry: Reflects
INFLUENCES harmony and divine order.
1. Geographical: Spread across 2. Symbolism & Space:
regions, adapting local traditions
o Mihrab & Qibla: Niche and
and landscapes.
wall facing Mecca for
2. Geological: Regional styles prayer.
influenced by materials,
o Iwan: Vaulted hall open on
techniques, and dynasties.
one side.
3. Climatic: Adaptations for cooling
o Water Elements:
(courtyards, domes, wind-
Fountains, pools for cooling
catchers).
and purification.
4. Religious: Quranic teachings
3. Detail & Surface:
shaped designs (calligraphy,
geometric patterns, mosques). o Geometric Patterns:
Mathematical, intricate
5. Historical: Influences from
designs.
Byzantine, Roman, Persian, and
local cultures. o Arabesque & Floral
Patterns: Flowing plant-like
6. Social & Political: Dynasties and
designs.
rulers commissioned monumental
structures to display power and o Calligraphy: Decorative
unity. and spiritual.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS o Muqarnas: Stalactite-like
niches.
1. Form & Structure:
o Mashrabiya & Jali
o Arches: Pointed, ogee,
Screens: Privacy and
horseshoe, multifoil.
airflow.
o Domes: Ribbed, onion-
4. Materials:
shaped.
o Brick & Stucco: Structural
o Minarets: Tall towers for
and decorative use.
call to prayer.
o Tilework & Glazing: o Features: Symmetry, white
Colorful ceramic tiles with marble, pietra dura,
patterns. charbagh gardens.
FAMOUS STRUCTURES FAMOUS ARCHITECTS
1. Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem, 1. Mimar Sinan: Ottoman architect;
Palestine): designed Suleymaniye Mosque.
o Built: 688–691 CE. 2. Hassan Fathy: Egyptian architect;
promoted adobe and mud
o Features: Octagonal plan,
construction.
blue/gold dome, Quranic
inscriptions. 3. Rasem Badran: Palestinian
architect; blends contemporary
2. Great Mosque of Córdoba
needs with cultural values.
(Spain):
4. Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil: Egyptian
o Built: 785–987 CE.
architect; designed traditional-
o Features: Hypostyle hall, style mosques.
double arches, ornate
5. Salma Samar Damluji: Lebanese
mihrab, Renaissance nave.
architect; worked with Hassan
3. Masjid al-Haram (Mecca, Saudi Fathy.
Arabia):
6. Basil Al Bayati: Iraqi architect;
o Built: 7th century onward. blends Eastern and Western
styles.
o Features: Kaaba, Black
Stone, Mataf, Zamzam 7. Wael Samhouri: Syrian-
Well. Palestinian architect; focuses on
urban design.
4. Alhambra (Granada, Spain):
KEY TERMS
o Built: 13th–15th centuries.
• Mihrab: Niche in qibla wall facing
o Features: Mexuar, Comares
Mecca.
Palace, Palace of the Lions.
• Minbar: Pulpit for sermons.
5. Taj Mahal (Agra, India):
• Iwan: Vaulted hall open on one
o Built: 1632–1653 CE.
side.
• Muqarnas: Stalactite-like niches.
• Mashrabiya/Jali Screens: o Post-and-beam techniques
Decorative privacy screens. influenced domestic
architecture.
• Chahar Bagh: Persian-style four-
part garden 3. Kofun Period (300–538 CE):
o Keyhole-shaped burial
mounds (kofun).
o Complex timber joinery and
site organization.
4. Asuka Period (538–710 CE):
o Introduction of Buddhism
Japanese Architecture Reviewer and temple architecture.
Introduction o Monumental wooden
buildings (e.g., Hōryū-ji).
• Origin: Japan
5. Nara Period (710–794 CE):
• Features: Wooden structures,
natural materials, elevated o Urban planning (Heijō-kyō
grounds, tiled/thatch roofs. city grid).
• Philosophy: Harmony with nature, o Large Buddhist temples
spiritual knowledge, and human (e.g., Tōdai-ji).
emotion.
6. Heian Period (794–1185 CE):
I. Timeline of Japanese Architecture
o Aristocratic mansions
1. Jomon Period (14,000–300 BCE): (shinden-zukuri).
o Pit dwellings (oval/circular, o Landscape integration and
thatched roofs). poetic aesthetics.
o Early settlements with 7. Kamakura Period (1185–1333 CE):
storage pits and ritual
o Zen aesthetics and fortified
spaces.
residences.
2. Yayoi Period (300 BCE–300 CE):
o Simplicity and material
o Raised-floor granaries and honesty.
storehouses (takayuka-
8. Muromachi Period (1336–1573
shiki).
CE):
o Shoin-zukuri style (tatami o Use of concrete, steel, and
mats, tokonoma, fusuma). natural materials.
o Sukiya aesthetic in tea 13. Post-War Reconstruction (1945–
houses and villas. 1970):
9. Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573– o Rapid urban reconstruction
1603): using modern engineering.
o Castles with stone bases, o Movements like
moats, and decorative Metabolism (modular
interiors. megastructures).
o Development of 14. Modern Era (1970–Present):
shoin/shikiya residential
o Focus on sustainability,
styles.
simplicity, and earthquake
10. Edo Period (1603–1868): resilience.
o Urban growth (castle o Iconic structures like
towns, merchant quarters). Nakagin Capsule Tower.
o Minka (vernacular homes) II. Influences on Japanese Architecture
and machiya
1. Shintoism & Buddhism:
(townhouses).
o Harmony with nature, wabi-
o Katsura Imperial Villa and
sabi values (imperfection,
sukiya aesthetic.
simplicity).
11. Meiji Period (1868–1912):
o Zen principles in design
o Western influences (brick, (e.g., tea houses, gardens).
neoclassical, Victorian
2. Chinese, Korean & Western
styles).
Influence:
o Hybrid giyōfū architecture.
o Chinese: Pagodas, dougong
12. Taisho & Early Showa Periods brackets, garden design.
(1912–1945):
o Korean: Multi-tiered roofs,
o Blending traditional tea culture.
Japanese elements with
o Western: Neoclassical, Art
modernist styles.
Nouveau, Gothic styles
during Meiji Restoration.
3. Meiji Restoration: o Karahafu: Ornate, wave-
like gable.
o Abolished class system,
modernization, and o Chidorihafu: Triangular
Westernization. dormer with concave
curves.
o Integration of traditional
and modern architectural 4. Roofing Materials:
styles.
o Kawara: Clay/ceramic
4. Environmental Factors: tiles.
o Earthquake resilience o Kayabuki: Thatched roofs
(rollers under buildings). (reeds, grasses).
o Climate adaptation (e.g., o Hiwadabuki: Cypress bark
deep eaves, insulation, roofs.
ventilation).
o Kokera-buki: Wooden
III. Architectural Features shingles.
1. Materials: 5. Interior Elements:
o Wood (timber, bamboo, o Shoji: Wooden frame with
paper) for flexibility and washi paper for light and
earthquake resistance. privacy.
o No nails used in joinery; o Fusuma: Opaque partitions
intricate carvings and for sound and warmth.
brackets.
o Tatami: Straw mats for
2. Roof Styles: flooring.
o Kirizuma: Gabled roof o Engawa: Wooden veranda
(triangular gable ends). connecting indoors and
outdoors.
o Yosemune: Hipped roof
(slopes on all sides). o Genkan: Sunken entryway
for removing shoes.
o Irimoya: Hip-and-gable
roof (prestigious style). o Moya: Central gathering
space in traditional homes.
o Hogyo: Square pyramidal
roof (used for temples). IV. Sample Structures
3. Decorative Gables (Hafu):
1. Hōryū-ji Temple: Oldest wooden 6. Tatami: Straw floor mats.
structure, 5-story pagoda,
7. Engawa: Wooden veranda
UNESCO site.
connecting indoors and outdoors.
2. Yamada-dera Temple Ruins: Early
8. Genkan: Sunken entryway for
Buddhist architecture with
removing shoes.
Korean/Chinese influence.
9. Moya: Central gathering space in
3. Konjikidō: Golden Hall, Heian
traditional homes.
Period masterpiece.
4. Byodoin Temple: Phoenix Hall,
Pure Land Buddhist architecture.
5. Himeji Castle: White Castle,
UNESCO site, strategic design.
6. Toji Temple: Guardian temple of
Kyoto, UNESCO site.
7. Itsukushima Shrine: Floating torii
gate, harmony with nature.
8. Tokyo Skytree: Modern
broadcasting tower, 2nd tallest
building globally.
V. Key Terms
Reviewer: Timeline of Chinese
1. Shintoism & Buddhism: Main Architecture
religions in Japan.
1. Neolithic Period (c. 10,000 - 2,000
2. Kanso Principles: Simplicity and
BCE)
minimalism.
• Structures: Semi-subterranean pit
3. Wabi-sabi: Imperfection, aging,
houses (earth, wood, thatch), stilt
and natural beauty.
houses (Hemudu culture).
4. Dougong: Interlocking wooden
• Features: Circular/square
brackets for roof support. settlements near rivers, natural
5. Shoji & Fusuma: Sliding paper insulation, adaptation to climate.
(shoji) and opaque (fusuma)
2. Xia, Shang, Zhou Dynasties (c. 2000 -
partitions. 256 BCE)
• Structures: Walled cities, palaces, • Structures: Symmetrical city
ritual temples, rammed-earth planning, timber halls, Buddhist
foundations, axial layouts, pagodas.
courtyards.
• Notable Sites: Daxing/Chang’an
• Notable Sites: Erlitou palatial City, Great Wild Goose Pagoda,
complexes, Yin Ruins, Anyang Daming Palace.
royal tombs, oracle bone pits.
7. Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 CE)
3. Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BCE)
• Structures: Systematic city
• Structures: Early Great Wall, planning, pagodas, bridges, public
Epang Palace, Mausoleum of Qin buildings.
Shi Huang.
• Notable Sites: Iron Pagoda, Liuhe
• Features: Standardization in Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, Song
measurements, monumental Imperial Tombs.
construction.
8. Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368 CE)
4. Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
• Structures: Rectangular grid city
• Structures: Grid-planned cities, planning, Tibetan Buddhist
multi-story towers, tombs temples, stupas.
replicating palaces.
• Notable Sites: White Dagoba,
• Notable Sites: Weiyang Palace, Fayuan Temple, Yuan Imperial
Chang’an City, Han tombs, early Tombs, Drum Tower, Bell Tower.
Buddhist stupas.
9. Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 CE)
5. Six Dynasties & Northern/Southern
• Structures: Forbidden City, Great
Dynasties (220 - 589 CE)
Wall restoration, temple
• Structures: Buddhist rock-cut complexes.
cave temples (Yungang, Longmen),
• Notable Sites: Porcelain Tower of
wooden pagodas.
Nanjing, Ming Tombs, Xi’an City
• Features: Religious monuments, Walls.
spiritual comfort during political
10. Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912 CE)
instability.
• Structures: Ornate decoration,
6. Sui and Tang Dynasties (581 - 907 CE)
integration of Manchu, Han,
Tibetan styles.
• Notable Sites: Summer Palace, • Feng Shui: Orientation, cardinal
Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City. directions, smooth flow of qi.
11. Republic of China (1912 - 1949) • Buddhism: Pagodas, monasteries,
cave temples, statues, sacred
• Structures: Western-influenced
halls.
architecture (neoclassical,
baroque, art deco). Geography and Climate
• Notable Sites: Sun Yat-Sen • Wood: Flexible, earthquake-
Mausoleum, Park Hotel, Chung- resistant, easy to repair.
Shan Building.
• Roof Design: Curved eaves for rain
12. People’s Republic of China (1949 – protection, symbolic upturned
1978) corners.
• Structures: Monumental, • Regional Styles: North (thick
functional, Soviet-style buildings. walls, courtyards for cold winds),
South (open verandas, water
• Notable Sites: Nanjing Yangtze
systems for humidity).
River Bridge, Monument to the
People's Heroes, Great Hall of the Politics and Society
People.
• Imperial Power: Walled cities,
13. Reform Era to Present (1978 – today) palaces, Great Wall.
• Structures: Skyscrapers, • Social Hierarchy: Courtyards,
commercial hubs, iconic room positions reflect rank.
landmarks blending tradition and
• Urban Planning: Grid layouts,
innovation.
cosmic order, axial symmetry.
• Notable Sites: Shanghai Tower, Jin
Technology and Materials
Mao Tower, Shanghai World
Financial Center. • Timber Frame System: Columns,
beams, dougong (interlocking
Influences on Chinese Architecture
brackets).
Philosophy and Religion
• Rammed Earth/Brick: Walls,
• Confucianism: Order, hierarchy, fortifications, Great Wall.
symmetry (e.g., Forbidden City).
• Stone/Ceramics: Bridges, glazed
• Taoism: Harmony with nature, roof tiles, decorative elements.
mountain/riverside temples,
Architectural Features
gardens (e.g., Suzhou gardens).
• Timber framework: Flexible,
earthquake-resistant.
• Curved roofs: Overhanging eaves,
symbolic upturned corners.
• Axial symmetry: North-south axis,
bilateral symmetry.
• Courtyards: Open spaces for light,
ventilation, family interaction.
• Raised platforms: Hierarchy,
dampness protection.
• Ornamentation: Dragons,
phoenixes, colors, carvings.
• Integration with nature: Gardens,
water features, Feng Shui
principles.
Key Terms
• Dougong: Interlocking wooden
brackets for stability and
decoration.
• Jian: Modular rectangular space
for construction.
• Pagoda: Multi-storied Buddhist
tower.
• Siheyuan: Traditional enclosed
courtyard house.
• Wenshou: Decorative roof
ornaments of mythical animals.
• Tai: Tall structure for viewing
scenery.
• Zaojing: Sunken, layered ceiling
decoration.